BECOME THE EXPERT - WITH A WEALTH OF PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM KNOWLEDGE

PCES 3.0 - The groundbreaking Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification is under construction! The third iteration will feature all-new lectures, research studies, exercises and case studies.
  • PCES 3.0 registration opens in the Fall 2024.

  • Join the presale list for updates and save $250 off the regular price.

PCES Certification

The PCES Certification helps you grow

  • Empowers you with full confidence in helping your pregnant and postpartum clients
  • Demystifies the common and not-so-common core and pelvic floor issues associated with child-birth, like diastasis recti
  • Teaches you how to help women of any age get into high intensity exercise while tackling issues that arise, like leaking and pelvic organ prolapse
  • Equips you with skills and knowledge on the whole body system you can apply immediately
Three Women
Personal Trainer PCES Course

What does this program offer Personal Trainers, Pilates Instructors, Yoga Teachers and other Wellness Professionals?

It bridges the gap between training and rehab. This course will give you a deeper understanding behind the common postpartum dysfunctions and the best corrective exercises to help. You will gain confidence in your programming that you are making the best choices in the face of difficult issues.

On top of this, you’ll take away hundreds of exercise progressions, regressions, and variations to help fit any client at any level. This course is not just theory, it’s also a great deal of practical application. You will become a gatekeeper of knowledge and a trusted advisor and resource for your clients, knowing where and when to refer them to maximize recovery, while still working to improve things on your end.

What does this program offer Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals?

You will learn the best corrective exercises that go way beyond clams, bridges and planks to use for improving alignment, strength and finding the source of the problem.

On top of that, you will gain a working knowledge of the small tweaks needed to make each individual exercise more effective. The significant number of case studies, progressions and regressions will leave you confident in your exercise prescription for any level client, from beginner to advanced athlete. The course brings a lot of different perspectives, many tools in the toolbox so to speak, so you’ll get a wide range of approaches and develop a great appreciation for the big picture and whole body holistic approach.

PT

The PCES Certification helps you

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

Expert Instructors

Learn from leading Physical Therapists in the field of postpartum rehab and fitness. Dr. Sarah and her team have extensive experience and training in orthopedic and women’s health.

Flexible Schedule

Set your own study schedule. New lessons will appear in your account when you complete the previous section so you can view them whenever is most convenient for you. If you have a busy week, no problem, just catch up when it’s works for you. It’s a self-paced home study learning style.

Become Certified

After the full course, you’ll become a certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist.

Learn Cutting Edge Approaches

This course is backed by evidence and clinical experience with a cutting edge whole body approach to recovery.

Learn From Anywhere

This home study course can travel anywhere your laptop or tablet can. It’s open to participants in any part of the world.

Get Referrals

After completion of the course, your name will be added to a directory so new clients can easily locate you.

Grow your Business

Market yourself as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Specialist and learn to assess exercise form online

Guest Experts

Learn from the best in business with guest lectures from other experts in the pregnancy and postpartum field.

What health and fitness professionals are saying:

Gina Conley

"I've taken several prenatal/postpartum focused courses in the past year, and the Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist 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 this course!"

Gina Conley, CPT, Doula, Owner of MamasteFit

Barbara Handschin

"I absolutely LOVE the PCES course. I cannot even describe how much I’ve taken out of it. Sarah is such an amazing, gifted and passionate teacher."

Barbara Handschin, Certified Pilates Instructor

Stacey Schaedler

"The PCES course is HANDS DOWN the best continuing education I have taken in my 15 years in the fitness industry. I legit cannot recommend a course more! The information is applicable to ALL clientele male or female, postpartum or not!"

Stacey Schaedler, CPT

Lisa Sack

"This course provides a wealth of information on post-partum recovery delivered in a very thoughtful and well-organized series of lectures. Dr. Sarah is thorough, engaging, funny, and her case studies and how-to videos are brilliant and clear. As a yoga therapist, I am especially thrilled with the emphasis on breathing as a primary tool for recovery."

Lisa Sack, Certified Yoga Therapist

Why focus on women's health?

Women are not getting the pregnancy and postpartum care they deserve

or even the exercise advice they deserve heading into menopause.
Dr Sarah Duvall Teaching

Women often make up more than half of the normal clientele in PT clinics, gyms and studios.

But most educational programs do not even cover the basics of working with pregnant and postpartum women. Not to mention perimenopause and menopause when those hormonal changes can leave a woman’s body more vulnerable to injury, much like the postpartum time period! It’s no wonder so many women get prolapse when they go through menopause. They aren’t exercising in a system that supports them. If they are taught how to manage pressure properly and with great technique, then many cases of prolapse could be prevented. This course isn’t just for those that are pregnant or newly postpartum, it’s women that want to support a lifetime of healthy exercise.

The PCES Certification vs going back to school

Do you need to go back to school to learn more about women's health?

Going back to school is time-consuming, not to mention enormously expensive! Taking a key course, like the PCES course, will give you the confidence to start working with pregnant and postpartum women today. The goal of the PCES course is to sum up all the school, practical experience, and evidence-based research into an easy-to-understand course. Our graduates not only walk away with an understanding of the major issues that plague women but solutions on how to actually help them! All at a fraction of the cost of going back to school.

woman with laptop

How it works:

Access the course from your computer or download the app on your mobile device to access lessons and course materials 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 Workbook 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.
PCES Certification

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.

PCES 2.0 Curriculum

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
  • 10 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 11 Exercises
  • 6 Case Studies
PCES Section 1 Anatomy
PCES-2.0-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?"

  • 6 Breathing Lecture Videos
  • 11 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 9 Exercises
  • 9 Case Studies

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?"

  • 6 Posture Lecture Videos
  • 5 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 17 Exercises
  • 3 Case Studies
PCES Posture Section
PCES Pelvic Floor Section

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?"

  • 14 Pelvic Floor Lecture Videos
  • 11 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 5 Strength Tests and Tips: Back to Running and Jumping
  • 11 Exercises
  • 12 Case Studies

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?"

  • 6 Diastasis Recti Lecture Videos
  • 7 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • Taping for a Diastasis Video
  • 9 Exercises
  • 6 Case Studies
PCES Diastasis Recti Section
PCES Pregnancy Section

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
  • 10 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 4 Exercises + Case Studies

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
  • 2 Tips for Moms
  • 1 C-Section Scar Tissue Release Video
PCES Postpartum Section
PCES SI Joint and Low Back

Section 8: SI Joint and Low Back

SI Joint pain and back pain are common complaints among pre- and postnatal women. This section looks at what causes these issues and how to address them.

We answer questions like "What are the best SI Joint stabilizing exercises?"

  • 6 SI Joint and Low Back Lecture Videos
  • 2 Movement Tests + Additional Explanations
  • 14 Exercises
  • 4 Case Studies

Section 9: Kinetic Chain

The kinetic chain brings it all together. This section looks at cross-body activation, myofascial slings, planes of movement, stretching, foam rolling and how the kinetic chain interacts with pelvic floor function.

We answer questions like "What are the best horizontal plane exercises for the hip and pelvic floor and why are they important?"

  • 5 Kinetic Chain Lecture Videos
  • 7 Exercises and Additional Explanations
PCES-2.0-Section-9-Kinetic-Chain
PCES Bonus Section

Section 10: 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

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 75 Exercises and Explanations
PCES Exercise Library
PCES Coursebook

The PCES Workbook

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

Hear from more PCES Grads:

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

Sarah Coulombe

"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 post-partum 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

Lue Robinson

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

Luke Robinson, CPT, Owner of Wolfpack Fitness

Laura Nice

"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 skillful 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

Nalini Kokatay

"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

Life-Changing Stories From PCES Grads

Feeling Empowered and Confident #PCES Hero- Eva Kurcikova
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family (kids and ages, how long you've been a trainer, anything you'd like to share.) My name is Eva, I am...
Read More about Feeling Empowered and Confident #PCES Hero- Eva Kurcikova
“Sarah is raising the bar for the world of pregnancy and postpartum care.”
Kendra's passion for serving mothers is evident in the way she shows up in the Inner Circle, always looking at things from every angle, striving to gain more knowledge, asking...
Read More about “Sarah is raising the bar for the world of pregnancy and postpartum care.”
A Tale of Two Births
A Tale of Two Births Maternal Health and Wellness. It's not a new topic or new rally cry - but like with so many things, 2020 brought it front and...
Read More about A Tale of Two Births
“I did not expect that because of the PCES course, I would become a business owner.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. I am Blair Evanosky, and I have been a physical therapist for 12 years. I have two kids with my...
Read More about “I did not expect that because of the PCES course, I would become a business owner.”
Gathering Knowledge and Confidence from the PCES Course
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Hey, I'm Steph Bouwman and I'm from Guelph, Ontario. I am a mom of four energetic kids, ages 7, 5, 3 and 7...
Read More about Gathering Knowledge and Confidence from the PCES Course

Meet your women's health expert:

Dr. Sarah has rehabbed thousands of women with pelvic floor issues, diastasis recti, SI joint dysfunction and low back pain. With a doctorate and over 19 years of experience in the health and wellness field, she has both the extensive training and experience to bring you a cutting-edge, evidence-based course.

As a mom of 2, she knows personally what it takes to fully recover from having a baby. Her passion lies in helping women be stronger after baby. She currently works with women all over the world and feels strongly that becoming a mother should not rob women of their ability to live life to the fullest.

Along with being a wife and mom, she is also an adventure sports athlete and enjoys rock climbing, kiteboarding and any sport that tests her physical and mental capabilities.

Dr Sarah Duvall Pregnancy and Postpartum Expert

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

Meet your guest experts:

Each module features top expert interviews on a wide range of topics from exercise during pregnancy to sex therapy.

Kelley Coffey
Dr Lisa Lewis
Marika Hart
Dr. Seth Oberst
Rivka Sidorsky
Dr. Blair Green
Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Antony Lo
Isabel-Spradlin
Dr. Sherri Jacobs
Erin Kinney
Lizzie Sobel
Muriel Morwitzer
Dani Hemmat

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.

PCES 3.0 opens in Fall 2024. Join the presale list for updates and to save $250 off the regular course price.

$1050

Payment plans are available starting at $95/month for 12 months, $142/month for 8 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 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 Shoulder Solutions, Essentials, previous live calls and more in the Inner Circle
  • Access to additional bonus expert interviews and content
  • Access to all the business building material while in the group
  • Ask questions in the Facebook group at any time
  • 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
  • Get support from Sarah and our expert team in the Inner Circle
  • Additional exercise demos, troubleshooting, and breakdowns
Please email us if you're looking for a Full Support option. We are not offering the Full Support option in the traditional way this semester.

100% Money Back Guarantee in the first 30 days.

See checkout for details. Email for more information.

Compare the courses we offer

PCES Certification
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist CertificationPelvis ProLearning Through ApplicationsIntro to the Pelvic Floor and Diastasis Recti: Essentials
Continuing Education Hours34 hours25 hours30 hours5 hours
FocusOnline educational exercise-based course focusing on pelvic floor dysfuncton, diastasis recti, pregnancy and postpartum.Online educational exercise-based course directed toward helping clients with hip, pelvis, and SI joint issues.Online self-focused workout program for professionals to help solve their own issues.Online educational exercise-based course introducing core and pelvic floor exercise considerations and modifications.
FormatOnline Course + Workbook (Free Shipping Worldwide)Online Course + Printable PDF BookletsOnline Monthly Membership program + Printable PDF BookletOnline Course + Printable PDF Booklet
TopicsCovering exercise-based solutions for posture, breathing, anatomy, pelvic floor dysfunction and tension, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, SI joint pain, and low back pain. Special focus on pregnant and postpartum clients.Covering exercise-based solutions for hip impingement, labral tears, pelvic tilt, piriformis and obturator internal tension, biomecanics, SPD, bursitis, hamstring and adductor strains, and more.Covering pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, pelvic floor tension, diastasis recti, hip issues, impingement, labral tears, shoulder solutions, and more.Covering an introduction to pelvic floor and diastasis recti considerations for exercise. Core and pelvic floor basics every fitness and rehab professional should know.
SupportOptional Private Facebook Group Subscription
(live Q&As, additional coursework, and more)
Live Q&A Call includedBimonthly Live Q&As + Private Facebook Group Support includedSelf Study

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. [email protected]

Approved:

  • BOC- 34 Category A CEUs
  • NSCA- 2.0 CEUs *The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved 2.0 CEU(s) in category C for certified individuals who successfully complete this course.
  • CIMSPA- 10 CPD Points *must have a level 2 or 3 qualifications to gain CIMSPA CE credit with this course.
  • NASM- 1.9 CEUs
  • AFAA- 15 CEUs
  • CanFitPro- 4 CECs
  • CPTN- 14 CECs
  • ISSA- 20 CEUs
  • NPCP (PMA)- 34 CECs
  • PACE- 30 Hours of Credit
  • AUSactive- 15 CECs
  • REPs New Zealand- 20 CPD Points
  • BCRPA- 34 CECs
  • Alberta Chiropractors Association- 34 CC Hours
  • Michigan Board of Chiropractic Examiners- 34 hours in pain and symptom management
Approved in all 50 States for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.

See below for details:

PCES CE Info

Approved through petition (quick, easy form):

  • ACE
  • CSEP
  • ACSM
  • IFPA
  • NFPT
  • NETA
  • AFPTE
  • CCO (Ontario Chiropractors)
  • DONA International
  • Physical Therapy States (see list below)
  • Many more!

How many credit hours is the course?

34 hours 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 9 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 a level 2 or 3 qualifications to gain CIMSPA CE credit with this course.

Course Objectives and Information: Please send us an email at [email protected] 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 [email protected] and we would be happy to help!

Speaker has no financial disclosure

 

AOTA Learning Outcomes

#1. Students will identify 5 research articles behind making exercise safe during pregnancy and be able to describe how those exercises carry over to activities of daily life.
#2. Students will identify appropriate timelines for safe return to exercise postpartum up to a year postpartum.
#3. Students will identify various problems x2, and adaptations x2 to look for and apply during each trimester.
#4. Students will identify common postpartum issues like pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis and the best exercises x3 to help support these issues for each.
#5. Students will identify appropriate posture assessments x2, breathing strategies x2, and the best corrective exercises x5 to optimize activities of daily living.
#6. Students will identify 3 corrective exercises to help prevent SI joint and low back pain in the postpartum period and how these will improve activities of daily living.

Questions?

Invalid Email

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