What is BIRTHFIT?
We recently connected with Brittany Anderson, former client and women's health expert here in Nashville, to chat about her new endeavor as the BIRTHFIT Nashville Regional Director.
BB: tell us who you are and what you do
BA: Well I'm Brittany and I'm a women's health nurse practitioner, doula, and pre and post natal exercise specialist here in town. I have a 16 month old son, Nash, and another baby boy on the way. I love supporting women from preconception through postpartum, and am particularly passionate about fitness.
BB: what is your fitness philosophy?
BA: I believe that exercise should focus on functional movements, meaning those that we use in everyday life. For example, squatting to lift a heavy object or even your kiddos, or pulling yourself out of a swimming pool. This is one reason why I was drawn to crossFit, because we train functional movements.
BB: how did you get involved with Birthfit?
BA: I was really active with my last pregnancy, and was doing strength training up until about 38 weeks, but afterwards it was difficult for me to get back in my routine. I struggled with sciatic pain because I didn't know how to properly rehabilitate my core, and that caused a lot of issues for me. Despite all my education, there is just so much conflicting information out there and the systems I was using weren't working.
I stumbled upon BIRTHFIT on Instagram and immediately connected with the philosophy. It wasn't long before I was interviewing to join the team.
BB: do what is BIRTHFIT?
BA: BIRTHFIT is based on 4 pillars:
Fitness
Nutrition
Chiropractic
Mindfulness
In regards to core strength, we utilize dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, meaning we focus on coordinating movements with breath and utilizing the diaphragm to bring stability to the core.
BB: are Birthfit's methods appropriate for all women?
BA: absolutely! Depending on the circumstances of their birth, some women can participate in the postpartum series at 4 weeks postpartum.
It's estimated that up to 70% of women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime and our methods help create stability in the core and pelvic floor so those muscles function appropriately.
BB: what are your current offerings?
BA: I currently coach a Tuesday/Thursday class at CrossFIt Cool Springs that's appropriate for both prenatal and postpartum moms. It's structured like a CrossFit workout, with a major emphasis on breathing and mobility. It's totally appropriate for all fitness levels because the movements are adapted to the athlete.
I also offer the BIRTHFIT postpartum series about every other month. In June I'll be teaching it at both Blooma Nashville and Crossfit Cool Springs.
BB: how can women connect with you?
BA: I'm really active on social media, especially Instagram @birthfitnashville and my website is www.birthfitnashville.com
Also, since I love you guys so much, I'm offering Your clients 20% off the upcoming postpartum series at the cool springs location! Use the link below and specify you're a Bosom Buddy client in the 'birth' section.
https://goo.gl/forms/PVZk7PEBezmexkeE3
