Instructor Spotlight!

Instructor Spotlight!

Meet Stephanie!

Stephanie Lang Bittner, Master Pilates Instructor, has been training privately as well a facilitating instructor certification programs in the tri-state area for over 10 years.   Her weekly clientele include professional dancers and athletes, Broadway performers, and those recovering from chronic or major injuries.  She carefully creates on-going wellness programs for those suffering with chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.

Stephanie is excited to bring her insight and talents to assist women during and after their pregnancy.  Stephanie’s vast knowledge enables her to make adjustments to any workout class or program- even for those with special needs.  (She is even her own client and “Mom” to Cooper since August 2010!)  Her excitement and enthusiasm for Pilates are contagious.  You will leave her class feeling great, filled with knowledge, and constantly inspired as you progress through your pregnancy.

Stephanie is certified by the Center for Women’s Fitness, Pilates Academy International and AcitivCore Redcord Stability Programs. She is a retired Radio City Rockette and Broadway performer, holds a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University, and is an adjunct professor at New York University.

Preferred Prop? “Flex Band. A very useful prop for pregnant women and you can put it in your pocket and take it with you!”

Favorite Prenatal Exercise: Transverse Abdominals focus in Quadraped position. This exercise will help stabilize the lumbo-pelvic region as your belly grows and shifts. It will also help to prevent lower back discomfort.

Fun fact? During a press-event while still a Rockette, Stephanie once spent a sunny afternoon in Gillette Stadium kicking field goals with Adam Vinatieri.

Q&A — Stephanie answers her clients’ most frequently asked questions:

Q: At what point in my pregnancy can I do pilates?

A: As long as you have clearance from your doctor, you can perform guided pilates exercises through every stage of pregnancy. Doing pilates throughout your pregnancy will help you feel more energized, stand taller and deal with the changes that your pregnant body goes through on a daily basis.

Q: What is a diastasis?

A: This is a separation in the abdominals due to the growing uterus. To help prevent diastasis, avoid flexion of the spine (doing a sit-up type movement) and always roll to your side first when getting up from lying on your back. A diastasis can be healed with the help of pilates and depending on the severity, phyical therapy.

Q: How soon after I give birth can I do Pilates?

A: Every birth is different, however, you can start to re-strengthen the pelvic floor about 24 hours after birth by doing kegel exercises. Getting clearance from your doctor is important to start any activity and it is generally safe to wait approximately 6 weeks. If you have a C-section, you may need to wait 8 weeks.

Don’t miss Stephanie, this month and next:

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