You’re going to be on this journey together for a few months, quite probably more if you attend post natal classes too. In fact, many of our long term Fit School Pilates and fitness class members joined us during pregnancy.
If you haven’t read 5 questions to ask your Pregnancy Pilates Instructor before booking, check it out now, because here are my answers to those questions:
This is me! All in pink because I was hosting a charity walk for Breast Cancer Now
1. What are your pregnancy Pilates specific qualifications and insurance?
Qualifications
I’ve got Level 3 qualifications in teaching matwork Pilates and pre and post natal exercise prescription. I’m also qualified to teach exercise to music (that was my first fitness qualification). In addition I’ve also got a BA(Hons) in English Literature from Exeter and a Postgraduate Diploma in Periodical Journalism. So that’s the practical side but you can probably see why I like to write and ask lots of questions too. Everything has to be backed up with evidence!
Insurance
I’m insured with Fitpro. I moved from Balens last year because Fitpro offer more comprehensive cover for teaching classes online. They were also really responsive and I like to be able to pick up the phone and get stuff sorted. I’m quite direct like that, I’d rather mitigate against future issues rather than wait for them to happen and have a good moan. This is why I think it’s important to ask these questions before committing.
2. What fitness industry governing bodies or organisations do you belong to?
I am a member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sports and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) both as a practitioner (independent) and as a business. We are business partners with them since we’re big on improving regulation and standards within the industry. I used to be a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) which was the thing that came before CIMSPA but it was voluntary, wasn’t regulated and got superseded by CIMSPA.
I’m also a member of Fitpro, which is the national training body for fitness folks. I’m also a #thisgirlcanessex ambassador which means I’m involved with activity campaigns across Essex and have previously delivered activity campaigns for the county.
3. How long have you been teaching Prenatal Pilates for?
I’ve taught prenatal Pilates in Epping for 10 years. Before this I taught in London (Notting Hill) and before this I taught pre and post natal fitness as a personal trainer and in groups. In total it’s been over 17 years. In fact I saw photo of one of my first personal training babies recently, he’s now over 6 foot! I’ve learned so much from all the women who’s pregnancy journeys I’ve been on. There’ll be times I’ll gently encourage someone to check in with their midwife if I have concerns over symptoms and there’ll be times I recommend plain crisps and an under bump cushion for a generous bump! I’ve picked up a lot of tips from the physiotherapists, women’s health physiotherapists and midwives I’ve worked with over the years too. So rest assured, no worrying niggle is too silly to ask about and if I don’t know, I’ll find out!
4. Do you come recommended?
“Fit school was excellent at helping me when Pre and post natal. I met friends at the pre natal and Karen’s advice and willingness to listen to any queries was invaluable and very reassuring.”
“Thank you so much for all of the wonderful sessions of pregnancy Pilates … I enjoyed them so much and they made a huge difference to both my physical and mental health.”
“I’ve been to other antenatal classes before but I’ve learned so much more from you than anyone else.”
I also get recommended by local NCT teachers, physiotherapists and women’s health physiotherapists.
5. What are your terms and conditions?
You can try a one off class with me, you can also book a trial month for £37. After this we ask you sign up to our Fit School Bronze membership which is £33.50 per month.
If you no longer wish to attend we ask for a month’s notice on your membership but the easiest way to manage your membership is to let me know when you’re due and I’ll hold your membership for this date or a week after. If you go into labour early then we can cancel/hold your membership at any time if you let us know. You can also hold your membership after birth until you’re ready to re-join our post natal classes.
Covid?
I’m fully vaccinated and will always test if I have symptoms.
I’d love to know what you want to ask? Do drop me an email or leave a comment.
For more information on pregnancy and Pilates classes click here
For advice on exercising safely during pregnancy click here