There's Finally a Workout Studio Just for Pregnant Women

You know you should work out during pregnancy, but the safety modifications—not to mention the discomfort—can make it simpler to write the whole thing off. Finally, a workout studio is here to hold you—yes, specifically you, moms-to-be—accountable. Introducing Fit Pregnancy Club.

The New York City studio, whose grand opening was in October, was the brainchild of Carolina Gunnarsson and Joanie Johnson. Gunnarsoon, an SLT and SoulCycle junkie, didn’t feel comfortable doing her usual classes—or paying for them when all her necessary modifications took away from the workout. And Johnson, a certified pre- and postnatal corrective exercise specialist, knew that most fitness instructors were completely unprepared to help pregnant women make safe and meaningful modifications during their classes.

“I would walk into a workout class, and I would tell the instructors I was pregnant, and you could just see the fear on their faces," she tells Well+Good. "I was just horrified by what’s happened in the fitness industry with pregnant women. We’re just kind of pushed off to the side.”

With that, Fit Pregnancy Club was born. The $40 classes include a mix of cardio and strength-training exercises intended to help your body prepare for labor and make your postbirth recovery easier. Most recently, they’ve announced they’ll be expanding their digital presence, creating a subscription-based app so moms outside of the NYC area can safely work out with properly-certified coaches.

“We believe that mothers-to-be and new mothers should train differently,” their website reads. “Our workouts are safe, vigorous and they will increase your fitness level for a stronger pregnancy and a faster postpartum recovery. The classes are intentionally kept small so that our experienced instructors can keep a close eye on every participant. Think of it as personal training together with your community of like-minded women.”

And yes, new moms are invited to be a part of the Fit Pregnancy Club too.

“Our focus at FPC is really self-care and the fact that your body continues to be yours even after you have delivered your baby,” Gunnarsson tells Fit Pregnancy (no affiliation with the club). “We want to encourage all women to remember that her body is not just a vehicle for a baby while pregnant but it is still hers and only hers.”

While the studio is currently only in New York City’s Soho neighborhood, Gunnarsson and Johnson say their upcoming app will offer perks that still make women feel like part of a community, such as live Q&As and discounts to various brands.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.