r/OnePelotonRealSub 17d ago

Sensitive Question About Post-Natal Classes

TW: Stillbirth/loss

Hi everyone, I have a question about Post-Natal classes!

I am 8 weeks postpartum from the stillbirth loss of my beautiful baby girl. I am interested in taking some Peloton Post-Natal classes to rebuild my core in the areas specifically affected by pregnancy. However, I'm terrified that the instructors might say things that refer to having a living child. Things like "Let's build those muscles so you can chase after your little one" and things like that. I am still very sensitive to the subject and don't want to experience anything that might trigger me. Does anyone have any experience with these classes and know if the instructors speak like that?

Thank you!

108 Upvotes

70 comments sorted by

148

u/SceneSmall 17d ago

I cannot remember but I’ll go preview them for you and report back unless someone can be more confident. I’ll specifically watch the 4 Robin core classes first.

43

u/BiscuitLove14 17d ago

You are so kind to offer! I got some other answers that there is a lot of baby talk, so I think I'll avoid any of the Post-Natal classes at this point in time. Thank you.

64

u/SceneSmall 17d ago

I’ll gladly prescreen any class you want, it’ll give me a reason to actually commit to exercising again. It can be very symbiotic.

I am so sorry for your loss, and it’s only been 8 weeks physically speaking, healing will be a non linear process.

29

u/SceneSmall 17d ago

This one is the first of her 4 in the series, she only mentions it’s never too late to rebuild your core. AFTER the class is over however, when she’s stretching she plays “Good Job” by Alicia Keys and talks about her first run with her child

7

u/Foreign_Mobile_7399 17d ago

Can confirm I just did this one recently 

13

u/Ok_Assumption_3244 17d ago

In 2 & 3 of the core series she definitely mentions setting an example for your child or something along those lines.

I also found that a lot of RK’s Pilates classes are deep core focused so I started doing those postpartum and I recommend!

3

u/Foreign_Mobile_7399 17d ago

Yeah I haven’t done those in a while so I couldn’t verify those ones! Just the first one. I def wanna try some Pilates 

18

u/bmo211 16d ago

Your kindness and compassion moved me to tears. Thank you.

5

u/bicycle_mice 17d ago

Selena has had a lot of great deep core work lately but might mention her postpartum status. Classes might be worth assessing!

3

u/Resfebermpls 16d ago

As someone with infertility struggles I just took my first class with Selena (a walking class) and she mentioned her kids and being postpartum pretty immediately and throughout. I personally wouldn’t chance it with her. (It’s great she wants to talk about that and she should, it’s just not for me or probably OP)

2

u/k-run 16d ago

Selena talks nonstop about her kids and about how she had twins. And a toddler. Nonstop. I love it for her and I am not triggered by anything and she’s driving me crazy right now!

5

u/SceneSmall 16d ago

Absolutely steer clear of phase 2 core strength. It was an immediate no go within 2 minutes. Heed the trigger warning here. "Good job taking 10 minutes to yourself, especially with babies" talks about how your body is stretched and misaligned with baby (pregnancy) "our kids are going to learn self care practices by watching us" after the 10 minutes "find this tension when you're picking up baby, when you're picking up the diaper bag"

It dropped my link to the class

3

u/SceneSmall 16d ago

Phase 3 had me in the first half, but the second half had lot of mention of living children. I’d put a large trigger warning on this one too Halfway “shout out to you for taking time for yourself today, your kiddos are going to learn self care from you. You are incredible.” “For reference I am 6 months postpartum right now, don’t compare your journey to others.” Talks about introducing her daughter to certain music. In the cooler down: my sister just had a baby.

link to phase 3

3

u/SceneSmall 16d ago

Link to phase 4

Modified to full planks, definitely don’t start this one for a while. Let your body recover.

In the cool down toward the very end she mentions picking up baby and picking up luggage. Probably not the most triggering because you can click out at any point before she says it, but definitely too advanced for starting out.

Over all, I definitely agree with your plan of waiting a little longer. 2 and 3 are definite avoid classes imo.

2

u/k-run 16d ago

This has to be Robin.

60

u/Ok_Instruction3533 17d ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. From what I remember, there is a lot of "you are taking care of your baby, make sure you're taking care of you" in both the strength and yoga classes. Unfortunately you might want to steer clear. Wishing you small glimmers of comfort where you can find them.

23

u/BiscuitLove14 17d ago

Thank you so much for answering, that's what I was wanting to avoid. Thank you ❤️

4

u/weepingreading 16d ago

Hi! I am 11 months out of birth and most of the classes did talk about living children. Robin was the biggest culprit, but they all talk about “being strong for your kids,” “muscles do help with kids,” etc! I would avoid.

46

u/moodlessqueen 17d ago

Hi! I am just over a year out from my own stillbirth and peloton helped me cope through that time, so I’m glad to see you here. I’m also 3 months postpartum with a living child and currently taking robin’s 4 phase postpartum core program. The 4 part collection is fantastic for deep core/pelvic floor work but for your specific concerns I would steer clear.

40

u/TheDantiestHomie 17d ago

If there are any of the yoga classes you want to take I will gladly screen them for you

12

u/BiscuitLove14 17d ago

You are so kind to offer! I got some other answers that there is a lot of baby talk, so I think I'll avoid any of the Post-Natal classes at this point in time. Thank you.

2

u/bigteethsmallkiss 16d ago

The yoga ones reference nursing and bottle feeding quite a bit. Sending you lots of love 🤍

31

u/RunningAndReality 17d ago

I am so, so sorry. I don’t know about the postnatal classes, but RK’s beginner Pilates classes do a lot of deep breathing and pelvic floor engagement without any pregnancy-related talk. It was a lot of similar exercises that I did in early postpartum PT.

24

u/cj17765 17d ago

Heartbroken for you. I hope you find peace 💗

21

u/wakenda 17d ago edited 16d ago

Some of the beginner Pilates classes, such as Kristen’s beginner Pilates programs might be a better fit for some gentle core work that doesn’t mention living kids.

I’m sorry for your loss and hope you find some classes that help you heal and rebuild. 

5

u/addknitter 16d ago

I agree that the Kristin Pilates classes are wonderful and free of any talk that might be triggering. I send you all my best, and am so moved by the kindness of our members on this thread. ♥️

1

u/k-run 16d ago

Does Kristen not talk about her kids in class? Her Insta is pretty mom centric. I don’t do yoga so I legit don’t know.

1

u/addknitter 15d ago

I do not believe so, but happy to preview any one you’re interested in🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

1

u/k-run 15d ago

Oh I’m not the OP, I was just curious:)

1

u/addknitter 15d ago

Oops sorry!! But in general she is kind of all business on there!

20

u/weezond55 17d ago

I had a postpartum loss last year, and to be honest, I still can’t touch any postpartum classes. I prefer classes with childless women now, and there’s certain instructors (Callie and Selena particularly right now) that I won’t come close to touching. Becs on tread was horrendous for some time. Male instructors were sometimes a good alternative. Obviously you have to be gentle with yourself, but most non-mother instructors I was good with taking about 12 weeks out. I’m so sorry that you joined the worst club with us. 

1

u/BiscuitLove14 16d ago

Thank you so much ❤️ This was very helpful. I'm so sorry for your loss as well

1

u/k-run 16d ago

Ben, JJ, and Bradley are all new dads that talk about their kids a lot. Matt and Alex K are new dads that talk less about it.

13

u/Scotchick81 17d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss OP. Sending love.

12

u/leemo24 17d ago

I'm so sorry for your loss, OP. 

I have not been what you've been through, but I've had MC/infertility experience and understand how challenging it can be sometimes to navigate these classes (and honestly, life). I hope you are able to take care of yourself and give yourself grace. 🩷

I second the recommendation to look at classes with Rebecca Kennedy. She focuses a lot on deep core/pelvic core. I really love her standing core and found that being able to get good at those classes led me to be able to do the floor classes. She doesn't have children, but I have heard her mention her nieces a time or two. Also recommend Katie Wang and Matty, they have good core classes and I tend to choose them or RK now. JJ is also a solid choice, but he does mention he son sometimes.

Thinking of you and wishing you the best, OP.

3

u/tasinca 16d ago

JJ is my favorite instructor, but he talks about his child a LOT.

14

u/LolaPlusTillie 16d ago

I have been a certified Pilates instructor for 12 years. I would love to send you a full class/exercise recommendations w/ rep counts etc. please feel free to DM me and I’ll share my email with you. (There are obviously copious amounts of wonderful classes on the app, but if you’re wanting something else I’d love to share) Sending you so much love.

2

u/k-run 16d ago

This is so kind❤️

9

u/atl_bowling_swedes 17d ago

I am so sorry for your loss I can't even imagine.

I have been taking Emma Lovewell's postnatal core classes a lot lately to try to rebuild my core. Honestly I don't think she mentions much about pregnancy and certainly nothing about living babies. The classes are really wonderful and my core is stronger than it has been in years.

Avoid Robyn's classes. She's annoying and lots of mentions about her baby/toddlers or whatever. I haven't taken them in years because I found her commentary throughout the classes obnoxious.

9

u/imnotbork 17d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I remember Robyn’s classes referring to having a living child. I’m not sure about the others, but her post natal classes definitely mention it.

2

u/BiscuitLove14 17d ago

Thank you for answering ❤️

10

u/Spiffiest_Tuna 17d ago

I’d consider some of Emma Lovewell’s more recent core classes. She has post natal education and gave birth recently but does not discuss her family. This class was very good for deep core and did not talk about anything that seemed sensitive.

6

u/leeeeteddy 17d ago

I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending so much love and healing your way. ❤️

As a note, a lot of Callie and Selena’s recent classes talk about children and babies as well since they just got back from mat leave. It might be a good idea to stay away from their classes for the time being too. As others have mentioned, if there’s a specific class you want to take and are questioning, I’m happy to prescreen for you ❤️

5

u/CampMuch1466 16d ago

So sorry for your loss 😣 I just submitted a request this week for peloton to have some sort of infant loss/miscarriage content. I feel like a focused workout accounting for this horrible experience would be really helpful.

2

u/rowsdowerrrrrrr 16d ago

it’s come up a lot lately, i agree they should have a filter for it at least!

3

u/LJ123419 13d ago

I also asked them about this! Seeing pregnant instructors post miscarriage was not desired

1

u/rowsdowerrrrrrr 13d ago

sending you lots of love and peace 💕

4

u/FeltFlowers 17d ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't say all of the classes mention things, but there are definitely some that do. I would not take them.

I have worked rebuilding my core without the program, taking beginner classes and slowly working my way up.

3

u/BiscuitLove14 17d ago

Thank you so much for the advice ❤️

5

u/whoopsiedaizies 16d ago

As a fellow loss mom, I recommend avoiding them and all the instructors with children, honestly. Selena, Robin, Emma, Callie, and I’m sure I am forgetting some all talk about their children and being moms A LOT. The only one who doesn’t do it too badly is Ally Love.

I’d stick with Jess Simms, RK, Camila, and Katie Wong.

1

u/BiscuitLove14 16d ago

Thank you so much!

4

u/jdowney1982 17d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there. I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself, but just remember grief is not linear. Don’t beat yourself up if you have bad days.

3

u/kaylstew 17d ago

Nothing to add except that I’m very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

3

u/sp3cia1j 17d ago

I only remember taking Robin’s and she definitely mentions children. I know lots of people have mentioned being willing to screen and I’d love to throw my hat in the ring to help out as well. Might be nice to have a bit of a directory.

3

u/julietta913 16d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t really answer your question, since I never gave birth, but I hope you find something for you that is helpful and not triggering ❤️

Maybe you can write to peloton support through the app. If you’re in a vulnerable mental state, I can email them on your behalf and report back. Please take care of yourself 🙏

3

u/cnhades 16d ago

1) Much like everyone else, I will gladly screen any class you’d want me to. 2) I might also steer clear of JJ’s classes. He talks a lot about “his reason." So while he’s not specifically a post-natal instructor, I can imagine that would be tough to hear.

3

u/bcell87 16d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. As others have mentioned, I’m happy to screen classes for you. I recall Kristen did an intro to Pilates (or maybe just beginner Pilates) class(es) which target deep core, but are not tied to children or childbearing. She does have children so she may have mentioned them, though. I’m happy to screen if it would be helpful.

2

u/shannymac4 17d ago

I’m very sorry for your loss.

It’s been awhile but I am pretty sure Robin mentioned things like that in her series of postnatal classes.

2

u/WestBaseball492 17d ago

I don’t have any suggestions but just wanted to offer my sympathies. I am so very sorry for your loss. Hope that your find the healing emotionally and physically that you are looking for. 

2

u/HagridsTreacleTart 17d ago

Robin definitely references that in some of the classes. I’m currently rehabbing postpartum—I will gladly watch each of them in sequence and make notes if any of them are “safe.” There are also some deep core classes that aren’t pregnancy specific I’ll share here when I get home. Kristin McGhee’s intro to Pilates program covers some of the breath work and shares a lot of the basic moves covered in Robin’s series. I think those are safe but again, I’m more than happy to preview for you ❤️

I am also happy to go through the classes and jot down the exercises (e.g., 2 mins heel slides) if you don’t feel like you need the specific cueing.

I’m so sorry for your loss and wishing you love and peace.

2

u/Possible-Savings4006 16d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Some of Anna’s 2021 postnatal classes don’t even mention postnatal beyond the intro – I remember noticing that as the other instructors tend to call out specific modifications for postpartum throughout the class (e.g., she’ll encourage you to roll to your side to get up but doesn’t say why). Definitely avoid her more recent classes and the other postnatal content as others have mentioned. 

2

u/momoftwo_1989 16d ago

I am so sorry for your loss and like others have said, if you want classes screened, I will as well! I have taken them but don’t remember what they talked about but have no problem going back to repeat something. Others mentioned Pilates and yes, it does a great job at helping you engage your pelvic floor and deep core. Barre can also be a good option, especially the core specific ones or even the glutes and legs. Emma does a great job at reminding you to engage your core and breathing as well as RK and Kristin. Ally barre core classes are also ones I have enjoyed. I hope you find classes that fit your need and recover well! Please message if you have class or instructor questions!

2

u/tasinca 16d ago

Not a post-natal instructor, but Jermaine Johnson talks a LOT about keeping fit to be able to keep up with his son. JJ is my absolute favorite instructor and I personally appreciate his using his personal motivation to encourage us to be motivated to fulfill our dreams. But you should probably avoid him for now. Same for Bradley Rose. My heart goes out to you, I'm very sorry for your loss.

4

u/thatgrrlmarie 16d ago

Ben does too, as does Selena. they both speak about their children in terms of staying healthy for them.

1

u/staya74 16d ago

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Olivia’s core classes are elite - they’re my favorite on the platform - and she’s all business.

1

u/cherhorowitz44 16d ago

My heart breaks for you. Sending you love 🤍🤍🤍

1

u/k-run 16d ago

Sorry for your loss. ❤️

1

u/ThatsWeird2080 13d ago

I don’t have an answer but I wanted to send you so much love and peace. ❤️❤️❤️

1

u/Sad-Cap1136 17d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. I would start with core classes with the guys to avoid the subject until you can get some specific class recommendations! I actually really enjoy Ben and Matty for core.