For Moms To Be

How to begin taking The Bar Method when you're pregnant›

Options and special rates for pregnant students and new Moms›

How to modify the class when you're pregnant›

Benefits gained from The Bar Method when you're pregnant — and beyond›

How To Begin Taking The Bar Method When You’re Pregnant:

First please bring in a note from your doctor stating that strengthening and stretching exercise classes are safe for you to take while pregnant. The Bar Method requires this note from both new and experienced students.

If you've never exercised at the Bar Method, you must take the pre-natal class exclusively for a least five sessions (to ease into the deep-muscle routine while you're body's already undergoing lots of changes). After you're familiar with the pre-natal class, you can then take the regular class if desired.

The pre-natal Bar Method class, developed by Leelee Treadwell, a former Bar Method senior teacher, is currently offered at the San Francisco studio.

In some Bar Method studios there are no specific pre-natal classes but experienced students are urged to take half classes during their pregnancy only when accompanied by a doctor's note.  Also, new students will NOT be allowed to begin taking the Bar Method at either of these studios if pregnant.

Options and Special Rates For Pregnant Students:

Since the experience of pregnancy varies from body to body, the Bar Method offers several options to pregnant students:

• Option 1:
  You can take the pre-natal class exclusively.
  
  
• Option 2:
  You can take the regular class and make modifications in the exercises as needed. (Again, students who are new to the Bar Method must have taken at least five pre-natal classes before joining the regular class.)
  
  
• Option 3:
  In selected studios, pregnant students may take the first half of any class for half price. (The first 1/2 hour focuses on the arms and legs.) Ask your local studio if it participates in this program.
  
  
• Option 4:
  You can alternate among the first three options.

NEW MOM SPECIAL — Prenatal class availability varies among the studios, check with your local Bar Method studio to confirm classes, pricing, and any specials.

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Required Modifications:

• Skip the stretches on the stall bar (shown right), which are usually performed before and after class, so as not to over-stretch internal organs.

Instead of the "cobra," do a "cat stretch" on your hands and knees (shown left).

• In your second trimester and beyond, do not do a split (because the pelvic ligaments loosen a bit while pregnant and the split would speed up the process too much.) Stick with the "hamstring stretch" position (shown left).

Benefits Gained From The Bar Method When You're Pregnant — and Beyond:

• Greatly reduced back pain and joint swelling
  
  
• Pretty legs and arms, even when you’re pregnant
  
  
• Improved metabolism for you and your baby
  
  
• More energy for negotiating life while heavier
  
  
• Higher spirits and level of confidence
  
  
• More stamina and flexibility for childbirth
  
  
• Faster weight loss and trimming down afterwards

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