Common Question
Ahhh, the endless amount of workout/exercise/movement programs (whatever you want to call them) that are *BEST* for pregnancy and the busy season of motherhood. With virtual studios and online content today the options are overwhelming. This post walks you through the best fitness apps for pregnancy that are designed with the changing pregnancy body in mind.
This article was written by: Kaitlin E. Spano
**PLEASE READ**
Although I am a certified perinatal/postnatal nutrition & exercise specialist, and a mother of 5, I am not a doctor OR your doctor. This information is for informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. Many kinds of exercise and dietary changes are potentially dangerous, and those who do not see support from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any injury which may occur. Please read my full Disclaimer for more information. The Maternal Method is reader supported and some links may contain affiliate links; meaning I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you if you use them. Thank you for your continued support & cheers to you in your pregnancy and postpartum journey!
Which app is best & why?
Many Apps but which one is the best fitness app for pregnancy? Many are wonderful but if you’re anything like I was I wanted to find the one that would prepare my body the BEST and keep me strong and healthy throughout my motherhood journey.
With virtual studios and online content today the options are overwhelming.
I also wanted the one I would enjoy the most; because it ultimately comes down to what you will continue to use day after day.
The most important thing to look for in a pregnancy fitness program is one that “IS DESIGNED WITH THE CHANGING PREGNANCY BODY IN MIND.”
Many channels will share what worked for them and touting that this is what you should do…which is wonderful and comes from a place of goodness.
HOWEVER the most important aspect of movement during pregnancy and beyond is the simple act of you *learning* the simple anatomy of your body & how to move so that you can fit THAT into your daily life. (which is why I wrote these guided journals because you can adapt them to any pregnancy workout program.)
It all comes down to HOW you move in your movements (workout program and daily life) that is going to make THE largest impact overall in finding which pregnancy app is best.
So which pregnancy app is best and why? The app that shows you HOW your body is changing, how to accommodate for changes and the one that you enjoy the most.
How much time do you have?
One important aspect of choosing the best fitness apps for pregnancy is looking at how much time you have in your day to add this in. Many platforms range in workout time being 10 minutes to over an hour. Some are more designed for the mother who prefers to workout in a gym while some pregnancy fitness apps are move focused on at home workouts.
Maybe you have 10 minutes in your day to start, or you aren’t even sure how to fit it…yet if you know how to breath, how to engage your deep core and fit simple strength moves when you use the bathroom for example…this is just as good if not better!(This journal is just perfect for that)
The platforms I am going to share with you are what I have found to be the most well rounded that focus on movement that is based on the science of a woman’s changing body during the perinatal season AND that have workout times between 10-30 minutes that can be done at home…this type of pregnancy fitness program is highly rated as the best fitness app for pregnancy.
Best Fitness apps for pregnancy
Knocked up Fitness-$39 a month, Erica has a wonderful App and community, her workouts are Pilates, low-impact based. She has push prep tutorials and workouts ranging from 10minutes-30 minutes. Very doable and great for the mom who has limited time but wants to prepare her body.
Studio Bloom:$29/month Brooke and I actually took the same Prenatal Corrective Exercise course, she has a great platform that is more strength training based. There are yoga and barre workouts, and she has a great collection of pelvic floor videos along with birth prep tutorials
Pregnancy & Postpartum TV: YouTube-FREE This is a free channel that has a combination of yoga/Pilates/Strength training. The workouts have very support in how to move in each move but if you
The Maternal Method YouTube-FREE, Kaitlin has free workouts accessible to anyone and is mostly geared towards busy woman with minimal equipment. Her main focus is to help you understand HOW to move in your movement so you can apply this to any preferred movement of choice. She empowers you to learn your anatomy so you can choose what is best.
Expecting & Empowered-Krystal & Amy are sisters who created workouts to help prepare your body for pregnancy, labor and birth. Their workouts are mainly based on typical strength training.
Pregnancy Fitness Journal:
This curated guide & journal is jam packed with tips and advice tailored to pregnant women so you understand the exact steps to curating a healthy pregnancy while giving your a guide with exercises to prepare for labor and birth.
Best programs for POSTPARTUM:
Core Rehab: Erica has a great core rehab program for anyone who might be suffering with post birth injuries or for those who want to be mindful and re-connect & heal with their body after birth.
Studio Bloom: $29/month There is a great collection of postpartum rehab courses as well as pelvic floor support for post birth. You have the option to set up virtual 1:1 meetings with a Physical Therapist at any time during your pregnancy, post birth.
The Maternal Method YouTube: FREE Kaitlin has great mind-body connection videos walking through how to re-establish those movement patterns so you can apply it to any movement routine of your choice. Here is a FREE core restore series.
Expecting & Empowered: They have a great return to running program for postpartum moms and also work back to lifting in a supportive manner, so more geared those who prefer to lift weights.
Postpartum Self-Care Journal: This postpartum workout plan/guided self-care journal will walk you through 6 very important steps that will allow you to:
heal after pelvic floor after birth
heal diastasis recti
firm your lower belly
reduce low back pain
rebuild your core after carrying a baby
curate a self-care practice
Best for MOTHERHOOD in General:
Core Studio-$20/month Redefining the way you think about exercise. Pilates infused workouts that target your full body and these are doable for the busy mom in mind!
Melissa Wood Health-$15/month MWH has a combination of Pilates, Yoga and strength infused workouts. She has an amazing collection of meditations for kids and adults and her collection of creators is wonderful. (one platform I use and love the meditations)
3Forma-Lindsey & Natalie’s goal through this great app is to improve you self-esteem through food, fitness and focus. They have great workouts that are strength based for the busy mom in mind!
Rachel’s Fit Pilates: FREE YouTube Channel. Not only is Rachel certified in Pilates she is also an Occupational Therapist and mother to two. She focuses on strength based Pilates and best of all she creates simple follow along calendars for you to follow. I love her workouts and they are great if you are new to Pilates or seasoned.
In Conclusion
I hope this helps you take the overwhelm out of finding the best fitness app for pregnancy that best services you as you navigate movement during your pregnancy, postpartum & motherhood journey. The main thing you have to do is just start! (and learn your anatomy of course 🙂 )
Start by walking 10 minutes a day.
Grab your basic guided journals so you can connect to your breath & fit in the simple routines in your busy day.
Find one of the best channels above based on Pilates, strength or a combo and add that in 3-4x a week.
Be empowered and enjoy the journey!
Cheering for you! XO
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