018 Activity in Pregnancy with Steve Shreeve

In this week’s episode I am joined by Steve  Shreeve, a specialist in pre and post natal exercise. We talk about what brought him to specialise in an area mainly led by female instructors, a lesson in following what interests you. We also talk about the importance of pre and post natal exercise and the benefits it has. This is a fascinating interview and one from which I hope you will learn something new.

About Steve:
Steve has worked in the fitness industry for over 2 decades and helps clients manage back and joint pain, experience pain-free pregnancies, age ‘fitter’, and enhance sports performance.

Through running his own company, Shreeve Health and Fitness for over 10 years, Steve has developed a reputation for truly caring for his clients and is massively passionate about the ability of exercise, particularly resistance training, to keep our bodies young.  As well as his fitness work, Steve is also a youth basketball coach and jump rope coach, nurturing a positive and inclusive attitude to sport and fitness in young people.   

Steve has been featured in Men’s Fitness Magazine and regularly contributes fitness articles to publications such as Eye Magazine. 

In his spare time, Steve enjoys reading, watching sci-fi, and supporting nature and conservation charities.

Website: https://www.shreevehandf.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shreevehealthandfitness

About Sarah:
Sarah Bolitho helps fitness and health professionals develop their careers and grow their businesses by providing specialist training in teaching, assessing, and internal quality assurance, together with qualifications in exercise referral and disability.   

With over 30 years in the health-related fitness and physical activity fields, Sarah has a wealth of experience and knowledge.  She has worked in most roles in the industry from group exercise to personal training but specialised in working with specialist populations.  For over 25 years Sarah has trained fitness and health professionals to work with clients with long-term conditions, mental health issues, disabilities, older adults and pre/post-natal women.  She has a post-graduate diploma in exercise and health behaviour and extensive training in supporting behaviour change.  She has worked with awarding organisations to develop qualifications and training and with accreditation bodies to endorse high-quality non-regulated training. 

In her spare time, you will usually find Sarah walking in the mountains, by the sea or anywhere in nature.

For more about the training and support Sarah offers, visit www.sarahbolitho.com or contact her at admin@sarahbolitho.com.

Follow her on social media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabnewlous_active_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnesscareer mentor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbolitho

Transcript

Introduction:

• Sarah introduces the episode and the topic of pregnancy fitness.
• Discusses the misconception of resting during pregnancy versus the benefits of being active.
• Introduces Steve Shreeve, a fitness expert with a focus on pregnancy and postnatal fitness.

Steve Shreeve's Background and Passion for Fitness:

• Steve shares his background and passion for fitness, stemming from his love for basketball and Michael Jordan's influence on him.
• Talks about the positive impact fitness had on his sports performance and overall quality of life.
• Highlights the importance of being passionate about what you do and how his interest in fitness grew from his sports foundation.

Benefits of Exercise in Pregnancy:

• Sarah and Steve discuss the misconception that exercise is tiring and exhausting, emphasizing that appropriate activity can actually energize the body.
• Steve explains the mental health benefits of being active during pregnancy, such as a sense of control and empowerment over the body.
• The importance of education and understanding the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy to alleviate anxiety and provide confidence.

Importance of Preparing for Pregnancy:

• Steve emphasizes the importance of starting pregnancy fitness before getting pregnant to achieve better results.
• Discusses the benefits of strength training before and during pregnancy, including preventing joint injuries and supporting the body's changes.

Addressing Different Types of Clients:

• Sarah and Steve talk about the two types of clients they encounter: those who are already active and seek guidance on maintaining activity during pregnancy, and those who are new to exercise and need guidance on how to start.
• Emphasizes the need for education and support tailored to each individual's needs and goals.

Postnatal Exercise and Rehabilitation:

• Sarah and Steve discuss the importance of post-birth exercise and rehabilitation to address changes in the body and regain functionality.
• Highlights the significance of focusing on core and back strength to support daily activities and avoid back pain.
• Emphasizes the need for gradual and sustainable progress in post-birth exercise to rebuild strength effectively.

Involvement of Partners and Family:

• Steve discusses the importance of partners' involvement in fitness during and after pregnancy to support the mother and have the stamina to adapt to new responsibilities.
• Highlights the potential benefits of exercise for new dads in terms of physical and mental well-being.

Keys to Success in Pre and Postnatal Fitness:

• Having an open mind and believing in the possibilities of improving health and well-being during and after pregnancy.
• Effective communication between the fitness professional and the client to adapt the exercise program to the client's lifestyle and needs.
• Focusing on functional fitness and not just physical appearance, understanding that being active enhances overall quality of life.

Importance of Everyday Activity:

• Sarah and Steve emphasize the significance of incorporating everyday activity and movement into daily routines, such as walking and postural exercises.
• Discuss the mental health benefits of being physically active and spending time outdoors, especially during pregnancy.

Final Key Message:

• Steve advises those thinking about getting pregnant to start thinking about fitness and physical activity in advance.
• Highlights the importance of building strength and stamina to ensure a healthier pregnancy journey and maintain an active lifestyle.

Conclusion:

• Sarah concludes the episode and highlights the power of nature and spending time outdoors for overall well-being.
• Encourages listeners to prioritize their physical and mental health throughout their pregnancy journey.