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I was hoping for other instructors advice or experiences in teaching during pregnancy. I've had many ladies continue step throughout their pregnancies as participants so understand the modifications, however, it's a whole new ball game as an instructor.

I am especially thinking with regard to the speed step, how to demonstrate clearly without doing as much 'jogging' impact will only become more challenging!

Look forward to your replies and thoughts
 

I've been a BS instructor for almost 5 years now and had my daughter during that time.  I was able to teach up until 7 months with very little modification.  After that point I had to lower the risers and lessen the impact.  If you can watch release 60 - I believe Lisa O. is in her third trimester during that filming!  It will depend a lot on how fit you are and how you are feeling over the course of the pregnancy.  The most important thing to remember is to keep your doctor informed and to listen to your body; it will tell you when it is too much.  I would also highly recommend investing in a pregnancy belt to wear to help support the stomach so that your ab muscles don't have to do all the work!!!  You can get them at almost any maternity store.  Hope this helps!

Laura W

Hi..I am in agreement with the above post..listen to your body..adjust with risers for impact etc..If i were pregnant now..I have 2 kids..I would do speed step on the floor without a step altogether..no risk of falling off due to imbalances caused by pregnancy etc..For most of everything else I would adjust as needed..

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Janice

I was teaching BS while pregnant with my 2nd child and lowered the step height as the pregnancy progressed, and taught the speed step on the floor

I would just listen to your body and do what feels right.  I taught up until 8 months (and continued participating till past my due date.)

 

 I didn't lower the step height - to me I would worry more about tripping if the step wasn't where I was used to.

 I phased out the propulsive moves from 6 months on.  I did them when I felt good (like my first class for the week) and then stuck 90% low on days where I had 2 classes.

Speed step only bothered me in the first few months because all the jogging made my enlarged chest bounce.  I kept the jogging really small towards the end.

 

Congratulations!  Enjoy your pregnancy and Step.
 

Before my mom discovered the Les MIlls programs she used to take a step class simmilar to Bodystep and she took it just about all throughout her pregnancy with me. The name of the gym she went to was Racketball and when she used to go there and dropped me off in the day care everyone always called me the Racketball baby.

 and congrats on the pregnancy!

Hi!!!  First, congratulations!!!!!!   I taught step thru all 3 of my pregnancies and had no trouble.  I didn't teach Body Step until I was pregnant with #3.... in fact, I was 16 weeks pregnant when I did the initial training!!!  I taught until 2 weeks before I delivered.  I just listened to my body AND my doctor.  As long as you are feeling well and your doctor says it's OK, there is no reason to stop.  However, at about 6 months, start using the lower options.  WIth speed step, just don't lift your knees so high.  Good luck and best wishes for you and your family.  Christine

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If you're gonna do it... do it right!!!!!

Hi there, Just wanted to add the official word from LMI. Although the respondents have covered the key points pretty well. All exercise while pregnant should be cleared by your primary care giver. The general rules however are to adjust intensity levels through various stages of the pregnancy by lowering step height reducing arm lines, propulsions and range of motion etc. Staying cool and hydrated are also important. As to when to stop instructing. This decision should be made on a case by case basis and be discussed with your group fitness manager. As the pregnancy advances and it becomes difficult to role model the intensity required to get the most out of your class - you should consider stepping down. Again this varies greatly with instructors and different classes. Finally, there is an information leaflet on doing BODYSTEP while pregnant which can be emailed to you via the Les Mills website. Bryce Hastings, Technical Advisor Les MIlls International.

 

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The team at LMI

I was able to teach BodyStep up until Week 38 - I did have to support my belly with my hands during Speed Step though ;)