Post pregnancy functional strength training because MOTHERHOOD'S A WORKOUT

Repetitive strain injury isn't the most obvious gift that comes to mind when one becomes a parent. Of course there are feelings of intense joy and privilege, but then there's the awkward lifts, carries, uncomfortable breast feeding positions and lack of sleep.

Frankie Holah (  / frankieholah  ) is a South West London based pre and post natal personal trainer and mother. She’s been collaborating with Ify (fizzYcaL's...project manager) on an ongoing project called LUNA, which prompted the idea for this video.

Filmed, edited, produced and co-nappy changing by Ify.

Additional camerawork by mothers Indre Radziute and Lisa Groves. Thank you ladies!

And we can't forget Fison gym (https://www.fisonfitness.co.uk) for the use of their facilities - big ups and big thanks.

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Transcript from the video:

Prepping, prepping people for that in pregnancy, it's just wild how many different things affect core and back and posture. So many things that you just don't necessarily think about until you're doing them and you're aching because of it. It's not just staying toned and trim while you're pregnant. Like yeah, it's amazing to be fit but...

I'd say my goals now are to be functionally strong so that my body works well. And then as she gets older, and grows up more, and gets heavier to still be strong enough to kind of be fun mama.

I've trained people who've said they're worried about training in pregnancy, and then as soon as they've started moving and they feel the benefit of it, and they love what they can do during the pregnancy, also after you've had a baby as well, they're just kind of amazed by it.

You have to provide a space that makes new mums feel comfortable to walk into, trying to make it as welcoming, and as you know, open for discussion as possible. I think, I think it goes long way with new mums, and a good playlist. Cause they like some nineties and naughties music.

Like, previous style of training there was a lot of focus on how many pull-up reps can I get in, and what trick can I do. Now I'd probably focus more on being able to breathe well, the function of your diaphragm, and that link to your pelvic floor is really underrated. And then the kind of, what people might think, are like the boring exercises, things like dead bugs. Like, probably wouldn't have done those four and a half years ago. A bit boring. Now it's like vital.

I'm pretty positive that my pelvic floor's stronger now, functions better post having a baby than it was like four and a half years ago.

[Interviewer] Okay, last question, who is Frank?

Given him when I was born. Frank is my teddy bear. Well and truly a member of the family.