Bring Your Baby to the Barre
Sep 14, 2016
Midtown Athletic Club in Rochester, NY member Melinda Thomas is 34 weeks pregnant, and a big fan of the club's barre program.
While some expectant mothers opt to decrease physical activity, Melinda decided she wasn't going to give up her favorite workout until after her baby is born. With her doctor's approval, Melinda has instead taken one or two barre classes each week throughout her pregnancy. She also works out 4-to-5 times a week.
She credits her classes at the club for her textbook-perfect pregnancy.
Melinda says, "Barre has been PHENOMENAL for my pregnancy. I originally started taking barre to help with a knee injury, and ended up avoiding surgery because of my work in class.
I fell in love with the workout and thanks to barre class, I am in incredible shape and have had a fantastic pregnancy without any issues."
Barre has also helped to keep Melinda's back and core strong, and has helped to open and stretch her hips and legs.
"It's a whole-body workout that hits muscles that no other routine can touch," she says.
Instructors Christine Kull and Randi Lattimore have helped her make some minor modifications as she's progressed through the pregnancy, but they do not make the workout any less of a challenge.
Melinda says, "My doctors are so pleased with my pregnancy, health, and fitness and continue to encourage me to "keep doing exactly what I'm doing!".
Melinda was in great physical shape prior to becoming pregnant, and decided to continue her regular routine (with minor adjustments), while listening to both her body and her doctors.
Cheers to Melinda for providing a great example of living a healthy and active lifestyle to pregnant women everywhere.
For more information on our barre classes and why they're surging in popularity, head here.