Returning to Training Postpartum

You've just been through the miracle of life - although beautiful, it most certainly can take a physical and psychological toll. A lot has happened in the last nine months, hormonal and body composition changes are just the tip of the iceberg.

In preparation for delivery, the hormone relaxin is released during pregnancy to help relax the pelvic joints and ligaments as well as soften and widen the cervix. The pelvic joints and ligaments will loosen and expand so baby can pass through the birth canal. Your core muscles have to stretch over the growing baby. They can become weaker, and less effective at supporting and moving your body. Once stretched, those muscles might not be able to return to their original length and shape after birth. Your growing uterus and the extra weight you gain during pregnancy can throw off your balance, change your posture, and put a strain on your back. Although aches and pains are pretty common (and completely normal) during pregnancy, we don’t need to continue dealing with issues postpartum!

Working as a kinesiologist, as well as Level 1 FMS certified, I’m trained in looking at human movement. I’ve recently completed my Postnatal Fitness Specialist certification, and I am excited to help all momma's through their health and fitness journey. Wether your goal is to return to movement pain free, return to sport, or run a 10K, I’m confident we can reach those goals together! During our initial session together, we'll assess and discuss topics such as diastasis recti, pelvic floor function, and breathing mechanics as needed. Together we’ll make sure to bring the muscles back online and feel good again. As your trainer, I also want to know what motivates you? What are your health and fitness goals? Are there any factors that might get in the way of you reaching your goals? How much time do you have to focus on you and your workouts? Through subsequents sessions together, we will safely and progressively build a strength and conditioning program tailored to your individual needs.

Lastly, a very important aspect I feel needs to be addressed, is the need to try and change the conversation around postpartum bodies. Enough talk about getting your ''body back'' or your ''prebaby belly back''. I mean where did your body even go? How about we talk about feeling good again? Or feeling strong and self assured in your own skin again? You'll be pleasantly surprised once we stop focusing on the physical aspects of health and fitness and focus on how your feeling, the rest will follow suit.

Once a postpartum body, always a postpartum body, but that doesn't mean we can't be strong and feel confident again!

I look forward to working with you in the gym!

Sylvie Piche

Kinesiologist

Personal Trainer

Postnatal Fitness Specialist

FMS Level 1

Shift Concussion Certified

Rocktape/Rockblades

NKT Level 1