In this roundtable topic, we’ll hear from multiple contributors about resources that helped them stay healthy and in shape both prenatal and postpartum. Want to add your voice to this discussion? Contact us or leave a comment below.
Becca: I met virtually with Joy Cox (@climbingwithjoy) who I had known from Chapel Hill and who now specializes in climbing Mom training. She gave me a few exercises to do which were helpful and answered a lot of questions I had. Mostly, she just reassured me that chances were good I wasn’t going to completely fall apart physically after having a baby which was really what I needed to hear since I was pretty worried about losing my core forever. I didn’t feel like I needed to meet with her more than once, but that one time was helpful for me, particularly since at the time I didn’t really know any other climbing moms who I could ask for advice.
Hanna: I did some prenatal yoga classes prenatal yoga classes at Yoga Landing. I didn’t start until later on in my pregnancy, but I wish I’d gone sooner. I also did spinning babies exercises (probably not as often as I should) and a few chiropractor visits at Inspire Chiropractic.
As far as exercise, I did a lot of Peloton during pregnancy –- both rides and strength classes. I was and am so grateful for that resource because I could/can do it on my schedule from my house and there are so many different options. You don’t need the bike to take advantage of the strength workouts. I also walked a lot. I would have gone to more chiro visits and more yoga classes, and I had a prenatal massage scheduled, but my baby decided to show up early.
Kristy: Pelvic PT
Liz: Physical therapy with a focus on pelvic floor – in Chattanooga, I recommend Allison Stowers at Peak Fitness and Physical Therapy . Allison is a climber and also a mom so I felt very comfortable and confident listening to her advice. I also teamed up with Shelby to try some Joy Cox workouts. Training with a friend who was also pregnant made it way more fun! Other than that, I walked a lot. I wish I had taken a breathing class.
Meira:
- Physical therapy with a focus on pelvic floor (I recommend Allison Stowers at Peak Fitness and Physical Therapy)
- Prenatal yoga classes at Yoga Landing with Brenda Tuesdays at 6pm (such a supportive community, and good motivation to move/stretch)
- Prenatal massage at Dot to Dot with Nicole (her schedule fills up quickly, so get a package and schedule all your massages in advance so you can have one every 1-2 weeks)
- I took a childbirth class with our doula Jeannette McDonald which involved practicing a bunch of exercises like Spinning Babies and the Miles Circuit
Preston: Being a pelvic floor PT gave me a huge advantage. Thankfully I also have close PT friends who have also had kids, certified yoga in structures, and mentors to further help me.
Shaina: I didn’t do anything… just climbed and occasional running
Shelby: I took a Joy Cox (@climbingwithjoy) group prenatal class. Super informative and also, again, nice to have something like a program to stay motivated. I believe it was an 8 week workout program and we met every other week for questions and information on labor and how your body changes.
I did go to pelvic floor therapy before and did some exercises they recommended. I did a lot of prenatal yoga- hip openers especially during the last few weeks. And so much walking.
V: Spinning Babies and the occasional yoga. Lots and lots of walking. So much walking.
Baby Beta 
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