Hmmm... Aquanatal classes or a pamper day??

I know which one I’d choose if I was put on the spot!  There is nothing more relaxing than going to a spa, especially when you are pregnant.  Some gentle exercise, relaxation, maybe a massage?  All-in-all, £100+ well spent. 

So why on earth would you choose aqua-natal classes instead?  Well for a start, our courses are great value and the benefits last for six weeks - a lot longer than a spa day! 

Aqua-natal sessions are perfect for mums-to-be because they combine exercise, relaxation, swimming and best of all......the opportunity to be with other mums-to-be. 

How wonderful during a spa day to take part in an exercise class or go for a swim?  But did you know that there are many exercises which mums-to-be should avoid?  In pregnancy the hormone Relaxin goes into overdrive and relaxes all your muscles and joints to allow your cervix to relax and stretch ready for birth.  It is therefore really important that a mum-to-be only goes to exercise classes with a teacher who understands the pregnant body.  In our aqua-natal classes, teachers are qualified to teach ante-natal swimming and have full knowledge of what you should and shouldn’t do whilst swimming. 

But of course, a spa day is really about the relaxation: lying on a sun lounger with a good book or magazine.  I remember one occasion when I couldn’t wait for the un-interrupted reading time........until I fell asleep......for three hours!  I obviously needed it, but instead of feeling relaxed, I felt cheated having slept through half of it! 

So what can aqua-natal classes offer you in the way of relaxation?  Well, after your safe and pregnancy-appropriate exercise and ante-natal swimming, you have an opportunity for some gentle relaxation and this is my favourite part of the lesson – relaxing music playing in the background whilst you chat to other mums-to-be or just simply allow the water to massage your bump whilst you bring your heartbeat down. 

All in all, an aqua-natal class gives you everything you to keep you fit, healthy, relaxed and prepared for birth.  I wish aqua-natal was around when I was pregnant with my two children!