Join the Movement to Empower Every Client

PCES is more than a certification.

It’s a shift in how professionals approach women’s health and fitness. It’s a research-driven philosophy that looks beyond symptoms to reveal root causes and inspire lasting transformation.
  • PCES 3.0 registration opens on August 12, 2025.
  • Join the presale list to save $250 off the regular price.
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Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification
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✔️ Meets CEU requirements for licensed PTs and OTs in all 50 U.S. states. CEU Details

Master the whole-body approach to women's health and fitness

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    Learn to safely assess and modify exercises during pregnancy
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    Build structured postpartum programs with clear timelines
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    Help women of any age excel at high-intensity exercise
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    Tackle issues like leaking, pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis recti
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Personal Trainers | Pilates Instructors | Yoga Teachers | Wellness Professionals

  • Bridge the gap between training and rehab with effective corrective exercise strategies
  • Gain confidence in programming for clients with complex needs at any level
  • Apply practical, real-world progressions and regressions beyond theory
  • Know when and how to refer clients to maximize recovery
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Physical Therapists | Chiropractors | Healthcare Professionals

  • Learn the most effective corrective exercises for improving alignment, strength, and function
  • Identify the root cause of issues using systematic checks and assessments
  • Refine exercise prescriptions with case studies, progressions, and regressions
  • Confidently program for any client level
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What health and fitness professionals are saying:

I absolutely LOVE the PCES course. Sarah is a passionate teacher who makes complex concepts simple and connects them to practical, effective exercises. My results and my clients’ feedback have been amazing!

Barbara Handschin, Certified Pilates Instructor

Barbara Handschin

The PCES course is HANDS DOWN the best continuing education I have taken in my 15 years in the fitness industry. I can't recommend this course more! The information applies to ALL clientele, male or female, postpartum or not!

Stacey Schaedler, CPT

Stacey Schaedler

I've taken several prenatal/postpartum focused courses in the past year, and the PCES course was by far the best! There is no comparison. Sarah is incredibly in-depth with this course, and I feel like I am by far a better trainer and postpartum woman because of it!

Gina Conley, CPT, Doula, Owner of MamasteFit

Gina Conley, CPT, Doula, Owner of MamasteFit

This course provides a wealth of information on postpartum recovery delivered in very thoughtful and well-organized lectures. Dr. Sarah is thorough, engaging, and funny. Her case studies are brilliant and clear. I am especially thrilled with the emphasis on breathing as a primary tool for recovery.

Lisa Sack, Certified Yoga Therapist

Lisa Sack

Why focus on women's health?

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Up to 6 in 10 postpartum women will have a diastasis recti

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

92.8% reported one or multiple symptoms of PFD at 28–32 weeks of gestation
73.6% reported one or multiple symptoms of PFD by 1 year postpartum

According to a research article in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Urinary Incontinence

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According to a research article in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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Curriculum built for real-world application.

The PCES 3.0 curriculum breaks down complex topics like breathing mechanics, diastasis, pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and more into practical modules. Each section includes lecture videos, movement tests, exercises, and real case studies you can apply immediately.

Section 1: Anatomy

Section 1: Anatomy

Join us for a practical approach to the human body. We learn how the muscular systems function together and how movement issues might arise.

We answer questions like "How does the diaphragm, pelvic floor, core interact and how does this interaction affect the entire body?"

  • 7 Anatomy Lecture Videos
  • 9 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 19 Exercises
  • 4 Case Studies
Section 2: Breathing

Section 2: Breathing

Breathing is our foundation and it affects our entire body. In this section, we cover the importance of deep breathing, pressure, breathing trainers, rib flare, rib movement and rib mobility.

We answer questions like "What are the best exercises to get someone breathing correctly?"

  • 4 Breathing Lecture Videos
  • 8 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 13 Exercises
  • 10 Case Studies
Section 3: Posture

Section 3: Posture

If breathing is our foundation, then alignment is our infrastructure. This section focuses on posture assessments, spinal mobility, high hinge point, core imbalances, pelvic angles and more.

We answer questions like "What are some simple cues to make effective posture changes happen fast?"

  • 3 Posture Lecture Videos
  • 5 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 15 Exercises
  • 6 Case Studies
Section 4: Pelvic Floor

Section 4: Pelvic Floor

What does the pelvic floor actually do and how does it do it? For a lot of us, the pelvic floor was not covered well in school and remains a mystery. This section leaves no stone unturned, covering hypotonic vs hypertonic pelvic floor muscles, prolapse, incontinence, connections to other parts of the body and advanced pelvic floor strategies.

We answer questions like "What are the best strategies for helping both urge and stress incontinence?"

  • 8 Pelvic Floor Lecture Videos
  • 7 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 5 Strength Tests and Tips: Back to Running and Jumping
  • 14 Exercises
  • 5 Case Studies
Section 5: Diastasis Recti

Section 5: Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is both a local dysfunction within the abdominal wall and a whole-body issue. In this section, we cover the connection between diastasis and the pelvic floor, hernias, rib cage angle, posture improvements for diastasis, and how to check for one.

We answer questions like "Do you need different exercises to address a diastasis that’s more severe above or below the belly button?"

  • 3 Diastasis Recti Lecture Videos
  • 5 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 9 Exercises
  • 6 Case Studies
Section 6: Pregnancy

Section 6: Pregnancy

Research shows pregnant women should exercise, but each pregnancy is different so there are no cut-and-dry safe or unsafe exercises. This section covers each trimester and the considerations needed for every type of situation.

We answer questions like "What guidelines and concerns should you take a look at for working with a new pregnant client?"

  • 3 Pregnancy Lecture Videos
  • 11 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 7 Exercises + Case Studies
Section 7: Postpartum

Section 7: Postpartum

At this point in the course, we have covered many postpartum topics, but this section dives deeper into postpartum timelines and expectations. It also covers major concerns, safe exercises, screening and recovery.

We answer questions like "How do we start into general exercise and get someone back on a workout plan?"

  • 3 Postpartum Lecture Videos
  • 5 Progressive Postpartum Workouts
  • 1 C-Section Scar Tissue Release Video
Section 8: Bonus Material

Section 8: Bonus Material

The bonus section is packed with expert interviews covering a wide range of topics including nutrition, pregnancy considerations, yoga, delivery prep and motivation. This section also features release work and extensive birth prep lessons from Annatina Shorno-Pitsch, PT.

  • 24 Expert Interviews
  • 3 Abdominal Massage Videos with Annatina Shoorno-Pitsch, PT
  • 30 Birth Prep Videos with Annatina Shorno-Pitsch, PT.
  • 10 Yoga Consideration Videos with Kathryn Ambrogne, LPTA, ACE CPT
  • 17 Pilates Consideration Videos with Allison Marsh, NCPT
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Comprehensive Exercise Library

Every exercise in the course is compiled in the Exercise Library for quick reference. Each exercise includes a video tutorial and a printed copy in the accompanying PCES workbook. You learn when and why to use specific exercises, helpful cueing and common mistakes.

  • Over 90 Exercises and Explanations

The PCES Course Book

A comprehensive companion to your learning experience—this 400+ page, full-color book includes:

  • Highlights important points from the lecture videos
  • Exercise library with pictures and breakdowns
  • Detailed index for quickly looking up any topic
  • 400+ full-color pages
  • Free shipping worldwide
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Smarter learning starts here

With your built-in AI assistant, you can ask, revisit, and reinforce what matters most.

Hear from more PCES Grads:

Graduates of the PCES Certification are helping women all around the world.

This course was absolutely fantastic for my first online course. It provides videos, evidence-based techniques, thought processes and case studies. I've learned so much about the postpartum population that was never covered in PT school. I would highly recommend this course to fellow colleagues.

Dr. Sarah Coulombe PT, DPT, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

Sarah Coulombe

Information in this course is applicable to any professional in the fitness industry. Exercises and concepts can be applied to a wide variety of clients. Sarah’s enthusiasm and ability to break down concepts make this course entertaining and useful. Unlike many courses, I apply concepts from this course on a daily basis.

Dr. Laura Nice, DPT

Lauranice

The majority of my clients are amazing mamas who want to feel valued and respected. This course has allowed me to confidently provide safe and effective workouts that help these women feel and move better in their daily lives. Thank you!

Luke Robinson, CPT, Owner of Wolfpack Fitness

Lue Robinson

Sarah’s expertise and passion, combined with her talent for teaching, made this course one of the best I’ve ever taken. With so much great information presented in such a clear way, I cannot recommend her more highly!

Nalini Kokatay, CMT

Nalini Kokatay

Meet your expert instructors:

Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall PT, DPT, CPT, CNC

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Sarah is an internationally recognized educator in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. Backed by 20+ years in health and wellness, she pairs deep clinical experience with the latest research to deliver evidence-based training for health and fitness professionals.

As founder of Core Exercise Solutions, she is dedicated to raising the standard of care through practical, science-driven education. A mother of two and avid rock climber, Sarah brings the same passion and determination to her teaching as she does to every adventure.

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Dr. Anna Hammond PT, DPT, CSCS

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Anna has been in the health and wellness field for over 20 years, integrating movement, anatomy, and functional training to help professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers.

Her dynamic teaching blends evidence-based strategies, clinical expertise, and real-world experience, drawing from her background in yoga, weightlifting, and competitive ultimate frisbee.

Anna empowers her clients and students with the tools and insights to improve outcomes. A mother of two, she is dedicated to raising the standard of care for women’s health.

Two Levels for Learning

The Self Study option allows you to move through the course at your own pace. The Full Support option is semester-based and includes support from our expert team through our Facebook group and live video Q&A sessions.

PCES Course - Self Study

  • Access to all videos, assignments, case studies, exercises, additional reading and PDFs.
  • Earn CEU credit while you become an exercise expert on pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic floor and diastasis.
  • Complete PCES Workbook delivered to your door.
  • Lifetime access to the course to review the materials at any point in time.
  • Research studies included in downloads.
  • Each exercise comes with an additional instructional handout to email or print for clients.
  • Free access to new PCES course launches.
  • A live Q&A session to ask questions and troubleshoot applying concepts from the course.

PCES 3.0 opens on August 12, 2025. Join the presale list to receive updates and save $250 off the regular course price.

$1050 USD

Payment plans are available starting at $126/month for 9 months or $270/month for 4 months.

PCES Course - Full Support

  • Everything from the Self Study option plus:
  • 6 months of Inner Circle Support (limited number of participants in Facebook Group)
  • 2-3 live calls each month (date/time determined by vote)
  • Calls focus on Q and A as well as direct exercise applications and live troubleshooting (all calls are recorded)
  • Access to additional bonus expert interviews and content
  • Access to all the business building material while in the group
  • Ability to post videos for personalized exercise critiques and troubleshooting in the Facebook group
  • Additional case studies and study reviews available only in the group
  • Additional exercise demos, troubleshooting, and breakdowns
  • Ask questions in the Facebook group at any time and get support from Anna and our expert team in the Inner Circle
  • Access to Shoulder Solutions, Essentials, previous live calls and more in the Inner Circle

Full support opens in January 2026. Join the presale list for updates and to save $250 off the regular course price.

$1550 USD

Payment plans are available starting at $315/month for 5 months.

100% Money Back Guarantee in the first 30 days.

See checkout for details. Email for more information.

How it works:

Access the course from your computer or mobile device to access lessons anywhere.

  • After registering, you’ll immediately receive access to the lectures, checklist, quick reference guide and course syllabus.
  • With each lesson, you’ll be able to download the applicable research studies as well as PDF summaries.
  • The PCES Course Book will be mailed right to your door.
  • There are quizzes at the end of each section instead of a big test at the end to make applying the information easy.
  • Once you’ve completed all the sections, you’ll receive your Certification.
  • You’ll be able to look back on the material at any time. Most graduates find they reference the material often.
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Join our community of Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialists.

Join our directory of International PCES graduates and get found by local moms who need your pregnancy and postpartum recovery expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put this course toward continuing education credits?

Please check back for updates on CEU approval and email us if you have any questions. info@coreexercisesolutions.com

Pre-Approved by:

  • NASM - 1.9 CEUs
  • AFAA - 1.9 CEUs
  • NPCP - 35 CECs
  • PACE - 35 CEUs
  • ISSA - 20 CEUs
  • CanFitPro - 4 CECs
  • CATA - Approved 
  • REPs New Zealand - 20 CPD points
  • CPTN- 14 CECs
  • CCOA- 35 CC Hours
  • BCRPA- 35 CECs
  • BOC- 35 Category A CEUs
  • CIMSPA- 10 CIMSPA Endorsed CPD points
  • NSCA - The National Strength and
    Conditioning Association approved 2.0 CEU(s) in category C for certified individuals who successfully complete
    this course.

Approved through petition (quick, easy form):

  • ACE
  • CSEP
  • ACSM
  • IFPA
  • NFPT
  • NETA
  • AFPTE
  • CCO (Ontario Chiropractors)
  • DONA International
  • ESSA
  • AUSactive (restrictions apply)
  • Many more!

Pre-Approved for PT/PTAs in:

  • AR - 35 Hours
  • AZ - 35 Hours
  • CA - 35 Hours (CIAO24-110)
  • FL - 40 Hours (CEBroker#20-1207566)
  • GA - 35 Hours
  • IL -  35 Hours
  • MN- 35 Hours
  • NJ - 35 Hours (# 2708-27)
  • NM - 35 Hours
  • NY - 40 hours
  • NV - 15 Hours (CEBroker #20-1207566)
  • OH - 35.5 Hours (#24S2584)
  • OK - 35 Hours
  • PA- 30 GEN, 5 DA
  • SC - 35 Hours
  • TN - 35 Hours
  • TX - 35 CCUs (TPTA#2502009TX)

Pre-Approved for OT/COTAs in:

  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (35 PDUs)
  • AL - 35 Hours
  • AZ - 35 Hours
  • FL - 40 Hours (CEBroker#20-1207566)
  • GA - 35 Hours
  • LA - 35 Hours
  • MS - 35 Hours
  • NM - 35 Hours
  • OH - 35 Hours (#24S2584)
  • SC - 35 Hours
  • TN - 35 Hours
  • WV - 35 Hours (CIAO-F24-09)

Meets Requirements for:*

  • PT/PTAs in AL, AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
  • OT/COTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

*Meets Requirements means either this course follows the state rules/regulations for a CE course, or the course is approved by an entity that the state recognizes as an approver.

Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply that the entities approving this continuing education support the views of the presenter or the sponsors. 

For Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists, please see the approval information below.

Core Exercise Solutions has partnered with CIAO Seminars to provide board approved continuing education for PT/PTAs and OT/COTAs.  Participants are required to view the entire course, pass the online quiz, and complete the course evaluation to be eligible for continuing education credit.  Instructions for printing a certificate will be available upon completion. 

CE Hours:  35.0 Hrs.

  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (35 PDUs)
  • CIAO is an Illinois Approved Provider for PT/PTA Continuing Education
  • CIAO is recognized as an Approved Provider for PT/PTAs by the NYSE Dept State Board for PT
  •  This activity is provided by the TX Board of PT Examiners Accredited Prov. #2802009TX
  • This activity meets the continuing competence requirements for PT/PTA license renewal in TX
  • The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE
  • The Physical Therapy Board of California recognizes CIAO Seminars as an Approval Agency to Approve Providers Offering Continuing Competency Courses
  • The Physical Therapy Board of California has determined that CIAO meets the standards set forth in section 1399.95 of the CA Code of Regulations
  • CIAO is a Rule Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Physical Therapy
  • CIAO is an Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy

Pre-Approved for:

  • 15 Hrs PT/PTAs in NV (CEBroker #20-1207566)
  • 35 Hrs PT/PTAs in CA (CIAO25-110), IL, LA, MN(#11336), MS, NJ (# 2708-27), NM, PA(#PTPR016264-30.00 GEN, 5.00 DA), TX (TPTA #2802009, 35 CCUs), WV (#CIAO-R25-06)
  • 35 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for PT/PTAs in AR, AZ, GA, OK, SC, TN
  • 35 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for OT/COTAs in AL, AZ, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN
  • 35 Hrs. OT/COTAs in NM
  • 35.5 Hrs. PT/PTAs in OH (#24S2584)
  • 40 Hrs. PT/PTAs and OT/COTAs in FL (CEBroker #20-1207566),
  • 40 Hrs. PT/PTAs in NY

Meets Requirements for:

  • PT/PTAs in AL, AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
  • OT/COTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

* Meets Requirements means either this course follows the state rules/regulations for a CE course, or the course is approved by an entity that the state recognizes as an approver. 

Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply that the entities approving this continuing education support the views of the presenter or the sponsors.

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How many credit hours is the course?

35 hours and 34 minutes of home study course material

How do I gain my certificate and credit for this course?

Watch all the lectures and pass the quiz at the end of each of the 8 sections with a 75% or better passing score and complete the course survey at the end.

Will the course material help women that are 5-20 years postpartum?

Yes! This course focuses on correcting dysfunctional movement patterns caused by pregnancy. That doesn’t matter if the woman is 6months or 16 years postpartum. The approach will still work!

What if I can't start on the date listed by each lesson?

No need to worry! This course is self-paced, so you can start and stop as needed. You’ll have lifetime access to the course so you can review the material as much as needed. You will, however, need to pass all your quizzes and submit your survey within one year of the purchase date for CEU credit. 

How long will I have access to the course?

No need to worry! This course is self-paced, so you can start and stop as needed. You’ll have lifetime access to the course so you can review the material as much as needed. You will, however, need to pass all your quizzes and submit your survey within one year of the purchase date for CEU credit. 

What if I don't pass the quiz?

No need to stress! You’ll get a copy of the quiz at the start of the course so you can keep the questions in mind as you go through it. Then you’ll have 3 attempts for a passing score of at least 75%. If it’s just not working for you after that, we can talk about tutoring. The main goal is for you to understand this information to apply it, not stress over a test.

What if I'm not in a health or wellness field but want to learn?

I’m all for learning, but this course is really geared toward instructors. We talk about advanced concepts. One of the online courses for non-wellness professions might be a better fit.

Can I download the course?

The course is video-based and on a streaming platform that doesn’t allow for video download. You can, however, download all the research studies for each week and reference the PCES Workbook delivered to your door. You will have lifetime access, so feel free to come back and review any videos you need at any time.

When can I expect my book?

The workbooks are mailed out at course closing. Depending on your location in the world it will take between 1-4 weeks for your book to arrive. The course is completely standalone without the workbook, so please feel free to get started on the videos right away!

Is there a payment plan?

Yes! Monthly payment plans are available for your convenience.

What if the course is not a good fit for me?

We think you’ll be so blown away by the material that won’t be an issue, but if it’s not a fit, it’s not a fit. We’ll happily give you a full refund within the first 30 days. We stand behind this course as being exceptional!

Just return your book in like-new condition (no folded corners or writing in the book) within 30 days for a full refund.

Provider will not cancel the course as it is online and pre-recorded and can be delivered to the Learner even if the Provider is not available.

Professional Compliance

Does this course give me a certification to work in the health or fitness industry? 

No. This course provides additional learning to further your education once you have your base certification or license in place. Think of this as another layer to use to help people once you've complied with all certification or licensure rules applicable to your country.

Other FAQ:

Education Level: No prerequisites are needed for this course for personal education. It's an introductory level course but detailed enough that even advanced learners will take something new away. You must have at least gym instructor
(level 2) or personal trainer (level 3) qualifications to gain CIMSPA CE credit with this course. 

Course Objectives and Information: Please send us an email at info@coreexercisesolutions.com and we're happy to provide you with the objectives, course outline, references, and any further information that you need.

Special Need Assistance: If assistance is needing with registering please email us at info@coreexercisesolutions.com and we would be happy to help!

Speaker has no financial disclosure

 

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

#1. Course participants will have an understanding of the current research behind making exercise safe during pregnancy and will be able to give specific examples of when to modify exercise during pregnancy.
#2. Course participants will learn how to identify which exercises are safe for pregnancy based on the trimester and the pregnant person's ability.
#3. Course participants will learn timelines for safe return to exercise postpartum and a step-by-step return to exercise programming.
#4. Course participants will understand common postpartum issues like pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis recti and learn 3 exercises to help support and prevent each issue.
#5. Course participants will learn to assess posture and breathing and the best exercises to help optimize both during exercise.
#6. Course participants will take away and be able to apply corrective exercises to help prevent SI joint and low back pain in the pregnant and postpartum time periods.

Questions?

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Final thoughts from Dr. Sarah

Helping women fully recover from pregnancy and childbirth became a burning passion of mine after I had trouble fully recovering from pregnancy due to the lack of high-quality advice for women. Even women that are working in the fitness and wellness industry are often ill-prepared to handle the issues that arise for their clients and their own bodies. I finished my doctorate work in 2008 with an emphasis on SI joint pain. The pelvis has always been an area of fascination for me, so I dove deeper into really understanding pelvic floor and diastasis issues postpartum. My research and experience working with women over the years have led me to some pretty interesting, groundbreaking ways of moving the body to promote healing. It’s those exercises and movement patterns that I’d like to share with you to help you get faster, better results that women deserve.

Sarah