Karve: The Best Workout for Every Body (Including Pregnant Ones!)

Many women who become pregnant, especially for the first time, become apprehensive about exercising.  Luckily there are very few restrictions to exercising in your first trimester, yet many women find that fatigue and morning sickness can hinder their ability to exercise regularly during these early months.  Then, once your energy returns, your baby bump is growing and that can make certain exercises uncomfortable or even impossible!  What’s a girl to do?

 This is why the Karve method of exercise is the perfect exercise during pregnancy. Our small controlled movements target the arms, legs, and hips - perfect to help you maintain your strength, stamina, and self-esteem as your pregnancy progresses.  Exercise during pregnancy also decreases many of the common ailments that can occur during pregnancy such as backaches, swelling, fatigue, constipation, and mood swings.  In class, we focus on safe stretching techniques done at the barre and the floor.  Pregnant women need to be especially mindful of not over-stretching just as much as over-exerting.

Every exercise done in Karve class, from the warm up to the cool down, is an incredible core-strengthening workout. Even when you are working your arms, glutes  or thighs, you are still working your core, including your pelvic floor.  This constant core activity will help your body carry the additional weight of the baby during the pregnancy as well as aid in labor, delivery and recovery.  Using light weights for toning and improving circulation is optimal to prime you for the marathons of baby-holding in your future.  The ballet barre aides in stability as your center of gravity changes, as well as helping keep your alignment and posture in check.  Practicing Karve also reduces your chance of gaining excessive weight and helping you regain pre-pregnancy fitness levels. 

As women, we face a huge obstacle to exercising after having babies. We suddenly have someone literarily crying for us not to leave and go work out! This is why new mothers who are less active while pregnant have a bit more trouble finding the motivation and muscle memory to regain their pre-pregnancy fitness levels. Overall, Karve appeals to most women because of its elongating effects on the body and low impact, which makes it safe for virtually every type of body - including the pregnant woman.

1. Taking Karve class during pregnancy gives you more energy.
2. The exercises developed in the Karve method help reduce symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, constipation, and varicose veins.
3. Your circulation will improve - leading to less swelling.
4. Practicing the Karve method during pregnancy can lead to an easier labor and a faster postpartum recovery due to increased body awareness and core strength.
5. You feel better about yourself and healthier in general!

Wether you are pregnant, have just had a baby, or are even planning on becoming pregnant soon, you should experience the Karve method and it’s wonderful adaptability to all fitness levels and pre and post-natal stages.