Pilates classes can help new mums – and bubs are welcome, too
Amanda Bakker wants to improve health after childbirth for mums in the Murraylands.
On Wednesday mornings, mums and their little ones practise their pilates skills and share conversations at the Square Community Centre in Murray Bridge.
The mat-based, baby-friendly classes focus on basic core and pelvic floor strengthening, progressing to more challenging exercises over time.
Amanda Bakker, the woman behind Mums and Bubs Pilates, encouraged mums in their first 12 months postpartum to come and try.
It was a gentle return to exercise, with lots of learning involved about what to do at home and not just in class, she said.
“(Mums) also get that next bit of knowledge when reaching the next phase: baby getting bigger, hormones changing and things are working in the other direction,” she said.
Participant Sarina Veliz used to attend regular pilates before having a baby and found these classes a great way to get back into exercise without feeling pressured.
“You’re able to meet all your baby’s needs while still doing something for yourself,” she said.
“It’s a nice, welcoming environment to start fitness after having a baby, which can be quite scary.”
Ms Veliz encouraged others to come and have a go, not only for postpartum fitness but also social connection.
Morgan, with baby Maeve, and Sarina Veliz, with baby Sebastion, enjoy their pilates class. Photos: Amanda Bakker.
Ms Bakker had been a personal trainer for almost a decade before she had a baby.
She soon realised there was next to no support available in the Murraylands for women who wanted to understand their bodies and how they had changed.
“It was actually really disappointing,” she said.
“We have very little in the space of women getting back into safe exercise postpartum, whether they have problems at that stage or not.”
She was now on a mission to work more preventively in community programs.
“There’s all these different elements in terms of recovery, movement and exercise that I’m trying to bridge the gap for, it’s very hard,” she said.
Trying new things, finding out what you like, asking questions and searching for support were the first steps to starting fitness postpartum, she said.
Mums and Bubs Pilates is held every Wednesday at 11am at the Square Community Centre in Murray Bridge.
The first class is free, but a fee applies after that.
Ms Bakker will also host a free online webinar about the pelvic floor and core on June 5.
- More information: Search for “Mums and Bubs Pilates Murray Bridge” on Facebook or visit bookwhen.com/mightymums.
- Register for the webinar: www.mightymums.com.au.
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