A review of the Pre- and Post- Natal Lab workshop with Fasion Method and KXEducation

I was recently invited to Katelyn Evan’s Pre- and Post- Natal Lab workshop at KXU. Getting my pre- and post- natal qualification has been on my to-do list for a long time, so this workshop was the perfect place to start.

The course instructor:
Katelyn is a former Canadian figure skater turned exercise physiologist who applies her knowledge in exercise science and sports performance, functional training, strength and conditioning, vinyasa yoga, stress management, rehabilitation and fascial stretch therapy to some of Hollywood’s finest and London’s most elite. There’s no denying she’s a great friend to have in the industry.
 
The facilities - KXU:
I can’t really explain how amazing the KXU setting is! For anyone who doesn’t know: KXU is a phenomenal boutique fitness and wellness studio in the heart of Sloane Square, London, where you can train, refuel and recover. If you’re into fitness, and like your fitness studios to come with a side of swagger, this is the place for you.
 
KXU has an outstanding health café, (can highly recommend the freshly-made protein smoothies!). Plus, the changing rooms are luxe!

I’m happy to report that it’s not all looks and no substance! Aaron Deere – the KX Education Manager, runs a tight ship! His technical knowledge and commitment to evidence-based nutrition, training and education is outstanding, and I could tell he was ‘one of the good ones’ from the moment we met.

​The course:
Firstly - it was very well structured. What do I mean by that? Well, to help attendees prepare and hit the ground running, Katelyn and Aaron sent 7 pre-reads ahead of the workshop. This material alone had me walking into the workshop feeling confident, more informed and primed for learning more.

I also loved that the teaching covered multiple learning formats to suit different types of learners – materials included audios, visuals/images, readings and practical.
 
The most interesting thing I learnt from the pre-reading material was just how much the female body is able to withstand and how quickly it can adapt. Sometimes I worry that pregnant women abandon exercise too quickly, which can hinder their recovery in the long run. Under the right medical and trainer supervision, guidance and programming, pregnant women can train to stay fit and strong throughout their pregnancy. 
 
The workshop kicked-off by delving deep into the multiple considerations during each trimester and Katelyn’s programme recommendations, along with her perfectly placed TIPS and FACTS on each slide to really help drive home her message.
 
Next-up, we covered weight-gain distributions, musculoskeletal adaptions and pregnancy changes, before delving into the post-natal action plan. Did you know that lower body conditioning whilst in your 2nd trimester can help prevent Varicose Veins? Amazing, right!?
 
Katelyn then presented her post-natal action plan which taught us about breathing and the diaphragm, how to strengthen pelvic floor health and manage prolapses and postural changes.

​Finally, Katelyn paired us up for some hands-on practical work where she taught us how to assess a pregnant woman’s capabilities, and how to stretch them correctly and progress their core and movement once the baby has been born.

As a Pilates instructor, I am pretty clued-onto good core strengthening exercises and how to adapt them, but Katelyn presented some that I’d never actually thought of before! Which is key to development no matter how long you’ve been in the industry!
 
This course had the perfect blend of theoretical and practical learning which I am already implementing, even to my non-pregnant clients! This workshop is in the process of being certified so you too can apply this knowledge expertly and safely to your pre- and post-natal clients!
 
Be sure to check out Katelyn’s Faison Method and KXEducation for more!!
 
Speak soon, JC. ​