7 reasons why barre has been the perfect prenatal workout for me

I’ve spent the last 9 months growing a tiny human and have gained a totally new perspective on what my body can do. A narrative that we see a lot is that a pregnant body is a vulnerable body but I’ve never felt more that a pregnant body, is a strong body.

A regular Barre practice has been the perfect form of movement to support me from the very beginning to the very end of my pregnancy and I’ve loved developing our Bump & Beyond Movement Series over this time. I’ve been able to keep practicing almost every single day, and moving my body through these sequences has generally never felt better. Before I was pregnant I loved Barre for giving my most consistent relationship with movement yet, but now I have a new found respect for it for keeping me moving and feeling strong while growing a tiny human. 

Here’s why a Barre practice, and specifically our Bump & Beyond Movement Series could be just the thing you need to keep you moving in a way that feels so good throughout your pregnancy;

1. A strong focus on breath work and core engagement to build a strong core

My approach to our Barre classes always starts with an understanding and a focus on how we breathe and engage our core in a way that builds the most incredible core strength and stability. Our core muscles are a powerhouse that fuel movement for the rest of the body and they are also the muscles that go through the biggest degree of change throughout pregnancy - so we gotta look after them! Developing an understanding of the best, strongest and safest way to engage your core will help keep your core strong throughout your pregnancy and I know it’s been an absolute game changer for me.

2. The pace is slow enough to listen to your body

I will always encourage you to listen to your body and modify / adapt your workouts where and when you feel you need to. This will never be more important than when your body and your muscles are changing to make space for your little bubba. The slower pace of the classes gives you the time and space to listen to your body and understand, when it might feel right to start modifying or adapting your workouts. 

3. Barre movements are functional

Barre has its roots in the world of ballet alongside injury rehabilitation. These two things combined mean that so many of the movements found in a Barre class are really functional, meaning they mimic and support lots of everyday activities which is fab for helping keep those everyday pregnancy aches and pains away. 

4. Barre movements are low impact

Barre is one of the most sustainable workouts I’ve come across and is loved by men and women of all ages. The low impact nature of the classes means it’s not only kind on your joints, it’s amazing for your joints! When your ligaments are becoming loose-y goose-y to make way for the baby, you want to be focusing on low impact movements that are all about prioritising great form to allow you to keep building strength and endurance while keep your joints protected. Your workout form will never be more important than it is right now and you need a prenatal programme that helps you prioritise this.

5. Barre movements are all about improving strength and endurance - exactly what you need for labour!

I’ve heard labour described as a marathon more than once during my pregnancy and there’s no way I would turn up to run a marathon without having trained beforehand. Barre movements are all about light weights and high reps which is exactly what helps you build better endurance and stamina - something tells me we’ll need that by a truck load during labour!

6. All class equipment is minimal and light making consistency as easy as possible

We use a mixture of light hand weights and resistance bands throughout most of our Barre classes. From a weights perspective, using lighter hand weights means you can pretty much stick with the same level of weights throughout your pregnancy without risking your form and putting any unnecessary exertion on your body. Resistance band workouts are the perfect travel companion and I took mine away with me over the summer. I’m all about reducing the barriers to exercise as much as possible and being able to easily take my fitness routine on holiday with me has been a game changer for consistency. 

7. Lastly but most importantly, Barre workouts are a joy!

When you’re feeling tired and nauseas, your motivation is inevitably pretty low! Motivating yourself to do a workout that you’ll actually enjoy versus one that you wholeheartedly dislike is the first step towards a consistent fitness routine. I’ve heard so many people describe a Barre class as ‘working out without feeling like you’re working out’ and that is absolutely the kind of workout I can get on board with! Finding something you love doing is half the battle!

My Barre-addiction has reached new heights throughout this pregnancy and I am so grateful to have been able to keep moving in a way that makes me feel strong and confident over the last 9 months.

If you’re looking for a workout that supports your amazingly strong pregnant body then this could be just what you need. Have a wee peek at the Bump & Beyond Movement Series here.