Course Aims:

The Pregnant and Post-Partum Clients course covers the physiological changes associated with pregnancy and explains how these changes require changes in the design of exercise programs for this special population. Both personal training programs and group fitness classes are discussed. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

§          Describe the major anatomical, physiological, skeletal and  risk factors of pregnant and post-partum clients

§          Explain the benefits and fetal risks of exercise during pregnancy and after birth

§          Explain the particular health concerns and contraindications for exercise for pregnant and post-partum clients

§          Demonstrate, explain and spot  some of the most common exercises used for strength training, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise for pregnant and post-partum clients

§          Design exercise programmes based on the specific needs of these clients

Target Audience:

This course is designed for experienced fitness professionals with a solid grounding in personal training who would like to learn to deal with this special population.

Course Description:

The 9 hour course is made up of five main topic areas as follow:

• Physiology of Pregnancy covers the variety of bodily changes that occur throughout pregnancy and after giving birth and their implications for exercise prescription

• Benefits of Physical activity  includes the physiological, psychological and social benefits of exercise for pregnant women

• Principles and techniques of exercise covers the most common exercises used in cardiorespiratory training, strength training and flexibility for pregnant and post-partum women and also covers the contraindications and safety issues involved

• Programming guidelines introduces participants to the principles of program development based on the varying needs of women in different stages of pregnancy, including client assessment and programme revision and consultation with the client’s physician.  

Successful completion of the course results in the award of a FIT certificate of Pregnancy and Post-Partum Client

Continuing Education Credits:

ACE 0.90 CECs