Qualified individuals wishing to run their own programs, obtain further education in the field, or even offer our Total Pregnancy Fitness™ or Dancing Thru Pregnancy® programs, are encouraged to apply to become a teacher or licensee. We can help you determine if this is field is a good fit for you, train you to offer our programs, or help you develop your own.

Aerobics is definitely the biggest bang for the buck! Cardiovascular fitness is the key to almost every benefit of pre/postnatal exercise that has been found through well-designed research. Our instructors develop their own individual style of aerobic dance or fitness activities as part of our training program, but follow best practice guidelines.

Instructors also learn how to incorporate effective mind/body skills such as breathing and relaxation, along with strength and flexibility exercises. As the contemporary world puts more and more demands on our time, getting the most from your pre/postnatal program is a smart approach.

The training program has both academic and practical components. A study guide and written test precede practical learning. Accommodations are made for those wishing to develop their own programs, as well as those wishing to teach under our auspices.

Recent CDC Guidelines on Exercise for the general population include pregnant and postpartum women. Specific information for pregnant women is included at this URL:

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/pregnancy.html

James Pivarnik, PhD, president of the American College of Sports Medicine has released a Medscape video for health care providers encouraging them to be aware of the fact that the CDC considers a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity for athletic women, or a combination of intensity for fit women) to be important for pregnant women, along with the general population.

DTP’s Total Pregnancy Fitness instructors learn how to combine activities so that women receive an adequate amount of exercise each week during their pregnancy. To find out about becoming a teacher, click on Become a Teacher above.

Having baby present while you are working out is a lot of fun. Like most of new mom’s lives, the ability to be together with baby and be productive at the same time is a fitness challenge. A certified postnatal fitness instructor can guide new moms in figuring out how to do this. Being in a group also enables new moms to learn from each other.

Strollers are a perfect aid to start your engine for aerobic fitness. Mat work with baby is a great follow up. Multi-tasking can mean strengthening mom’s shoulder muscles while babies learn to socialize. There are many ways to be fit and an interactive mom at the same time!

There is nothing so joyful as a group of moms-to-be, at various stages of pregnancy, moving freely and fully. Celebrating this special state of being by maintaining strength, endurance and range of motion promotes emotional well-being as well as health during this major life transition.

By selecting activities that promote fitness, health and well-being for their programs, our teachers insure that moms-to-be receive the maximum benefit from the time they spend in class.

Here are some birth stories from our clients (edited for privacy):

• We’re happy to report that [our baby boy] was born on Saturday at 12:31 am…our exercise classes were ESSENTIAL in the later part of labor — the doctor and nurse described me as a “natural” at pushing, but I had to admit to them that I’d been practicing my c-curves twice a week for a few months already! — G.S.

• We arrived at the hospital at 8pm on Friday and I was 6 cm dilated…I delivered by 1 am without pain meds.  It was an amazing experience. You really do focus inward.  I found sitting in the shower holding the sprayer to be helpful.  Definitely try different positions.  I used the bar for when it can time to push.  Just know that there is an end in sight and just holding your baby at the end is the most wonderful, amazing feeling in the world!  — P.E.

• We arrived at the hospital at 6am and I was already 4cm dilated…[at] 5cm dilated, I requested an epidural. The anesthesiologist did a great job, and I was still able to move my legs with the epidural. I found movement during labor to be very helpful, and in particular, circular movements of my pelvis (i.e. belli dancing). Post partum recovery has been quick. No doubt that [your] guidance and preparation was crucial to this end. I would like to thank all of you for your support…  — K.L.

• On Sunday…after more than 26 hours of labor, [my wife] gave birth to [our baby boy]. Through the help of her birth support team she was able to deliver without pain medicine. She did a tremendous job, and we used many of the skills learned in class to focus, draw her out of her body, breath and relax.  — M.&L.S.

• I just wanted to share with you the very good news that [our baby boy] was born at 8:38 pm last night. He weighed 8 lbs 11 ozs and measures 21.5 inches long. He finally enabled me to put my c curves and such to direct use by arriving a mere 8 days late (instead of the 11 days late that would have led to my second c-section).  We are having a very nice time right now…and look forward to making our joint return to the gym in a few weeks!  — F.A.

• Our beautiful baby boy was born Tuesday night at 9:09 p.m. The delivery went well (drug free!) and I received many compliments on my 50 minutes of pushing. Thanks for everything and I hope to see you in 4 weeks or so!  — A.E.