FAQs and further information
WHAT DO THE FITNESS CLASSES INVOLVE?
The classes start with a gradual warm up and then progress on to an aerobics workout. All the aerobics steps will be easy to follow and predominately low impact. After the aerobics workout, we'll do some toning and strengthening exercises targeting the muscles which change during pregnancy eg abdominals, bum, chest and back. After that, we'll do a nice relaxing stretching session to relieve tension at the end of your day. At this point, you'll be trying to relax and your baby'll probably begin exercising and wriggling about!
WHAT DO THE PILATES CLASSES INVOLVE?
Bump to Babe Pregnancy Pilates Classes start off with a standing and/or seated mobilising warm up which prepares the vertebrae of your spine and the joints of your body for your Pilates workout. Then, we progress on to exercises which target the lower body, abdominals, upper body, and get you thinking about your core, pelvic floor and the muscles which help stabilise your shoulders and pelvis. After that, if time permits, we'll do a relaxation session, followed by a cool down stretch session to relieve tension.
WHEN CAN I START EXERCISING?
You can exercise from as early as your 2nd trimester/12 weeks. Doctor’s Consent may be required by some participants before you can start exercising. Also, bear in mind, pregnancy is NOT the time to start a new exercise regime. If you haven't done an aerobic activity before eg running, aerobics, cycling, swimming, these classes may not be suitable for you. Further information, Registration Form and a Doctor's Consent Form can be found on the “register” tab of this website.
HOW LONG DOES EACH CLASS LAST FOR?
Each class lasts for an hour.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Pregnancy Fitness Classes - £60* for 10 sessions (11th session free!) - *£65 for 2012 classes
Pregnancy Pilates 6-week courses - £55 (refer a friend and receive a 50% discount!)
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A good support/sports bra is essential and well-fitting, supportive trainers which fit your feet properly. It’s not uncommon for your feet to swell to a size bigger during pregnancy, so please make sure you old trainers don’t feel too tight. You’ll need to wear a comfortable t-shirt/sports top on your upper body. Shorts/cropped tracksuit bottoms may be more appropriate for your lower body because your body temperature is slighter higher than 37 degrees during pregnancy, so you'll probably feel more comfortable if more of skin is exposed. A maternity support belt may be needed to provide a little bit more support for your back/pelvis as your baby grows bigger too.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring along a bottle of water, a mat and a pillow to support your head/bump.
ARE THE CLASSES TAUGHT BY A QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR?
Yes, Claire holds the YMCA Level 3 Personal Trainer Award, Level 3 Ante/Postnatal Instructor Certificate and Level 3 Pilates Instructor Certificate. Claire also has further Level 2 qualifications in Exercise to Music/Aerobics, Core Stability (Abdominal strength) and Circuit Training. Claire has a First Aid at Work certificate, is a full member of The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Instructors and FitPro and is also fully insured for Public Liability.
IS CAR PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE LADY BAY SCOUT HUT / FRIARY SCOUT HALL?
There are no designated car parking facilities available for Scout Hut users, but there are parking spaces available on either Trent Boulevard or Mona Road for you to use. There are around 10 car spaces available for Hall users at the Friary Scout Hall, either between the Hall and the Church, or on Millicent Road at the side of the Church.
I DON'T HAVE A CAR, WHICH BUS DO I CATCH TO THE HALL?
The Lady Bay Scout Hut is easily accessible on the number 11 Trent Boulevard bus route from the city. Ask the driver to let you off at the 3rd bus stop along Trent Boulevard which is Gertrude Road. The Friary Scout Hall is on Musters Road, a short walk from most Trent Bridge bus stops, so catch any NCT bus to Trent Bridge, and walk from there.
ARE CHANGING ROOMS AVAILABLE?
Yes. There are toilets available at both Halls where you can get changed before and/or after the class.
ARE THE CLASSES SET TO MUSIC?
Yes, the classes are set to music just like any other exercise or Pilates class.
THERE AREN'T ANY CLASSES IN MY AREA, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you're really interested in attending Bump to Babe classes, but there aren't any classes within commutable distance for you, why not get a group of friends together and ask Claire to set one up for you! All you'll need is a small community / church hall available for hire.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You’ll need to fill in a Health Screening Questionnaire to register a space. Click here to download it. Email your form back to Claire to secure your place. Please make sure you do this no later than two days before the date you wish to attend. Some mums-to-be may need to obtain Doctor's Consent before they commence Bump to Babe classes. If you'd like to fast track this process, you can download a Doctor's Consent Form (pdf file) and take it along to your Doctor the next time you see them. If you'd prefer that Claire obtains this form on your behalf, please indicate this when emailing back your Registration Form.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COME TO EVERY FITNESS CLASS EVERY WEEK, WHAT CAN I DO?
If you're not able to commit to every session every week, contact Claire to explain the details of your circumstances and she will try and offer you a solution. Remember, your Bump to Babe Card entitles you to your 11th session free and you can use up these sessions on any class, so it may be possible to mix and match your sessions up.
I CAN'T COME TO THE CLASS THIS WEEK, WHAT DO I DO?
If you can't come to a class one week for whatever reason, simply contact Claire via text/email to let her know. Try and give as much notice as possible, because another member may be able to take your place for the class that week. At the end of each session, Claire will generally ask you if you are attending the following week's class. If you told Claire you would be attending and you don't turn up - we may be standing around waiting for you to arrive to get started!
WHAT IF I MISS SEVERAL CLASSES?
If you miss several classes in a row, without letting Claire know of your absence beforehand, please note that your space can not be held open forever. Work, life and family commitments often mean you may have to miss several consecutive classes, so Claire will negotiate a return date with you. If this date is missed, your place will be given to another paying client, and no refunds will be entered into.
HOW DO I DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM?
To download the Registration Form, simply click on the "register" tab and look for the "click here" link halfway down the page to download the form. Once the form has opened on your computer you need to do the following:
1) fill the form in at your computer with your details/answers,
2) save the form on your computer somewhere where you'll be able to find it again, for example in "My Documents", then
3) email the form back to Claire as an attachment to an email, ensuring you state which class you're interested in registering for.
WHAT DO WE DO AFTER THE CLASS HAS FINISHED?
If you have 30 minutes or so to spare, come along to the Lady Bay Pub on Trent Boulevard just up the road from the Hall for a chat and refreshing drink after the class has finished. Having a baby can be quite a daunting experience and this a great opportunity for you to meet and chat to other expectant mums without having to wait until your antenatal classes start. You could also use this time to ask Claire any fitness-related questions you may have.
HOW LATE INTO MY PREGNANCY CAN I EXERCISE?
To be honest, women can still safely exercise quite late into their pregnancy, particularly if their bodies are already used to exercise. You'll be the best judge of when to decide to stop coming along to Bump to Babe classes. Towards your 36th-40th week, you'll certainly need to slow down a little bit; your sense of balance will be hard to control; your growing baby is getting bigger; and you may find that you fatigue quicker and need to take rest breaks marching on the spot or sitting down to take the weight off your feet/ankles. Remember that every women is different, and therefore every pregnancy is different too, so some women will continue to exercise till very close to term, others may have to stop/slow down earlier.
HOW, WHO AND WHEN DO I PAY?
You will be asked to pay £60 for your 10 Fitness Classes, or £50 for your 6 Pilates Sessions. Payment is required upfront, before your first Fitness Class, or before your 6-week Pilates Course starts.
You can pay Claire via cheque or bank transfer. Cheques need to be made payable to Claire Mockridge. Claire will issue you with a Bump to Babe Card at your first Fitness Class, which entitles you to your 11th session free. Remember, you can use up your 11 sessions on any Fitness Class, giving you greater flexibility and opportunity to exercise throughout your pregnancy. The Pilates courses are sold in 6-week courses and sessions can not be transferred from one course to the next.
HOW SOON AFTER HAVING MY BABY CAN I START EXERCISING?
You can exercise safely after having had your baby as early as 6 weeks (natural births) or 10 weeks (c-section). Your Health Visitor/GP will give you the go ahead to commence exercise after having your baby by making sure your stomach muscles have re-aligned properly. Claire runs very successful Mummies and Buggies Postnatal Fitness Classes and CoreBaby Postnatal Pilates Classes where you can get back into shape, without having to organise a babysitter. Details of these sessions can be found at www.mummiesandbuggies.co.uk or www.corebaby.co.uk
CAN I TRANSFER SESSIONS FROM BUMP TO BABE TO MUMMIES AND BUGGIES?
Yes. If you’re not able to use up all 10 of your Bump to Babe sessions when you’re pregnant, once baby has arrived, you can transfer for 2 unused sessions to Claire’s Mummies and Buggies Postnatal Fitness Classes and sign up for a Mummies and Buggies Passport, which operates on the same pay upfront for 10, 11th session FREE system.. Spaces are limited on these postnatal classes, so you're best to enquire early to avoid disappointment.
HAVE A QUESTION?
You can contact Claire Mockridge for further information on Bump to Babe classes as follows:
Telephone – 07747 656550
Email - claire@bumptobabe.co.uk