The pregnancy and postpartum days are transformative stages of a mother’s life, marked by significant physical, mental and emotional changes. Although we all understand the benefits of staying active and prioritizing fitness, it doesn’t negate the fact that there’s often not enough time in the day to exercise and prioritize ourselves.
Explore resources and helpful tips in this local guide to pregnancy and postpartum fitness in Kansas City.
FIT4MOM Overland Park
FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, our fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit. All of our classes are created by moms for moms to provide Strength in Motherhood.
Why Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Matters
Engaging in safe, regular exercise during pregnancy and after offers numerous benefits, including improved mood, enhanced stamina, reduced pregnancy discomforts and postpartum recovery.
Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning or modifying your fitness routine to ensure it’s appropriate for your stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
Kansas City Resources for Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness
Advent Health Shawnee Mission
Along with other important classes, the hospital also offers pre and postnatal yoga. Tip: Check with your specific birthing center/hospital to see if they offer any in your geographical area.
Crossfit Northland
Their “Mom Strong” program aims to prepare for the physical event of birth, address pain and dysfunction with the pelvic floor and core, and safely return to fitness.
Eden Studio & Therapy
Eden Studio offers both prenatal and postpartum classes as well as options to join virtually to help moms with busy schedules.
Darling Yoga
This studio offers prenatal yoga while addressing common discomforts of pregnancy and postnatal healing. Postures are modified for each stage of your pregnancy and will include movement, breathing, relaxation and strength building postures.
Fit4Mom
Specializing in prenatal and postpartum fitness classes, Fit4Mom offers group sessions, stroller walks, baby and me classes and more. Babies are always welcome to join!
Fit by Fujii Stroller Fitness
Their stroller workouts are for ALL fitness levels and safe for prenatal and postpartum mamas too. They meet at parks in Prairie Village, Overland Park, Lenexa, & more for kids to play before and after class. Also offering community, playdates and healthy habits.
Full Circle Yoga
Full Circle Yoga KC supports every phase from preconception to parenthood and beyond. It also provides toddler and preschool yoga, creating a fun and mindful space for little ones to grow and explore movement.
Community Centers
Check your local community center for mom-and-baby fitness classes, stroller friendly workouts or water aerobics. They also often offer babysitting services for a fee for siblings or toddlers needing to be entertained.
Tips for Healthy Fitness Habits Before and After Baby
Listen to Your Body. Pay attention to how you feel during and after workouts. Rest when needed and avoid overexertion. If your body hurts in any way, take slow deliberate movements, or simply be still (easier said than done!) to allow your body to heal. It is perfectly acceptable to NOT exercise if your body is in pain.
Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising to stay hydrated.
Focus on Core and Pelvic Floor Strength. These areas undergo significant changes during pregnancy and delivery. Gentle exercises like pelvic tilts or cat-cow stretches can help.
Incorporate Low-Impact Workouts. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and prenatal Pilates are excellent for maintaining fitness without putting undue stress on your body. Please never feel the need to start and/or maintain hard core exercise regimes, as most times they are harmful and unsustainable.
Build a Support System. Joining fitness groups designed for moms can foster a sense of community and accountability. Ask a friend or even your own mom to join you! It’s a place of zero judgment and positive reinforcement.
Prioritizing fitness during pregnancy and postpartum can be a gift to yourself and your growing family. It has the potential to increase overall health, improve mood and aid in recovery. Kansas City moms are fortunate to have access to a wealth of resources to support their fitness journey if that’s the path you choose.
