Practically Perfect Starter Packs
"Books, podcasts, and resources our patients love curated by Practically Perfect PT for pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic pain, and menopause education."

"Books, podcasts, and resources our patients love curated by Practically Perfect PT for pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic pain, and menopause education."

Julianna is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, & Yoga Teacher who grounds her work in body neutrality. Body neutrality is all about taking a balanced, neutral stance toward your body, both physically and emotionally. The goal of this mindset is to cultivate peace with your body by accepting it fully, limitations and freedoms included. Julianna is the founder of Rooted Movement.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are major life transitions that reshape the body, identity, and daily routines long after birth. This post explores why group fitness programs designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum parents play an important role in maternal health when led by trained professionals. It explains how pregnancy alters movement, posture, breathing, and pelvic floor function, and why the myth that pregnant bodies are “too fragile” to move often leads to unnecessary fear or avoidance. The post highlights how skilled group fitness provides structure, education, and community while supporting safe progression through pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It also addresses the often-overlooked postpartum transition, the limitations of traditional follow-up care, and how pelvic health physical therapy complements group fitness. Rather than focusing on “bouncing back,” this piece reframes recovery as building resilience, confidence, and long-term function through informed movement and community-based support.

Maternal health is a lifelong continuum that extends far beyond pregnancy and birth, yet it is too often addressed only when complications arise. In honor of Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23, 2026, this post explores why maternal health must remain a sustained public health priority rooted in prevention, equity, education, and support. It examines the current state of maternal health in the United States, highlights persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities, and explains why many pregnancy-related complications occur weeks or months postpartum.