Meet Laura

Laura Polikowsky is a nationally certified personal trainer through ACSM and a Holistic Wellness Coach through the CHEK Institute. Since graduating from Gustavus with a degree in Athletic Training and Health Fitness she has been working as a personal trainer for 10 years, and she is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. Her experience with pre and postnatal exercise has led her to become our resident prenatal and postpartum fitness expert at Moms on The Run!



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Can I join if my baby is due this summer?

Q: I want to do Moms On The Run but my baby is due in _____. Can I still join?

A: Congratulations! It's wonderful that you are interested in staying in shape during this challenging season of motherhood.

Most expecting moms are able to maintain an exercise program throughout their pregnancy at their current fitness level. If you are new to running, this is not the time to start up running, however many of our cities have walking programs that you may enjoy. Women who have run pre-pregnancy and continued to do so throughout are certainly welcome to run in the program.

After baby, it is important to allow yourself 6 weeks to recover before really getting into a regular exercise program. In the case of a c-section this may be 8+ weeks. Do check with your doctor though if you want to begin walking, to see when the time would be right for you.

If it makes sense according to your fitness level and your due date, we would be happy to work out a prorated amount based on your before and after attendance. If you do not already have a regular cardiovascular program you are following and your doc. says it is okay, we encourage you to begin a gradual walking program now, building up to 30-45 minutes per day.

Good luck and feel free to ask us questions at anytime.

~Karissa and Laura

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Can I join if my baby is due soon?

Q: I’d really like to join this program to get back into shape after baby, but my baby is due at the beginning of April. Will it work out for me to start on time?

A: I’m so glad you want to join us; I know it will be of great value to you as you get back to exercising again! Plan on joining the program at 6 weeks after the latest date you think you would deliver, and we will pro-rate the amount for that. Be confident that you will do well in the program even if you join a few weeks late. It is okay to work it at your own pace.

It is okay to make payment after your 6 week check-up; we want your doctor to give the OK for you to begin running. If you for some reason end up having a c-section, that timeline needs to be moved out several more weeks (we can talk more if that ends up being the case). When your doctor is okay with light exercise, begin doing some light walking as soon as you are feeling ready and the baby allows. Your body will make a much easier transition into the interval training if you have been walking a bit before you begin (15-20 min. at a time should be enough). Sleep deprivation will be an issue and is something you will need to take on a day to day basis. Listen to your body. There will be times when you know an hour of sleep is more important than a workout but I imagine those will be few and far between once you begin to gain energy from the exercise itself.

In a previous post here I address some of the concerns about the return to exercise while nursing as well. Best of luck with your new addition and we will see you soon!