For Immediate Release

Contact:

Laura Blodgett

734-712-4536

Laura.Blodgett@stjoeshealth.org

May 10, 2018

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- MOVE Wellness, a local fitness and wellness studio, is collaborating with St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor to offer Prenatal Pilates classes through St. Joe’s Women’s Health Center. The six-week course, beginning May 24, will help expectant mothers exercise safely and strengthen their bodies to prepare for labor and delivery.

The new Prenatal Pilates series is an opportunity to introduce Pilates to the wider community and empower women during their pregnancies. Pilates is suitable for people of all fitness levels and stages of life, but can be especially beneficial for pregnant women looking to strengthen their bodies pre-delivery.

“Pilates can be a safe and effective way for women to exercise during pregnancy,” said Jennifer Schaible, director of Women and Children's Services at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. “Encouraging them to move more during this time will help them feel their best as they approach labor and delivery. We are pleased to join with MOVE Wellness to deliver these services. MOVE’s quality of care and caliber of teaching matches the level of service we provide here at St. Joe's.”

The MOVE Prenatal Pilates class was designed specifically to help women safely and efficiently condition their bodies for pregnancy and beyond. This is MOVE’s first time offering patient services, although they have collaborated with St. Joe’s Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals to offer employee fitness classes and wellness workshops.

“We love working with St. Joe's and are excited to extend our services into patient care beginning with maternal health,” said Elaine Economou, president & CEO of MOVE Wellness. “Pilates is especially helpful during the prenatal period when the weight of a growing baby can put stress on the core and pelvic floor, which can cause back pain and postural issues. Learning to move and stretch safely will help new moms understand how to care for their changing bodies throughout the prenatal period.”

The Prenatal Pilates classes will be available to the wider community, although physician approval is required to attend classes.

For more information about the classes, contact MOVE Wellness at (734) 761-2306.

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About MOVE Fitness and Wellness

MOVE is a mind-body fitness studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which offers a wide range of services designed to help clients live healthier, happier lives. The company employs highly experienced trainers to guide clients through Pilates, GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS®, yoga, HIIT, and more. For more information, please visit https://www.movewellness.com/.