Mums and Fitness: Getting Back Into Your Body With Circus
After a baby, a lot of mums say the same thing: "I just want to feel like me again." Not smaller. Not "bounced back." Just strong, capable and at home in their own body.
Circus and aerial classes can be a great way to get there. You build real strength, you learn skills you never thought you'd do, and you get an hour a week that's completely yours. Here's how to start safely, and what classes for mums in Geelong can look like at CircArts.
First things first: get the all-clear
Before you join any group fitness class after having a baby, check in with a health professional.
The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel recommends waiting until after your 6-week postnatal check before joining a group class or going back to the gym. It also suggests seeing a women's or pelvic health physiotherapist to check if your pelvic floor is ready for higher-intensity exercise. After a caesarean, a difficult birth or complications, it may take a little longer to feel ready.
Gentle walking and pelvic floor exercises can usually come first. Circus can come a little later, when you have the green light.
If anything hurts or feels wrong during exercise, stop and talk to your GP or women's health physio.
Why circus suits so many mums
It's strength you can use
Aerial and acro work the muscles you rely on every day as a parent: grip, shoulders, back, core and legs. Lifting a toddler, carrying a car seat, getting up off the floor with a baby on your hip. Circus trains your body to lift, hold and control its own weight, and that carries over.
Progress is measured in skills, not kilos
In a circus class, you notice progress in moments: your first climb, your first time upside down, a handstand that holds for one more second. There's no scale and no before and after. Just "I couldn't do that last month, and now I can."
It's an hour that's yours
Adult classes at CircArts are 18+, so this is your time. No one needs a snack, no one needs a nappy change, and for an hour your brain gets to focus on one thing: the skill in front of you.
It's social
Small classes mean you get to know people. Many adults come for the training and stay for the community.
Strength and confidence, not weight loss
We don't make weight-loss promises at CircArts, and we don't think you need one. Bodies change after a baby in all sorts of ways. You deserve to feel strong in yours, however it looks.
The Better Health Channel notes that postnatal exercise can improve your mood, relieve stress and help you feel less tired by raising your energy. For a lot of mums, that's exactly the point.
Which classes suit mums at CircArts?
Beginner adult classes (weekday evenings)
Adult classes run on weekday evenings, which works for many families once a partner is home or the kids are in bed. Good first classes include:
Discover Aerial or Aerial Silks: your first climbs, foot locks and wraps
Low Flow Trapeze: a gentle, low-hanging trapeze class
Handstands: anyone can start, and it builds shoulder and core strength
Beginner acro: tumbling, partner acro and handstands
No fitness, flexibility or experience is needed. See the full list on our adult circus and aerial classes page and current times on the adult class timetable.
Moving with your little one
If you'd rather move with your baby, our Mums and Bubs class combines gentle parent and bub movement, sensory play and postnatal strength work. Dads are welcome too.
For babies and toddlers from 9 months to 4 years, Tiny Circus runs on weekday mornings with you right beside your child. It's their movement class rather than your workout, but plenty of parents enjoy getting on the mats with them.
Talk to your coach before class
Tell your coach a little about where you're at, for example:
how long ago you had your baby
if you had a caesarean
any pelvic floor symptoms or abdominal separation
any advice from your GP or physio
Coaches give options for every skill, so you can work at the level that's right for you today. The Better Health Channel advises making sure your abdominal muscles have healed before vigorous core work, so if you're unsure, check with your physio before trying inversions or strong core skills.
Look after your mind too
Becoming a parent is a big change, and it's common to have hard days. Moving your body can help, but it isn't a fix for everything.
If you're feeling low, anxious or not like yourself for more than a couple of weeks, talk to your GP. You can also call:
PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306, for new and expecting parents
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636, any time
Lifeline: 13 11 14, any time, if you need support right now
In an emergency, call 000.
How to get started
Get clearance from your GP or women's health physio.
Book an adult Starter Pass: three beginner classes for $55, used within 14 days. Book the adult Starter Pass.
Tell your coach about your birth and recovery at your first class.
If you love it, adult memberships start from $34 a week with no joining fee.
Questions first? Text 0489 082 643 and we'll help you choose a class.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after having a baby can I start circus classes?
Wait until after your 6-week postnatal check, and get clearance from your GP or a women's health physio before you start. After a caesarean or a complicated birth it may take longer. Your physio can tell you when higher-intensity work is right for you.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Our beginner adult classes need no fitness, flexibility or experience. Coaches break skills into small steps.
Can I bring my baby to an adult class?
Adult classes are 18+. If you'd like to move with your baby, ask about Mums and Bubs or Tiny Circus.
Will circus help me lose the baby weight?
We don't promise weight loss. Our classes focus on what your body can do: strength, skills, energy and confidence.