Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates in Brooklyn Heights

Discover the benefits of Pilates & Barre workouts during and after pregnancy.

I’m pregnant. Is it safe to take class?

Barre is the most pre and postnatal-friendly class on our schedule. Most Barre class exercises are safe throughout your entire pregnancy and postpartum period. Our instructors will skillfully guide you through any required modifications.

Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Pilates Strength classes are generally safe up until midway through pregnancy (18-20 weeks). Postnatal clients, especially those with diastasis, should avoid these core-centric classes until the gap has narrowed.

We offer specialty programming for new and expectant moms, as well as Pre & Postnatal Pilates privates on the Pilates equipment. You can find answers to common questions about our pre & postnatal classes, in our FAQ.

Pregnant woman at prenatal barre class at Pilates Heights
Woman and baby in front carrier at Baby and Barre fitness class at Pilates Heights in Brooklyn Heights

Baby, Meet Barre.

Barre + Baby is the mommy-and-me class that’s also a real workout. Connect with fellow moms and move together in a supportive, uplifting space. Safe for clients with diastasis recti. Maximum recommended baby weight: 18-20 lbs. Bring your own supportive baby carrier.

Mondays at 1:15pm, Tuesdays at 10:30am, and Thursdays at 10:30am.

Pregnant woman practicing reformer pilates at Pilates Heights in Brooklyn Heights

Prenatal Pilates Mat & Reformer Classes

No major modifications required in these deliciously designed routines catered specifically to the pregnant body. Specialty Prenatal Pilates Mat and Prenatal Pilates Reformer classes feature the most beneficial & pregnancy-friendly movements to help you stay active during and after pregnancy. Safe for all trimesters. Postnatal clients welcome, too!

Prenatal Reformer: Tuesdays at 6pm | Prenatal Mat: Saturdays at 12pm

A pregnant woman practicing reformer pilates while a pilates instructor looks on

Prenatal & Postnatal Privates

Train 1:1 with an instructor who is experienced working with prenatal and postnatal bodies. You will use the Pilates equipment to re-awaken the connection to your deep abdominal (TVA) muscles through a skillful blend of stability and mobility exercises designed to work the core from the inside out. Each session will incorporate standing movements and light to moderate cardio, as well as much-needed stretching (upper back and neck, we see you!) $140 per 55 minute session.

prenatal barre fitness class at Pilates Heights in Brooklyn Heights

Gentle Barre

Gentle Barre is a slower-paced version of our all levels class, and is an excellent option for prenatal and postpartum clients looking for a more restorative movement experience. Like all of our Barre classes, the majority of the exercises are safe throughout pregnancy, and modifications will be provided when necessary.

Thursdays at 9am, Saturdays at 1:30pm & Sundays at 11:30am

Pre & Postnatal FAQs

  • Up until 18 weeks, we recommend both Barre & Pilates classes. No modifications required, unless your doctor or body tells you otherwise. For your safety, beyond 18 weeks, clients are not permitted into group Pilates classes (Mat, Fusion, or Group Reformer).

  • Beyond 18 weeks, prenatal clients should avoid torso rotation (a small twist is OK), spinal flexion (as in a “sit-up”), and lying on your back for extended periods of time. These are shapes we find ourselves in often in a group Pilates class, and modifying around them makes for a frustrating class experience. We recommend pre & postnatal specialty classes and/or privates if you want to maintain your Pilates practice throughout your pregnancy journey.

  • We recommend getting medical clearance from your physician before resuming physical activity post-pregnancy. In our experience that typically happens at around 6 weeks postpartum (up to 10 weeks post cesarean.)

  • To ensure the safety of both parent / caretaker and child, the maximum baby weight is in the 18-20 pound range.

  • No. Please bring your own supportive baby carrier. No slings allowed. Baby stays in the carrier for most of the class, and in our experience, they love it!

  • Mom can expect a challenging, postnatal friendly workout. Rest assured, you will work, sweat, and have fun.

  • Many of our instructors, including all Barre + Baby instructors, are trained to check for diastasis. Ask your instructor! We also offer privates and semi-privates designed specifically to teach clients with mild to moderate diastasis how to work their abdominals safely during the healing period.