ABOUT
At Herself Maternal Wellness & Fitness, we understand that every woman’s journey is unique, especially during the transformative stages of pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Our mission is to provide specialized, compassionate care that empowers women to embrace their bodies and thrive through each phase of life.
We offer a comprehensive approach that blends physical fitness with holistic wellness, providing not only exercise but also essential guidance, education, and emotional support. We believe that true wellness encompasses more than just the body—it’s about nurturing the mind, spirit, and self-confidence during life's most pivotal moments.
Each of our classes is thoughtfully designed to cater to the specific needs of women at different stages—whether you’re preparing for the demands of labor, navigating the challenges of new motherhood, or managing the transitions of menopause. Our programs are built on a foundation of respect and understanding, ensuring that every participant feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Led by certified prenatal and postpartum fitness instructors, our classes are tailored to accommodate varying levels of fitness and mobility. We offer personalized modifications to ensure that every woman, regardless of her stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery, can participate comfortably and effectively. Our expert team is dedicated to creating a safe, non-intimidating environment where women can focus on their well-being, build strength, and cultivate resilience.
At Herself Maternal Wellness & Fitness, we’re not just a fitness center—we’re a community. We’re here to support you through the beautiful, complex, and ever-evolving journey of womanhood. Join us, and discover a space where you can connect with others, nurture your body, and feel truly empowered.
Chelsea Wargo has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer, coach and group fitness instructor. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Women’s Fitness Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist and Pelvis Pro (Core Exercise Solutions), and a Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Trainer certified by American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
In 2020, many of Chelsea’s friends started having babies. As a trainer, her friends would constantly ask whether or not they could perform specific exercises and which exercises in particular they should avoid. This is when the light bulb went off, and Chelsea realized what an untapped niche she stumbled into.
Chelsea immediately began researching the top prenatal and postpartum exercise certifications and received her first certificate shortly after. As a woman who is constantly seeking deeper insight and knowledge to help her clients, Chelsea continually works to complete additional certifications to support her expertise.
In 2021, Chelsea was hired by a major local hospital system to launch a brand new prenatal and postpartum exercise program with an emphasis on pelvic health. Chelsea designed and implemented the entirety of the program and has continued building her client base as the only perinatal exercise specialist in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Chelsea is passionate about supporting women through major life transitions with functional movement and holistic wellness.
FAQs
Who can join a class at Herself Maternal Wellness & Fitness?
We’re here for women at every stage of life! Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, newly postpartum, parenting a teenager, approaching menopause, postmenopausal, or dealing with pelvic dysfunction, we’ve got a class designed just for you. We’ve helped women from 18 to 92 years young find the strength and support they need, right when they need it.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
We strongly recommend seeking clearance from your physician before joining any exercise program. However, regular exercise during pregnancy has incredible benefits for both you and your baby. Our workouts are designed to alleviate discomfort and strengthen your entire body, ensuring you feel strong and prepared for motherhood. We customize exercises to be safe and effective for everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Research shows consistent prenatal exercise offers many benefits, including: - Reduced adipose deposition for both mom and baby. - Prevention of constipation, varicose veins, and general discomfort. - Higher energy levels and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. - Shorter, less complicated labors. - Lower rate of emergency C-section. - Shorter hospital stays after birth. - Strength for lifting and carrying your baby and baby gear postpartum. Fetal Benefits: - Increased placenta growth, offering better nutrient, oxygen, and blood supply to the baby. - Improved oxygen and blood flow during stress and labor. - Healthier birth weight and size Higher Apgar scores at birth.
If I don’t work out regularly, should I start now?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, we tailor our classes to your individual ability and needs. Our workouts help you gain total-body strength, improve alignment and posture, and feel stronger overall. Motherhood demands both physical and mental strength, this is the perfect place to find your inner power. We strongly recommend seeking clearance from your physician before joining any exercise program.
How soon after giving birth can I work out?
We recommend getting your doctor's clearance before starting any postpartum workout. Typically, this happens around 4-6 weeks postpartum and around 6-8 weeks for C-section deliveries.
Can I attend postpartum classes if my baby is over a year old?
Of course! Once postpartum, always postpartum. Motherhood requires ongoing strength and endurance, and we’re here to help you stay strong no matter how old your child is. We offer modifications and challenges tailored to your current ability level, so you get exactly what you need.
Can I bring my baby or child with me?
Absolutely! We understand the challenges of motherhood, so feel free to bring your baby or child to the studio. We can accommodate newborns up to 13-year-olds. Please note that this is a convenience, not a professional childcare service. While we have professionals to keep an eye on your little ones, you remain fully responsible for their well-being and safety at all times.
Can I work out if I have diastasis recti, incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, or dysfunction?
Yes, this is our area of expertise! Our specialized programs are focused on women’s health at all stages, ensuring safe and effective workouts to support your recovery and well-being.
Do you have any classes for women over 45?
Yes, we do! We welcome women of all ages. Right now, we’re working on a program specifically for the metabolic and hormonal needs of women approaching or navigating menopause. Stay tuned for details! In the meantime, women over 45 can join: - Pelvic Floor Activation and Restoration - 1-on-1 Private Training - Open Gym Hours
What makes Herself Maternal Wellness & Fitness different from other trainers and fitness centers?
We focus exclusively on women’s health, especially during the major physiological changes we go through. Our expertise includes diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postural alignment. We emphasize proper breathing techniques and core connection to promote a healthy, strong pregnancy and faster postpartum recovery. We understand your unique needs and provide the flexibility of: - Morning, evening and weekend class times - Childcare - Open gym hours for members And unlike other maternal fitness studios, we train prenatal and postpartum women separately, recognizing their unique needs.
What can I expect in a workout?
We offer a variety of classes to fit your goals. From gentle mobility to low-impact strength training and meditative pelvic floor sessions, we’ve got you covered. Stretch & Mobility: Increase mobility, feel serene, and reconnect with your body. Strength Classes: Safely raise your heart rate and build strength to meet the demands of labor, delivery, motherhood, and even grand-motherhood. Pelvic Floor Classes: Gain the support you need for proactive pelvic health or to reduce the risk of pelvic dysfunction. We focus on long-term benefits, empowering you to feel your best in your beautiful body.
What happens if I miss a class?
We get it…things happen! Reservations may be canceled without penalty by email or by calling the studio. Once canceled, the class will be credited back to the member’s account, and the member will not be charged. If you fail to attend a class and do not inform the Studio via the app, email or phone, you are forfeiting the class. ELEV8 & FIT4U MEMBERSHIPS will lose that class. MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS will incur a $10 fee.
I bought a class pack, but I might not get all my classes in before my baby comes. Will I lose these classes?
No worries! You have the opportunity to freeze your membership and use the classes once you are cleared to exercise postpartum.
How do I place my membership on hold or cancel it?
To change the status of your membership, email us at admin@herselfwellandfit.com. Requests must be received in writing 30 business days before the next payment is due. Once payment processes, there are no refunds. Holds can start any day of your billing cycle. Memberships can be placed on hold for up to 3 months, unless you provide a doctor’s note. Our system will automatically prorate your membership when the hold is released. Just make sure to send any requests in writing 30 business days before your next payment is due to avoid charges.
How do I change my return date after placing my membership on hold?
You can return from your hold on any day of the month and our system will prorate your membership when the hold is released. Just email admin@herselfwellandfit.com to update your return date.