BabyPilates in English

Pilates for postpartum recovery

BabyPilates course is for you, if you want to

  • Support recovery after childbirth gently
  • Enjoy safe workouts guided by a professional
  • Increase mobility and release body tension
  • Train the pelvic floor muscles and deep abdominal muscles
  • Strengthen the whole body with the gentle movements of pilates
  • Move together with your baby and meet other mothers

The course is not...

  • Just breathing exercises and pelvic floor training, BUT movement alongside these
  • Rushing here and there, BUT carefully performed movements with a relaxed attitude

Pilates helps to reconnect and recover after pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth change your body. Your own body may feel very different and it might feel challenging to start strengthening it. BabyPilates supports recovery from pregnancy by improving muscle balance in the body: stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones.

Taking care of the baby can cause stiffness. The exercises in BabyPilates classes increase mobility, helping you feel more relaxed and agile. Improving mobility plays a big role in your recovery from daily tasks and baby-carrying. In BabyPilates, we especially focus on improving back mobility and increasing the movement of the thoracic spine.

After pregnancy, it is also important to strengthen the deep postural muscles. We pay special attention to exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor and core as well as those that help restore separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).

What is Luhtavilla’s BabyPilates like?

A BabyPilates class begins with standing warm-up exercises that increase mobility and prepare the body for the workout. During the warm-up, babies also get to experience a bit of excitement and socialize with other babies. Positions and ways of carrying the baby are varied to help you learn how to avoid one-sided strain on your body.

The pilates exercises done on the floor improve muscle balance by strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight ones.

  • We pay special attention to exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor and help restore separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).
  • In addition, we focus on strengthening the upper back and glutes, as they support a mother’s recovery.
  • Improving mobility plays a major role. We concentrate on relaxing the hip flexors, opening the shoulder girdle, and increasing thoracic mobility.

Each class also includes a special segment for the baby, which may involve using songs, scarves or exploring baby massage.

Who is BabyPilates suitable for?

Gentle Pilates exercises help the mother recover from pregnancy by strengthening the body and improving mobility. The baby is included as much as possible in the movements and spends part of the class lying on the floor next to the mother.

You can join BabyPilates with a child who can already hold up their head. Classes typically begin when the baby is around 2–3 months old. There is no upper age limit, but participation becomes more challenging once the child starts moving actively by crawling, creeping or walking (usually around 8–10 months old).

You’re welcome to join this course even if you speak Finnish. The instructor is happy to offer personal tips and guidance in both Finnish and English.

Voit osallistua tälle kurssille myös, vaikka olisitkin suomenkielinen. Ohjaajalta voi aina kysyä henkilökohtaisia ohjeita ja tarkennuksia niin suomeksi kuin englanniksikin.

Courses

Baby courses are divided into several modules of the same level. Each module is numbered after the course name – the number does not indicate difficulty, as all modules are of equal level.

First-timers are welcome to join any module. You can sign up for any course, even if you haven’t attended before. Each module includes slightly different content, so even returning participants will find something new.

You can also pay using various exercise benefits. We accept all major exercise payment options, including Smartum, ePassi, and Edenred. Please note that these benefits are personal and can only be used by the individual they are issued to.

Sign up for the waiting list if the course is already full. We will notify those on the list first about any additional courses or open spots. We aim to add more courses for those that have a waiting list. Signing up for the waiting list is not binding but simply indicates your interest.

 

Don’t worry if you miss a class

  • Our courses require you to notify us of any absences. To be eligible for a replacement class, you must inform us before your scheduled class begins. Once you’ve let us know in advance, you can make up the missed session by attending another course class.

    Your notification helps us free up spots for others to attend make-up sessions as well. So please always inform us of your absence to keep the system running smoothly!

    Alternative option: If you have more than two absences, you may request access to recorded sessions as an additional way to make up for missed classes. These recordings are a small collection of individual class videos (teaching language is Finnish). Please contact us by email at [email protected] to request access.

Instructor

Maija Lanteri

Maija is a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and experienced maternal exercise professional whose style fits Luhtavilla perfectly: relaxed, knowledgeable and genuine.

In her coaching, Maija emphasizes proper techniques and body alignment. She wants you to learn how to train safely and efficiently and to understand why certain exercises are done instead of others.

Ohjeet kurssille tulevalle

Welcome!

Luhtavilla is located at street level on the pedestrian street at Timpurinkuja 3, about 500 meters from Leppävaara train station. There is plenty of space inside for prams/strollers. Doors open 15 minutes before the class starts. Take a look at our welcome video!

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothing

  • No indoor shoes needed — we’ll be in socks or barefoot

  • A water bottle

  • We provide exercise mats, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer

  • For your baby: a blanket for lying down and some toys for entertainment

Health & Safety 

We want everyone to enjoy a safe and pleasant class together.

  • Only attend when you are feeling well
  • Wash your hands upon arrival
  • Clean any equipment you have borrowed

Don´t worry if you miss a class 

  • Our courses require you to notify us of any absences. To be eligible for a replacement class, you must inform us before your scheduled class begins. Once you’ve let us know in advance, you can make up the missed session by attending another course class.

    Your notification helps us free up spots for others to attend make-up sessions as well. So please always inform us of your absence to keep the system running smoothly!

    Alternative option: If you have more than two absences, you may request access to recorded sessions as an additional way to make up for missed classes. These recordings are a small collection of individual class videos (teaching language is Finnish). Please contact us by email at [email protected] to request access..