Well well, look what the cat dragged in (me). I haven’t posted in ages, which means I’ve not shared some big personal news: I’m pregnant. I’m due (as if it’s a very strict appointment) at the end of June.
In the last 30 weeks or so, I’ve tried a bunch of different workout classes to varying degrees of success. Working out while pregnant is different for everyone. I’m happy to share what’s worked for me (and what hasn’t) in the event it makes it a little easier for someone else to get out there. I also know I’m lucky to be able to work out consistently during pregnancy. I know not everyone feels up to it – or is advised to – and I’m not taking it for granted.
Nicole’s Pregnancy Fitness Class Scorecard
| Studio | For pre-natal/post-natal only? | Welcoming to pregnant ladies? | Sweaty? | The Scene | Modify much?(1= no modifying; 10= lots of modifying) | Mini Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physique57 | No | Yes They love modifying for pregnant ladies and have special bolsters | No | Fit uptown ladies (at pretty much all locations) | 3 The whole abs section (~10 minutes) needs to be modified but the instructors are happy to help; the class sticks to the same format each time so once you sort modifications, you're golden | I love this class for it's reliability. I know being pregnant won't get in the way of my ability to work out here. |
| Fhitting Room | No | Yes They have a promo video welcoming pregnant ladies to come | Yes | Upscale bootcamp, co-ed, tough workout, positive reinforcement | 7 Each class is different so the level of modification varies class to class | Since the workout changes class to class, it's hard to know when I walk into the studio if I'll be able to join the class in the routines. I have all but stopped going because I got tired of doing my own thing. |
| DanceBody | No | Didn’t acknowledge I was pregnant | Yes | Younger crowd (both locations in NYC are downtown) | 2 I skip the pushups and replace with jumping jacks; this also assumes you’re a pregnant lady who is okay with jumping! | I love this class while pregnant. So far I'm lucky and jumping has been fine for me. This class makes me straight up smile. |
| ProNatal Fitness | Yes | Yes | Yes | Held in a Tribeca community center basement; mom-to-bes of varying fitness levels | 1 | This was a good workout but it wasn't for me. The studio is right next to an indoor pool and it was very humid and there were no windows. The tone was a bit medicinal rather than fun. |
| PreNatal Yoga Center | Yes | Yes | No | Chill, hippy UWS mom-to-bes | 1 | It's a slow flow, but I think all pregnant yoga probably is. Community is a factor here, which is nice for making friends. Though I haven't like, personally made friends here (yet?). |
| Love Child Yoga | Yes | Yes | No | Mother earth meets the West Village in a damp basement | 1 | I wanted to like this so much. It's located on Horatio Street and looks straight up precious, but I found myself struggling to stay engaged in the flows. |
| Fit Pregnancy Club | Yes | Yes | Kinda | Hip, Soho pregnant ladies (who will probably wear crop tops the second they are out of labor) | 1 | This is a solid workout catered to pregnant ladies. Think: weights, cardio and toning in a trendy studio. They make being pregnant cool. |