Group classes are prenatal friendly
No separate prenatal class required. With an uncomplicated pregnancy you can keep taking our regular Ann Arbor Reformer classes, and your instructor provides modifications right in class.
Prenatal Pilates · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Prenatal Pilates in Ann Arbor
Pilates can be a great way to keep moving during pregnancy, and many of our classes can be adapted along the way. Whether you're new to Pilates or already part of the studio, this page will help you figure out whether a group class or private session makes the most sense for you.
- Group classes are prenatal friendly
- No separate prenatal class required
- Both Ann Arbor studios
- Individualized modifications
Why Core Collective
Prenatal Pilates, without sitting on the sidelines
You want an instructor who understands how your body is changing and can confidently adapt exercises when needed. That's exactly what we strive to provide.
Individualized modifications
Modifications are based on your body, your stage of pregnancy, your abilities and your comfort - not a one-size-fits-all prenatal template. Modifications are a normal, unremarkable part of every class here.
Instructors trained in prenatal
Every instructor completes a comprehensive four-month training program that includes prenatal exercise and modifications, plus hands-on prenatal experience before teaching independently.
Athletic, evidence-based Pilates
Strength-focused instruction grounded in current research rather than outdated pregnancy myths or unnecessary restrictions - so you can keep challenging yourself safely, and understand why a modification is offered.
If an exercise feels comfortable, controlled and appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, there may be no need to modify it. If it doesn't, we'll help you find an option that does.
Prenatal-friendly formats
Which classes should I take?
We would recommend choosing from one of the following classes, as these are easiest for prenatal clients to modify:
Core Classic
Easy for prenatal clients to modify. Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins.
Core Focus - Upper Body + Core
Easy for prenatal clients to modify. Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins.
Core Focus - Lower Body + Core
Easy for prenatal clients to modify. Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins.
Core Circuit
Easy for prenatal clients to modify. Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins.
Core Stretch
Easy for prenatal clients to modify. Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins.
These classes focus on strength, mobility, balance and core control and can be easily modified as pregnancy progresses. If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, there is no reason you need a prenatal-specific class - our regular classes are prenatal friendly. If you're unsure which class is the best fit, we'd be happy to help you decide.
Safety & modifications
How modifications work
There's no single week when everything changes. We follow your body's feedback and adjust the exercise, not the whole workout.
How you'll know it's time to modify
- You notice coning or doming along your abdomen
- You feel pain or discomfort
- You feel pressure through your abdomen or pelvic floor
- You find yourself holding your breath or bearing down
- You feel unstable or unable to maintain good control
- The movement simply doesn't feel right anymore
Sometimes a small adjustment is all that's needed to make an exercise feel comfortable again.
Common modifications
- Keeping your head down during abdominal exercises
- Keeping your knees in tabletop instead of extending your legs
- Alternating leg movements rather than moving both legs together
- Working from a more upright seated position
- Elevating your hands during planks
- Performing planks from your knees
- Shortening your range of motion
Which ones we suggest depends on your Pilates experience and stage of pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider comes first
As long as you've been cleared by your healthcare provider and feel comfortable, Pilates can remain a safe and effective form of exercise throughout pregnancy.
Every pregnancy is different, and recommendations sometimes change as pregnancy progresses. If your healthcare provider advises you to modify your activity or temporarily stop exercising, we encourage you to follow their recommendations. Once you're cleared to return, we'll help you ease back into class at a pace that's appropriate for your recovery.
Our instructors are movement professionals, not medical providers. Questions about whether exercise is appropriate for your specific pregnancy should go to your physician, midwife or other healthcare professional.
From a client
What clients say about training through pregnancy
A client testimonial shared publicly - not medical advice. Always follow your provider's guidance.
“I went to Core Collective on Plymouth road for Pilates until the day I went into labor! They are trained to work with pregnant ladies and offer lots of modifications if needed. I can’t say enough good things about the place!”
Before you book
Where should I start?
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time to begin Pilates. When you start does influence which class we'd recommend first.
First trimester
Our group Reformer classes are usually a great place to start. Most people are still moving much as they did before pregnancy, which makes the fundamentals easier to learn.
Second or third trimester
If you're new to Pilates, we generally recommend one or two private sessions first so we can introduce the equipment and review modifications at your pace.
Already doing Pilates
There's usually no reason to stop taking group classes. Your instructor will help you modify as your pregnancy progresses.
Tell your instructor before class
Even if you're early or not showing yet. You only have to say it once - we can tag your account - and we'll never announce your pregnancy to the class. You don't need to know which exercises to avoid; that's what we're here for.
When a private session helps
If you're new to Pilates and already in your second or third trimester, a private session lets us introduce the equipment, teach foundational movement and review modifications at your pace. For many clients, one or two sessions are all that's needed before joining group classes.
Questions
Prenatal Pilates FAQs
The questions that come up most when someone is deciding whether to book.
Still have questions? Text or call us at 734.999.0372.
Prenatal Pilates resources
Learn more about Pilates during pregnancy
The detailed guides our instructors get asked for most - modifications, coning, supine work, planks, trimesters and postpartum.
Prenatal6 min read
Can I Start Pilates While Pregnant?
Yes - and many clients find us while they're expecting. When you start does change which class we'd recommend first.
Read more: Can I Start Pilates While Pregnant?
Prenatal5 min read
Returning to Pilates Postpartum: What to Expect
Every recovery is different. Here's how we think about clearance, easing back in and pausing your membership in the meantime.
Read more: Returning to Pilates Postpartum: What to ExpectReady when you are
Sign up for your first class and let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins - we'll take care of the rest.