TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND RE-CENTRE?
I am originally from South Africa, and currently live in SE London with my husband Adam and 2 kids Zachary and Anouk. I was a professional dancer for 15 years and after having kids discovered a passion for postpartum rehabilitation. I also work part time for a charity called Dancers Career Development that helps dancers navigate transition once their performing career ends.
I started re-centre in January 2021 with the intention of making Low Pressure Fitness accessible and empowering mums in their postpartum recovery.
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY LEAD YOU TO WORKING IN POSTNATAL REHABILITATION?
I had taught Pilates for many years whilst dancing, and had thought I would find recovering postpartum fairly straightforward. After a 3rd degree tear that was not the case. I was teaching postnatal Pilates and just wasn’t seeing results both for myself and my clients with issues like diastasis and prolapse. I found out about a new approach called Low Pressure Fitness and went to Spain to study it. I used the technique in the recovery after my second child and was hooked! I couldn’t believe how much stronger and functional I got doing it.
I’ve felt a huge drive to share this work with woman, especially because of the real need that many have, and the lack of support offered in maternal care specifically with pelvic floor dysfunction. Seeing so many clients symptoms improve or even disappear has been incredibly rewarding.
Simone wears the Black Poppy Jumpsuit
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW MUM WHO HAS CONCERNS ABOUT HER POSTNATAL BODY?
In my opinion every new mum should be checked my a women’s health physio. If you have any concerns know that there is so much that can be done. Many mums experience issues postpartum, so know you are not alone, but don’t ignore them and reach out for help. Your GP can refer you to a women’s health physio, but you will most likely have to ask.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR MUMS LOOKING TO GET BACK INTO EXERCISE?
Your body has done an extraordinary thing! Whether you have sustained any birth injuries or not, it is worthwhile doing pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation so that you are working from a strong base. Your body has undergone radical changes in posture and it is really important to take the necessary time to work with your body to build the strength and function in your core so that your posture can align well for all the heavy lifting that being a mum requires! Once your core is strong it is much easier to return to all the activities and exercise you enjoyed before having babies.
TELL US WHAT YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT BEYOND NINE?
I love how comfortable and beautifully cut my jumpsuit is. It’s rare to find clothing that you can feel comfortable in and fits well. It almost makes me want to have another child to wear it pregnant.
Find out more about Simone and her classes at Re Centre here