Nikki Bergen is is one of Canada’s most sought after health and fitness professionals. A former professional dancer, Nikki has dedicated her life to creating ground-breaking fitness programs for women that combine Pilates and Pelvic Health. Through The Belle Method and The Bump Method Inc., Nikki shares her expertise and passion for helping women feel confident and strong throughout pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
For mothers, how are ergonomics and pelvic floor / core health connected?
We have a little acronym in class that helps students connect with this concept! The ABC’s stand for Alignment, Breathing, Choreography. In order to benefit from the choreography, we need to first master our alignment, which impacts our breathing mechanics, which determines if the choreography will render results! Alignment and ergonomics dramatically impact how we are able to connect to our core and pelvic floor. Poor alignment can cause tension & gripping, suboptimal breathing patterns and poor muscle function.
How did ergonomics factor into the creation of The Belle Method and The Bump Method?
All our programs are based on understanding the foundations of alignment in order to ensure we fully integrate the movement into our daily lives! This is where lasting change happens.
In your work, you help many women through their postpartum recovery journey. What are the most difficult challenges many women face when it comes to movement and restoring strength/mobility in their bodies?
For many women in our society, I believe it comes down to lack of time and lack of support. Postpartum depletion is a real challenge. Gone are the days when we had a village to help us raise our children. With more of a village, more shared child care, better sleep and nutrition – the strength and mobility piece can be easier to achieve. It is possible, but it often takes longer than we think it will.
What types of ergonomic products such as a desk, chair, tech accessories or equipment do you regularly use at home to keep your body in alignment?
A foam roller and Yoga Tune Up Balls are my go to must haves!
“Alignment and ergonomics dramatically impact how we are able to connect to our core and pelvic floor. Poor alignment can cause tension & gripping, suboptimal breathing patterns and poor muscle function.”
What types of ergonomic products do you recommend for women during pregnancy and during their postpartum recovery?
A foam roller, Yoga Tune Up Balls for self-massage and fascial release are key. Especially after a Caesarian birth, I recommend a gentle postpartum wrap to support the incision in the first 6-8 weeks postpartum. Note: this is not a waist trainer, but more like a gentle tensor bandage.
Learn more about Nikki’s work at www.thebellemethod.com and follow her on Instagram @thebellemethod.
