Classes consist of water aerobics for cardiovascular conditioning and muscle strengthening. This class is geared toward participants with minimal or no physical limitations. Each class is approximately 1 hour.

Non-aerobic class designed by the Arthritis Foundation. Exercises focus on mobility and strengthening. Our class is led by an instructor who has been certified through the Arthritis Foundation.

Warm water therapy is a useful means to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Outpatient Center offers one-on-one aquatic therapy sessions with a physical therapist, as well as structured group exercise classes. Aquatic exercise can help improve fitness, fatigue, sleep, and pain.

Aqua Moms is an aquatic exercise class offered to expectant mothers and new mothers who are looking for a way to maintain good overall health during and following pregnancy. Aqua Moms is a comprehensive fitness class that includes low-impact aerobic exercise with stretching, toning, and range-of-motion activities for the whole body. The class is led by a trained fitness professional.

Benefits of Aqua Moms
Water is a versatile medium that is used for resistance exercises and cardio-respiratory fitness, resulting in increased metabolism and overall endurance. Because buoyancy supports a high percentage of the body’s weight and gives the feeling of lightness, pregnant women love the assistance the water affords them, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Exercise is a great way to keep your mind and body sharp. Aqua Moms at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation is an excellent and safe way to stay fit during and shortly after pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy may help with:

• Overall energy.
• Reducing backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
• Enhancing muscle tone, strength, endurance, and posture.
• Better sleep.
• Stress reduction.
• Decreasing delivery complications and length of labor.
• Possible prevention of gestational diabetes.
• Reduction of insulin need in those with gestational diabetes.
• Quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight.
• Reduced risk of pre-eclampsia.

Under no circumstance is this class designed to promote weight loss during pregnancy.

Absolute Contraindications

• Significant heart disease
• Restrictive lung disease
• Incompetent cervix
• Multiple gestation, at risk for premature labor
• Persistent 2nd or 3rd trimester bleeding
• Placenta previa after 26 weeks gestation
• Premature labor during current pregnancy
• Ruptured membranes
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Class Information
San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital’s fitness programs are designed to keep class sizes minimal, but large enough for moms to meet and have fun with others.

Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm.

A prescription from your doctor is required to attend this class. The cost for this class is $42 per month.

Medical Clearance: Provider Information
Each prospective participant must discuss Aqua Moms with their OB/GYN or nurse practitioner. A prescription and medical clearance is required.

If your patient is interested in Aqua Moms, please note:

• Each participant in Aqua Moms will be instructed by aquatic instructors who are first aid/CPR-certified and trained in emergency response.
• Please note that our pool is heated to and maintained at 92°-95°.
• San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation follows the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. If, however, you know of any reason why your patient should not participate in our Aqua Moms aquatic exercise program or Mommy Fitness land program, we would be most grateful if you could indicate the reason.
• The following is a list of absolute contraindications for our Aqua Moms program: significant heart disease, restrictive lung disease, incompetent cervix, multiple gestation at risk for premature labor, persistent 2nd or 3rd trimester bleeding, placenta previa after 26 weeks gestation, premature labor during current pregnancy, ruptured membranes or pregnancy-induced hypertension.