General QuestionsPregnancy ClassesMom & Baby ClassesStroller Workout
General Questions
Are the instructors trained in prenatal and postnatal fitness?
Absolutely! Every Oh Baby! Fitness instructor is certified in prenatal and
postnatal instruction. You'll be exercising with other women who are
pregnant or have just had babies, and all exercises have been modified to
be safe, for you and your condition. If you have any special concerns, we
encourage you to talk to your instructor and let her know about them.
Classes are small, so feel free to ask questions and get the special
attention you deserve. If you want to kick your workout up a notch -- just
let your instructor know. She can help you get the most out of your
exercise routine.
Go to top
When should I begin and stop exercising?
You can begin your exercise program as soon as your doctor or health care
practitioner gives you the OK. Often, that can be as soon as you discover
you are pregnant. Usually, when the doctor sees the heart (or pump) on an
ultrasound, often as early as 7 weeks, the possibility of miscarriage is
reduced to 5%. After the twelfth week of pregnancy, the fatigue of the
first trimester has usually vanished and the risk of miscarriage is
further reduced. Be sure to ask your health care provider, but one can
usually return to class four to six weeks after a vaginal delivery and six
to eight weeks after a Cesarean birth. Again, please obtain permission from
your doctor.
Go to top
What should I wear to class?
Dress in layers so you can shed clothes as you warm up. Please dress
comfortably and wear light cotton clothes. Shorts, T-shirts,
supportive bras, and aerobic (not running) shoes are recommended.
Remember that everyone in the class with you will be pregnant or
postpartum! There is no need to wear heavy or bulky clothes. For an
aquatic class: please wear your regular pregnancy or postpartum swimsuit
with an additional supportive bra/sports bra underneath. Aqua socks are
recommended for additional traction and to help avoid slipping when out of
the pool.
Maternity swimsuit tip: Buy a bathing suit a couple of sizes too
big.. with extra fabric in the tummy area. It's cheaper than buying a
maternity suit and they often look better and offer better support than a
maternity suit.
Go to top
What do I need to bring to class?
A doctor's release is required for all pregnant women and any mother who is
less than 12 weeks postpartum. Click here to print
out a consent form. You also need to be sure to bring WATER!
Exercising moms-to-be and new moms (especially nursing moms) need lots of
water. So bring two bottles, if you can. We take a lot of water breaks
throughout our classes. A snack for after class is a good idea too. A
towel is needed as well. Additional items required for classes are listed
under the class descriptions.
Go to top
Should I eat before class?
A nutritious snack of complex carbohydrates (fruit, bread, crackers,
cereal, baked potato, pasta, etc.) should be eaten one to two hours before
class to maintain healthy blood sugar levels druing exercise. High fat,
high protein and high-refined sugar products should be avoided within two
hours before your workout.
Go to top
Do I have to know how to swim in order to participate in water aerobics and how deep is the water?
No, you don't have to know how to swim to participate in our aqua classes.
The water is chest deep, so you can easily stand. Kick boards, water
weights and noodles are provided for the moms. Flotation devices are
provided for the babies.
Let your instructor know if you can't/don't like to swim, and he/she will
make any modifications needed to make sure you enjoy your workout.
Go to top
I'm a mother of multiples, can I still come to Oh Baby! Fitness classes?
You're more than welcome to join us... And more power to you, Mom!
Instructors are ready to help make the modifications you need to enjoy any
of our classes. (ie. holding one of the babies during class). We also
invite grandmothers, dads, partners or aunts and uncles to participate at
no extra cost. Another set of hands makes the workout easier... especially
with triplets!
Go to top
Do you offer make-up classes? What is your refund, withdrawal and cancellation policy?
Missed Classes and Make-up Classes
If you miss a class, you will be allowed to make it up in another
comparable class at another time during the current session, or you
can receive a credit toward the next 4 to 6-week session. No refunds or
credits will be given for more than ONE missed class, unless you have a
note from your doctor.
Class Withdrawals
If you withdraw from a class within the first two weeks, we will offer you
a credit (to be used for any of our other classes) or issue you a refund on
a pro-rated basis. After two class meetings, no credits or refunds will be
offered. If you paid by credit card and request a refund, a credit card
processing fee of $3 will be deducted from the pro-rated refund
amount.
Making Up a Class:
Attend any comparable class at any location during the current session.
When you sign in, write 'make-up' next to your name. Our automated
system will track your attendance.
Credits
Must be used within 6 months of the date of issue or the credit will be
forfeited.
Cancellation of Classes by Oh Baby! Fitness
Oh Baby! Fitness reserves the right to cancel any class if a minimum
number of people have not signed up. We will notify you by e-mail within
48 hours of the first class if a class is canceled and will contact you to
provide you with either a full refund, credit or transfer to another
class.
Bedrest or Birth of Baby:
If you are put on bedrest or your baby is born before the end of your
pregnancy class, you may use your remaining class credits in a mom & baby
class.
Go to top
I want to drop in on a class. How do I do that? Is it allowed?
You can drop in on a class for $15, but make sure to check our website the
day before you attend class. If the class appears on the schedule, then
it's definitely running. If a class has magically disappeared, it means it
was cancelled because we didn't have enough sign-ups. We cancel classes
3 days prior to the start date if we don't have enough registrants.
We won't run a class unless we have a minimum of four people, so we really
don't encourage drop-ins, as some other companies do. We want to build
classes and camaraderie, and we'd like you to commit to working out for 4
to 6 weeks.
If you wind up deciding you need to drop in on a class, please register
online and choose the 'pay by check' option. In the 'special health
concerns' box, write in that you'll be a drop-in. This way, we have your
emergency contact information (just in case something happens) and we can
also notify you if we receive your medical consent form by fax.
If after dropping in, you decide you'd like to sign up for the rest of the
session, you can join at a pro-rated price. You can pay the instructor by
cash, check or credit card.
Go to top
Do I have to be a member of the gym/fitness facility where Oh Baby! Fitness classes are being held?
No membership is required at any of our partner facilities! Many of our
partners offer discounted memberships or free guest passes to Oh Baby!
Fitness clients. Taking one of our classes is a great way to check out a
facility and find a new place to exercise.
Go to top
If I'm pregnant, can I still attend a mom & baby class?
Yes! You'll need a signed medical consent form since you're pregnant, but
lots of moms attend our H2Oh Baby class with their older children. Mom &
Toddler Yoga is a good choice too.
Go to top
Pregnancy Classes
Do I need written consent from my OB or midwife to participate in class?
If you're pregnant or less than 12 weeks postpartum, you'll need written
consent from your doctor or midwife. You can present it at your first
class or have your doctor fax a copy to our office. Click here
to print out a consent form. Make sure to note what type of class you're
taking on the form. Since Oh Baby! Fitness partners with many hospitals,
your doctor may have referred you to us in the first place!
Go to top
Do I need more than one medical consent form for each class?
One medical consent form will suffice for ALL your pregnancy classes. Oh
Baby! Fitness will keep your consent form on file. Once you have your
baby, you'll need a new consent form from your doctor if you're less than
12 weeks postpartum.
Go to top
Why should I exercise while I'm pregnant?
Recent studies have found that women who exercise throughout their
pregnancy have, on average, a 25% lower expectancy of C-sections and 14%
lower rate of forceps usage. Additionally, pregnant women who exercise may
expect an average of two hours less labor time and their babies can
have higher APGAR scores. The higher the APGAR score -- the healthier the
newborn. (Clapp, 1990)
Exercise can also help reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and
swelling. It can help prevent gestational diabetes, and it can increase
your energy and improve your mood and posture too. Muscle strengthening
exercises can increase your endurance during childbirth, and, importantly,
regular exercise can help you sleep better!
Go to top
What do I need to know about Group Cycling?
Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc and Dr. Herman Falsetti just completed a study with
over 50 pregnant riders and found that the babies scored higher on their
Apgar scores. The Apgar scores are a pregnancy rating system what was
created by Dr. Virgina Apgar. The rating focuses on the color,
respiration, reflex response, heart rate and muscle tone of the infant.
The mothers also had shorter labors. Also, mothers were able to return to
exercise sooner.
If you are pregnant and have a doctor's clearance to exercise, Spinning is
a great activity throughout the entire pregnancy.
Here are a few guidelines:
1) Never ride to exhaustion.
2) Never get out of breath.
3) If you knew your anaerobic threshold before getting pregnant, you can
safely exercise at 20 beats below this number.
4) Drink a total of 40 ounces of water before, during and after your ride.
5) Eat a light complex carbohydrate snack (fruit, crackers) 2 hours before
and 30 min after exercising to control blood glucose levels.
6) Raise the handlebars as your midsection expands.
7) Modify or pass on any moves that are uncomfortable.
Warning! If you begin to feel faint or dizzy, slowly stop pedaling,
carefully dismount from the bike and inform the instructor immediately.
Go to top
Mom & Baby Classes
When can I start Mom and Baby classes?
You can start Oh Baby! Fitness classes once you're 6 weeks postpartum. If
you have written consent from your doctor you can start earlier. You'll
probably need to wait 8 weeks if you've had a Cesarean delivery. Oh Baby!
Fitness requires medical consent only up to 12 weeks postpartum, but
please, check with your doctor anyway to make sure you're ready to
exercise, especially if you want to join the Pilates/Ab Recovery class. Click here to
print out a medical consent form. You can bring the form to your first
class.
Go to top
If I didn't exercise during my pregnancy, can exercising afterward help me lose weight faster?
Yes! It's never too late to start regular, consistent exercise. During
pregnancy, most moms gain an average of 30 pounds. The first 18 to 20
pounds are lost in the first month after delivery. It's the last 5 to 10
pounds that can be tough to get rid of. At Oh Baby! Fitness, we focus on
how to remove those last few pounds in problem areas that just don't want
to come off.
Go to top
What are the benefits of exercising WITH my baby?
Most experts say the best way to lose weight after pregnancy is to work out
with your baby. The guilt of leaving a new baby with a caregiver or in
daycare is too much for some women, while time away from a baby that's
breastfed can be difficult to schedule and sometimes painful (engorged
breasts). With Oh Baby! Fitness, you'll have the chance to exercise with
your child under the supervision of our certified perinatal instructors,
and they'll help you tone, strengthen or build muscles and burn fat in a
SAFE way. You'll have fun with your baby, and set a life-long example of
showing your child how much fun exercising can be.
Go to top
How will my baby participate in class?
Oh Baby! Fitness designs the majority of its postnatal classes with Mom AND
Baby in mind. Exercises are gentle, and your child will never be put in an
inappropriate position. In our yoga and Pilates classes, you'll have the
option of incorporating your baby into the poses... Or your baby can lie
on the mat next to you or stay in their car seat.
In our H2Oh Baby! class, your baby is in a flotation device
that you gently push in the water while you do muscle toning and
strengthening exercises. In Stroller Workout, your baby sits in a stroller
while you exercise, but we sing and entertain the babies to make sure
they're having fun while you get a workout!
Go to top
What if I need to feed my baby during class?
Feeding your baby during a class is absolutely fine. Most moms show up a
little early to "tank up and top off" their babies prior to class.
Arriving 15 minutes early should give you enough time to get settled and
make sure your baby is full and ready to let you exercise.
Go to top
What if my baby cries during class?
If your baby cries during class, it definitely wouldn't be the first time
it has happened! Feel free to stop exercising to comfort your baby. We
take several water breaks during class, so there's always time to catch
up. If you know that all of your baby's needs have been met, and you want
to continue exercising while your baby cries, that's fine too. Do whatever
you need to do to get the most out of the class and ensure your baby's
comfort.
Go to top
What if my baby is unhappy throughout the entire class?
We all have good days and bad days, babies are no exception to the rule!
One day, your baby may bounce, coo and giggle all the way through class
and the next day wail to beat the band. That's why we encourage all Moms
to try a class at least two times, especially if your baby cries a lot
during your first class. If, after two meetings, your baby still isn't
having fun, Oh Baby! Fitness will issue a pro-rated refund or credit for
another class.
Go to top
What if my baby is older than the recommended age for a class, but I'd still like to attend? Can I come to a class without my baby?
Absolutely! If you have childcare available and a class works with your
schedule, please come join us. Our instructors will be ready to modify the
class to suit your needs.
Go to top
How long are Mom & Baby classes?
Classes are 45 minutes long, mainly because babies seem to have internal
timers that go off after about 45 minutes. Once or twice a session we'll
get to run class for an hour if all the babies are happy, but usually both
mom and baby are ready for a rest at the 45 minute marker!
Go to top
Stroller Workout
For Stroller Workout, do I need a "jogging stroller"?
No, a jogging stroller is not necessary. All we ask is that your stroller
has good brakes. Umbrella strollers aren't really sturdy enough for power
walking, so please bring a regular stroller to class if you can.
Go to top
What if there's a heavy rain or it's too hot for Stroller Workout?
Check our website 1 hour prior to class or call 678.528.1390 to find out if
class has been cancelled. Our instructors will determine if the weather
conditions are OK for class to be held. Class will meet in light rain and
varied temperatures, so please dress accordingly.
Go to top
|
