Please note: this is not a collection of pre/postnatal workouts: it is a theory based training and CPDcertification with practical examples of classes and postnatal programme.

This Prenatal &Postnatal training course is an absolute must for anyone who works with women and movement: Pilates instructors, personal trainers, fitness coaches - if you work with women then the knowledge you will gain is essential.

There is considerable evidence that exercise during healthy pregnancy has positive effects on both mother and baby. Women, therefore, should be encouraged to initiate or continue exercise during a healthy pregnancy. And you, the health and fitness professional, are in the perfect position to help mums-to-be give their baby the best start in life as well as enjoy a healthy, happy pregnancy and recovery.

To safely, effectively and confidently include pre- and postnatal women in your exercise sessions, you need to know more than simply which exercises you should avoid, especially as there is a lot of misinformation out there.

With the indepth information on conditions and contraindications you will be in the best possible position to make a judgement on whether or not you should be teaching a prenatal client or whether they have a condition that needs medical advice, supervision and care.

This course will give you the necessary skills and knowledge you need to effectively train women at every stage of pregnancy and beyond. You will gain a deeper understanding of

• Anatomy and physiology specific to the pre/postnatal phases

• The physiological changes through the trimesters

• The psychology of working with pregnant and postpartum women.

Topics covered include

• Benefits of exercise for mother and baby

• The journey from conception to a new life

• Conditions and issues

• Contraindications

• How to keep your clients motivated

• General exercise guidelines for all forms of exercise

• The benefits of prenatal Pilates and how to adapt the exercises

• Examples of variations and a sample prenatal class

• Pelvic girdle pain and how to deal with it

• Helping your client recover from the moment they give birth

• The 4th trimester core healing programme

• Ideas for setting up dedicated pre/postnatal classes.

Learn how to help your clients with common problems such as pelvic floor dysfunction and low back pain; be secure in the knowledge that when they discuss an issue with you, you will have the background knowledge and tools to help; be able to reassure them that what they are feeling is normal or be in a position to advise them that they should seek medical help.

By the end of the course you will be prepared to run inclusive classes, work with a wider range of clients in your community and set up dedicated pre- and postnatal classes. You will also have access to the downloadable manual and a time-saving template for a health questionnaire.

Best of all, you’ll learn how to empower women to be their healthiest and strongest selves during one of the most amazing times in their lives, a time which can also be stressful, isolating and diminished self-esteem and give them and their baby the care they deserve.