Pre & Post Natal Aqua Aqua - Natal is for pre & post natal ladies. It is a gentle exercise to music class in water. It is really quite pleasant in pregnancy as the water supports your body and at the same time the resistance of the water tones you up. Motivation is my motif – once you've participated you will come out feeling happy & good about yourself. SETTING: The classes take place at various pools around the Fylde. Please see my timetable for details. HEALTH BENEFITS: When a pregnant mum is in water the foetus becomes active, almost joining in with mum exercising. Therefore:- Babies are born longer & leaner. Babies react to music – more active. Women have increased self esteem when exercising in water It prepares the body for labour, therefore a less traumatic labour. Releases "Happy hormones" It keeps the muscles tones so they recover more quickly and get you back into your jeans after birth. Enhances good blood flow – increased oxygen is passed onto baby. SOCIAL: It's a great way to meet other pregnant mums!! During the session we have a "Circle Time" where we gather in a circle and bond with each other. It's great fun seeing everyone else's bump which helps you feel more normal. You'll find me a friendly instructor who is happy to listen to aches and pains! There is a relaxing end to the class where we chill listening to soft music – this is a time where you can chat amongst yourselves about the joys of pregnancy. POST NATAL Once you have all clear off the doctor you can come along and enjoy the class and firm up those stomach muscles again and also for the social side of it - enjoy discussing babies with other new mums. AQUATHERAPY Quite often doctors and physiotherapists refer patients to my aqua classes. They are made very welcome to any class but they must work at a lower intensity to the rest of the class. Such people are:- recovering from operations, arthritic, rheumatoid , have spinal injuries or have bone/joint disorders. If you think an aqua class would benefit your condition please ask your GP's advice and give me a ring or drop me an email and lets discuss it further The Evening Gazette ran an article about my pre and post natal aqua classes. You can read it here