Active at Home
In light of the significant impact coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on people’s lives and their ability to undertake physical activity and exercise outside of the home, we have collaborated with a panel of experts to curate a directory of free online antenatal and postnatal workout content to help you stay active at home.
Active at Home
When deciding which activity you may like to try, it is important to consider your current activity level. Guidance provided by the UK Chief Medical Officers advises pregnant women who are already active to keep going but to listen to their bodies and adapt, while women who are new to activity should start gradually. Postnatal women, depending on birth experience and the outcome of the 6 – 8 week postnatal check, may resume or start activity gradually and build up intensity slowly over a minimum period of 3 months.
To help you find suitable activities to try at home, we have worked with a panel of experts to review and select a range of workout content. We have stated if an activity may be considered low, moderate or vigorous intensity, and if it is recommended for women who are already active or new to activity. If you have any questions about whether a particular activity is safe for you, and/or you suffer discomfort while taking part, please get in touch with your healthcare professional before continuing with the activity.
Please note that the sharing of information or inclusion of a link to a third-party website or app on this webpage does not constitute a contract, partnership, endorsement or other arrangement with this third-party or their content, products or services. You may be required to pay a fee or subscription in the future so please read their Terms and Conditions carefully. Please also read the following disclaimer before clicking on any third party website linked to from this webpage.
A panel of antenatal and postnatal experts will periodically review information and content for this page, which may then be updated. We welcome comments from users, so please get in touch with feedback.
General Fitness
MummyFIT
A workout for active postpartum women by experienced instructor Jenny Drage
Babywearing workouts brought to you by CARiFiT
Please read the TICKS rule for safe babywearing before trying these workouts: babyslingsafety.co.uk
Strength
Strength workouts suitable for ante and postnatal women from Bump and Beyond by Vicky Warr
Antenatal and postnatal strengthening workouts from American instructor BodyFit by Amy
Yoga & Pilates
A low-moderate yoga series for pregnant women from experienced instructor Katy Appleton
Pilates workout delivered by specialist Pilates instructor Hayley Jarvill MCSP
Live Content & Apps
Free to join classes of varying intensities posted on their Instagram page.
Workouts for pregnant and postnatal women available.
Live workouts provided (free) via Instagram Live on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
These are then available on IGTV.
Suitable for active ante and postnatal women.
MummyFIT
Moderate to high intensity cardio, strength and body conditioning classes for pregnant and postnatal women.
Live workouts available every weekday via MummyFIT LIVE along with pre-recorded content with MummyFIT at HOME.
MummyFIT are offering a free first taster session to LIVE and a free month to the MummyFIT at HOME (recorded) services during lockdown. Please check the website for subscription costs before registering.
At home with your kids? Visit Sport England’s Stay In, Work Out hub
for ideas on how to be active together
If you are a qualified ante and/or postnatal instructor and have content to share, please let us know by emailing thismummoves@ukactive.org.uk
Definitions
Disclaimer
Acknowledgements
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Dr Marlize de Vivo - Biokineticist (HPCSA); Sports Rehabilitator, GSR (BASRaT); Senior Research Fellow, Canterbury Christ Church University -
Dr Lou Atkinson, Lecturer, Aston University, and Lead Master Instructor, Core Health & Fitness -
Tamsin Brooks MCSP HPC, Specialist pelvic and women’s health physiotherapist and POGP member -
Vicky Gilroy, Projects and Evaluation Lead, Institute of Health Visiting
We would also like to extend thanks to the Active Pregnancy Foundation for their involvement in the selection and criteria development process, and Philippa Bishop, Institute of Health Visiting, for her support in reviewing content.
