Prenatal & Postnatal Classes
“Mothers are the glue that holds the family together. If they are not healthy and happy, everything else falls apart.”
Nicole Lucas Wallen is proud to be the only Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates Specialist in Charleston who offers pilates programs dedicated to pregnant and recovering postpartum mothers. Nicole has gone through a highly regarded, rigorous & comprehensive training program, requiring apprentice teaching, training in anatomy and rehabilitation as well as a deep understanding of all stages of pregnancy. With over 500 traditional exercises, and many more newly adapted exercises, you'll find there's plenty to keep you challenged. There are many modifications or alternate movements to make your workout safe and appropriate for your ever-changing body. Nicole’s extensive training in prenatal and postpartum Pilates fitness has allowed her to safely guide dozens of women through their first and subsequent pregnancies.
Prenatal Pilates
Unlike other types of exercise, you can start with Pilates at any stage of your pregnancy and still reap tremendous benefits. It is absolutely never too late to learn. For many pregnant women, this is a time that they feel the greatest need and motivation to get fit and take care of themselves. The Mt. Pleasant Pilates Prenatal program provides the body with deep overall conditioning as it elongates and aligns the body. It also, helps strengthen the body for a smoother delivery. From the first trimester to labor, the Mt. Pleasant Pilates Prenatal program will safely prepare the prenatal body for the rigors of labor. Through Pilates based exercises, we will tap into the power of our own breath and strength, which helps realign the body for successful birthing. A safe Pilates practice can help soften and open the body and mind so that we can help facilitate the natural birth process.Postnatal Pilates
“Pilates is about finding the balance in your life. As a mother, every hour of the day is accounted for so your time is more precious than ever.”
Nicole teaches a postnatal Pilates program designed specifically for new as well as not-so-new moms. You’ll trim your waist and firm up all of your soft spots whether you’re 4 weeks, 6 months or 2+ years post-partum. You’ll be stronger, improve your posture and feel energized. Nicole has seen her program dramatically flatten and strengthen the abdominals of new mother’s after pregnancy. Strong abdominals help relieve any back pain and correct postural issues that may have developed during pregnancy. Nicole’s program also helps to strengthen the arms and back so new mom’s are better equipped to carry their new bundle of joy and all the gear that comes along such as car seats, strollers, diaper bags.
The Mt. Pleasant Pilates Postpartum program use the reformer, stability chair, tower and stability ball to guide the postpartum woman through a series of exercises that close the abdominals, realign the spine and rehabilitate the pelvic floor. The aim of the program is to gently rebuild the body’s strength from the inside out and to promote healing from the trauma of birth. Diastasis-recti and separation of the pubic bone are addressed, and techniques are given on how to heal them.
Finally, Nicole will help correct postpartum imbalances and get you back to your pre-pregnancy shape & fitness level. You’ll learn how to develop pelvic stability through movement and understanding YOUR unique postpartum body. All the exercises taught are designed to be especially kind to your worn joints. The stretching and deep breathing that are part of each exercise also help combat the day-to-day stresses that accompany the many demands of motherhood.
Postnatal In Home or Hospital Visits
Nicole will come directly to your home or to the hospital after your delivery. The days and weeks following your delivery are the most crutial to your recovery and rehabilitation. Techniques are provided to help heal a C-section scar, diastasis and rehabilitate the pelvic floor through Pilates based exercises.
Nicole’s expertise in prenatal fitness and post-partum rehabilitation can also be scheduled as in-home sessions as privates or with mothers groups. Utilizing an array of small props to keep challenging you in new ways, Nicole leads these 55-minute classes starting as early as 2 weeks postpartum. This service offers new moms who are serious about fitness the convenience of an elite workout at home. Please call for rates.
Prenatal & Postnatal Policies
* As with any fitness program, you should always check with your Healthcare Provider before beginning Pilates-training, he or she will know if you have any special physical needs, conditions, or injuries that might prohibit you from learning and practicing the Pilates exercises.
* PLEASE NOTE: ALL PRENATAL CLIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A NOTE FROM THEIR PHYSICIAN OR MIDWIFE PRIOR TO THEIR FIRST CLASS STATING THAT THEY ARE IN GOOD HEALTH AND CLEAR TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL EXERCISE.