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Interested in working with pre & postnatal clients? Become a Pre/Postnatal Specialist→

FitPro Education

Specialist Course

Pre/Postnatal Specialist Course

Train your clients for the event of a lifetime

Each year, millions of people enter the ultimate athletic event of pregnancy. It is a journey that taxes the human body in an unparalleled way. However, we don’t often approach training for it like we do other major athletic events. This can leave those navigating it woefully unprepared to manage the specific stresses placed on their bodies.

You have the power to change this paradigm.

When you enroll in the Pre/Postnatal Performance Training Specialist Course, you will learn how to utilize an evidence-based training methodology to help your clients thrive during pregnancy, confidently prepare for birth, and not only recover — but emerge even stronger. 

CECs: NASM 1.9, ACE 3.6, ACSM 28, AFAA 15, ISSA 20, CANFITPRO 4

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Discover An Approach That Will Set You Apart

Just as running a marathon or playing a tennis match requires a training program specific to those activities, the same is true for the pregnancy journey. The demands are specific. The training should be too. Learn how our evidence-based Performance Training Approach can make it far easier for you to design safe and effective pre & postnatal training programs that can help your clients achieve their “personal best” in the athletic event of their lives.

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What's Included With Your Course

Self-Paced Online Learning

Watch the video below for a detailed look at the contents and benefits included in this 18-module (approximately 30-35 hour) course. You have 1-year access to complete the course, but lifetime access to the course materials.

Comprehensive Course Materials

  • Webinar, PDF, Self-Check for Each Module
  • Full Course Electronic Textbook
  • Movement & Instructional Videos
  • Fillable Forms & Programming Templates
  • Case Studies & Sample Workouts
  • Client Handouts & Resources
  • Pre/Postnatal Specialist Certificate (upon completion)
  • CECs: NASM 1.9, ACE 3.6, ACSM 28, AFAA 15, CANFITPRO 4, ISSA 20
  • Additional resources & support with PROnatal Professional Network

Course Contents

Regardless of your incoming level of pre & postnatal knowledge, our goal is to ensure you come away feeling like an expert. Discover the learning journey you will embark on.

Explore how childbirth has evolved since the days of our ancestors. Understand the practices of early peoples to learn strategies for how you can best prepare and support your clients through this most complex and taxing journey.

Learn how applying the evidence-based principles of performance-based program design can help your clients better manage the specific stresses placed on their bodies and emerge even stronger.

Understand the stresses and demands placed on the body during pregnancy so you know how to prepare your clients to manage them. Learn about 8 key changes that have the greatest implications for your work with your clients.

Discover what happens during childbirth, including the key factors that influence success and implications for your prenatal program design. Then, explore the (very physical) demands of new parenthood and why it is so important to begin training for these demands during pregnancy.

With the information you learned in Modules 3 and 4 (exploring the demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood), you will see how this all comes together into a 3-Stage Prenatal Performance Training Framework. This module introduces you to the framework at a high level and covers Stage 1 (Foundation) in detail.

After building a solid foundation of alignment, deep core activation, and movement mechanics in Stage 1, now learn how to progress your clients through Stages 2 and 3 (Strength and Birth Prep). Discover how to help your clients safely and effectively build strength to mitigate pains and injuries, then prepare for birth and early postpartum recovery.

Now that you have an understanding of the prenatal programming framework, you’ll learn how to assess your pregnant clients so that you know exactly how to progress each individual through the stages. Learn a 3-step process to comprehensively assess your new client while providing value and setting the stage for a long-lasting relationship. This module provides an overview of the 3-step process, and includes a fillable intake form for you to use with your clients.

One component of the 3-step assessment process is the Movement Assessment, but this warrants its own module. Discover a unique and powerful goal-based assessment strategy that will give you deeper insight into how your clients move in real life so you get more accurate information. We also show you how to adapt this assessment for a virtual setting, and provide a fillable checklist for both in-person and virtual assessments.

Before we get into the detail of prenatal program design (in Module 10), it’s important to first understand the common pregnancy-induced pains & injuries because the movements you select will play a significant role in either mitigating or exacerbating these – and we want to ensure you’re doing the former.

This module begins by discussing the three primary causes of most pregnancy-induced pains & injuries (and therefore the three key management strategies), then goes into detail on 8 of the most common issues: low back pain, diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, sciatica, symphysis pubis dysfunction, round ligament pain, and carpal tunnel. Understand the key causes of each, and how to prevent or manage.

Modules 5 and 6 provided an overview of our Prenatal Programming Framework. Now, learn how to take that framework and design a comprehensive training program for different client types – from the overarching program (macrocycle), to the smaller skill-based stages (mesocycles), and the individual sessions (microcycles). You will also learn movements to avoid or regress by trimester.

By the time you’ve completed Module 10, you will have all the information you need to design effective prenatal training programs for clients of all fitness levels and stages. Modules 11 and 12 will cover some additional information to help you effectively coach and support your pregnant clients.

In Module 11, you’ll gain foundational knowledge on pregnancy weight gain, caloric needs by trimester, and nutrition. Learn how to support your clients in a manner that fits within your scope of practice. You’ll also receive some additional resources to share with your clients.

Our final prenatal module focuses on pregnancy psychological considerations and coaching strategies. While no two pregnancies are the same, there are some general changes by trimester that are somewhat universal. Learn how to support your clients in the best way as they navigate this major life transition, and how to manage the difficult situation of a pregnancy loss.

This is the first postpartum module. Learn about the physical considerations of the body after birth – from the implications of various labor experiences (vaginal and cesarean), to weight loss, and skin and fascia healing. Understand what the “postpartum checkup” is (and what it’s not), and come away with tips to help expedite your clients’ recovery.

While a new baby brings many wonderful changes, it also brings challenges – a massive life transition, immense physical changes, a potential loss of self, and more. Learn effective coaching strategies for working with postpartum clients and get tips for managing some of the common challenges you might encounter. This module also includes an overview on Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including how to spot and manage a client who might be experiencing one.

After covering the important considerations of the postpartum period in the previous modules, now you are ready to move onto postpartum program design. This module follows the same 4-step process as prenatal, but it goes much faster because so much of the groundwork has already been laid.

Similar to prenatal, in this module you will learn the 3-Stage Postpartum Programming Framework, then dive into Stage 1 (Foundation) in detail. The primary focus will be on learning the Core Recovery Protocol that you will take all postpartum clients through to help rebuild the core after birth and heal from diastasis recti and/or a cesarean birth.

With a solid foundation of alignment, core strength, and movement mechanics built, learn how to progress your clients through Stages 2 and 3 (Strength and Performance) – from core progressions, to increasing strength, to safely introducing impact and other higher intensity work.

The postpartum assessment process is nearly identical to prenatal, but adds in one additional assessment — the Diastasis Recti (DR) Check. Learn how to check for DR in a manner that improves your testing accuracy and gives you a clearer understanding of your clients’ core integrity. Just as with prenatal, we also include a fillable new client intake form for you to use with your postpartum clients.

Finally, just like Module 10, learn how to take the postpartum training framework and design a comprehensive program for different client types (macrocycle, mesocycles, and microcyles). You will also learn where to use caution as clients are still healing, and how to spot when a movement is not appropriate for your client.

At the end of the course, there is a 2-hour timed exam that you take at home on your computer or device (no testing center). The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions. You must receive an 85% (68 questions correct) to pass.

Upon successful completion, you receive your certificate as a Pre/Postnatal Performance Training Specialist and CECs. If you do not pass on the first try, exam re-tests can be purchased for $35 (see additional details in FAQs).

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Course Benefits

This course combines the very latest research with input from thought leaders across a variety of healthcare disciplines. The course materials are updated every 1-2 years to reflect new research and participant feedback. Learn more about the other unique course benefits below.

Certificate & CECs

Receive your certificate as a Pre/Postnatal Performance Training Specialist and CECs (ACE 3.6, ACSM 28, NASM 1.9, AFAA 15, ISSA 20, CANFITPRO 4 ). If you are certified by a different body, you can petition for CECs (See FAQs).

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Resource Toolkit

In addition to the webinars, PDFs, and self-checks, you will also receive a toolkit of resources, including movement and instructional videos, fillable forms and templates, movement assessment checklists, case studies, client handouts, and more.

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Coaching & Community

Enroll in the PROnatal Professional Network (see below), and receive access to a private community with coaching from PROnatal leadership. You’ll also receive tons of additional resources & support to help you grow your expertise, and your business.

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The PROnatal Professional Network

When you purchase the course, you have the opportunity to enroll in the PROnatal Professional Network (PPN). This annual membership provides you with support and resources to maximize your success as a pre & postnatal coach. Discover everything you receive when you become a PPN member.

Private Community

Get access to our private PPN Facebook group where you’ll receive direct support from the PROnatal leadership team and a passionate community of fellow members. Whenever you have a question or challenge, we’ll be here to help you.

Workout Builder

Access a video library with hundreds of exercises (with the ability to add your own as well). Utilize the pre-made workouts, or build your own using our workout builder. Save workouts and send them to your clients. Watch a demo here.

Video Resource Library

Access a video content library with information and answers to a variety of questions or challenges that may arise in working with pre or postnatal clients (from coaching to business). See how it works. 

Monthly Webinars

Enjoy exclusive monthly webinars on a variety of topics from a variety of experts to help you grow your expertise and your business. Topics are voted on by members and sessions are posted in the video resource library.

Website Feature

Upon completing your course, get featured on our heavily trafficked “Find a Professional” page. Your feature includes a full page layout with your bio, headshot, links to your social media and website, and even your own unique URL. See the feature. 

Latest Course Access

As a PPN member, you will always have access to the latest course materials (which are updated every 1-2 years to reflect new research and participant feedback) along with a summary of updates made. View course content section.

Exclusive Discounts

Receive 15% off all PROnatal programs and courses, along with exclusive discounts and promotions on other products and services that we recommend.

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Approved By

After trying so many different pre & postnatal courses, I believe the PROnatal course is exactly what the fitness industry needs to help professionals truly understand the specificity of training needed for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Amazing education and highly recommended!

Shelly Lutz, Fitness & Wellness Coach

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Despite my NASM CPT, I was unprepared for life after an emergency C-section. I found this course and was BLOWN AWAY by what I learned. I not only healed my Diastasis Recti, but my core feels stronger than ever! The whole experience inspired me to start my own company serving this population. Today, I've helped hundreds of new and expecting moms and it brings me so much joy to see the impact my work has had on their lives!

Megan Clokey, Certified Personal Trainer & Owner of Vibrant Mama Wellness

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This course was everything I could ask for! Being a certified personal trainer already, I was surprised by just how much I learned. Even though there was so much information, I never felt overwhelmed because the course was structured in such a logical, easy-to-follow way. I've never felt so excited and prepared to coach this special population!

Luis Padilla, Certified Personal Trainer

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I took this course during pregnancy, and then when faced with an emergency C-section, I was able to use what I learned to successfully manage through the experience and recover much more quickly. Now at 8 months postpartum, I can confidently say I feel stronger than ever!

Carissa Melicharek, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

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I am a Labor & Delivery RN and as I went through this course, I got so many ideas about how to help my patients who want an unmedicated birth, and how to better support my recovering mamas. I can't wait to put my new knowledge into use & keep learning more from PROnatal!

Allie Van Hee, RN-BSN, NASM CPT, FNS

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The course is wonderful! It contains so much specialized information in this field that I did not receive in my bachelor’s studies. It has been immensely helpful in my work, and I recommend it to everyone.

Diana A, Licensed Physiotherapist

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I was a 2016 Olympic marathon runner, and I took the PROnatal Fitness course when I was pregnant with my son. By applying what I learned, I am now lifting heavier than I was in the past 5 years and I’m back to running race-paced time at just 6 months postpartum!

Jane Vongvorachoti, Certified Personal Trainer & 2016 Olympian

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I've taken other prenatal courses, but PROnatal Fitness is definitely the most comprehensive. It's one thing to encourage safe and effective prenatal exercise, but to be able to get into specifics about how to do that like PROnatal Fitness has done is game changing. Training clients in this method definitely makes my job in the delivery room easier!

Dr. Natasha Lowe Osho MD FACOG is a Board Certified OB/GYN, NASM Certified Personal Trainer

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I have been implementing so many of the concepts I learned in this course in my work as a structural yoga therapist and it has been hugely beneficial. I believe that this training methodology can help revolutionize motherhood and support it being the STRONG and POWERFUL experience it is meant to be!

Nicole Katz, Structural Yoga Therapist & Founder of Yoga 216

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I am a full spectrum doula and I took this course because so many of my clients were asking me about working out during pregnancy. When I began the course, I was a birth doula for 3 clients and I taught them all many of the techniques I learned and they were immensely helpful! I truly believe that the practice they did allowed them to have the birth experiences they had always desired. I look forward to continue to teach these techniques I learned to ALL my future clients. THANK YOU!

Lindsay Salamone, Full Spectrum Doula

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Despite working in the fitness industry for over a decade, I experienced incontinence and low back pain after my second pregnancy. I discovered the PROnatal Fitness course right before getting pregnant with my third, and I am so thankful I did! Applying the PROnatal Fitness method, I was able to avoid significant pains or injuries during pregnancy and experience my smoothest postpartum recovery yet – with NO incontinence or pain. Beyond that, the strength I’ve built has helped me to feel my best – and be my best – as I enjoy my busy life as a mom of 3!

Brooke Carlson, Certified Personal Trainer

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I programmed my own workouts according to the PROnatal Fitness Performance Training Framework and I was able to experience a PAIN-FREE pregnancy – despite having scoliosis. Moreover, I was able to maintain a full-time personal training schedule that kept me on my feet all day right up until the very end!

Allison Hassan, Certified Personal Trainer & Functional Movement Specialits

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To say I was "blown away" by the PROnatal Fitness Specialist Course would be an understatement. Growing up, I thought that pregnancy was this "uncomfortable" experience that you just had to "deal" with, but I've been using what I learned during my own pregnancy and I've felt strong, empowered, and amazing! I want to show others that it is absolutely possible to feel good during your pregnancy and emerge even stronger than you were before.

Courtney Kessler, Certified Personal Trainer

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I did a ton of research on pre & postnatal courses before selecting the PROnatal course and it exceeded my expectations from the very first lesson! The entire course felt so empowering. I can't recommend it enough!

Ryan Stec, Certified Functional Strength Coach

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One of the things I liked best about this course is the amount of clarity provided in each module. In other certificate courses, I've struggled with the amount of material that feels unnecessary to properly train a client, and I end up getting confused. This is a very straightforward and concise program. I also love the number of tools we are given to help us when it comes to actually working with a client.

Emily Knieriem, Certified Personal Trainer

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I was initially concerned about taking an online course because I did not think that I would be motivated enough to stick with it. However, this course is structured in a way that kept me extremely interested and engaged. I ended up completing the course in less time than I thought and I feel confident training my pre & post-natal clients according to the PROnatal framework. Excellent Course!

Sasha Kossak, Physical Therapist, Biomechanics Specialist, Wellness & Nutrition Coach

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I can't believe how much I learned in this course! Not only did I learn the specifics of training for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery, but I also found this to be incredibly helpful in so many different areas of fitness and life. The material was very well presented, enjoyable to learn, and simply impactful!"

Mike Owczarek, Certified Personal Trainer

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This course has been one of my favorites that I’ve completed thus far in my fitness career. The modules covered so much information, but were presented in a way that I didn't feel bored or overwhelmed while going through the process. Now I not only have the confidence to train women during and after pregnancy, but I'm also applying so much of what I learned to ALL my clients because of how relevant (and important) this information is for everyone.

Dianna Falzarano, Certified Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer

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I hate tedious and long-drawn-out courses with information that I may never use. But this course was anything but that. I use what I learned in this course every single day in my work as a pre & postnatal holistic health coach, personal trainer, and doula. In addition, the on-going support I get through the PROnatal Professional Network has helped me stay on top of my game -- especially as challenging situations arise in my work.

Valerie Pedraza, ITEC Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula

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I used what I learned in this course to train my wife during two pregnancies (and postpartum recoveries) – and I can happily say she did phenomenal! I am so grateful for the education I received, the confidence I built, and the incredible community I joined. PROnatal Fitness is the REAL DEAL.

Troy Brooks, Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor

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This was my 3rd pre/postnatal specialist course, and this was BY FAR the best one I have taken. It was incredibly thorough -- diving deep into programming for both prenatal and postpartum, whereas other certifications did not do this. I am already implementing what I've learned into my training sessions with clients. I HIGHLY recommend this course!

Sabrina Stockel, Certified Personal Trainer & Founder of ABC Fit Collective

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I should have taken this course years ago! This course provided me with a new framework for designing programs for my pre and postnatal clients. I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I was with the quality of this education. My only regret is not taking this earlier in my career!

Irene E. Certified Personal Trainer

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Every trainer/coach working with female clients should be required to take this course. As a former professional soccer player, and a mother, I wish I would have had this information earlier. I now realize how things like poor posture, muscle imbalances, and an overly tight pelvic floor were affecting me. I’m excited to put this new information I have learned into action, and help other clients moving forward!

K.A.B., Former Professional Soccer Player & Current Coach/Trainer

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Even if you have other prenatal and postpartum fitness specialization courses, I promise you this course will provide you with even MORE tools and knowledge to serve your pregnant and postpartum clients better.

Ashley Heisler, Certified Personal Trainer

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I highly recommend this course to all fitness trainers even if you do not work specifically with pre/postnatal population. I promise you, it will positively impact the way you train ALL your clients.

Sarnia Ogidan, NASM Certified Personal Trainer

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FAQs

We offer 3, 6, and 12 month payment plans for U.S. credit cards via Affirm. Please see details below on how it works.  We also offer 3 and 6 month payment plan options for non-U.S. credit cards. For this, please contact info@pronatalfitness.com.

How to Use the Affirm Payment Plan

Payment plans are personalized based on your credit score. Therefore, you will be asked to provide some very brief information to check your credit score. Note, this process is considered a soft credit check. It does NOT impact your credit score.

When you get to the payment section in the purchase process, select to “pay over time with Affirm” (as shown below) instead of entering any credit card information. Click “Sign up now.”

Once you click the “sign up now” button, a box (shown below) will pop-up prompting you to begin entering the necessary information to check your credit.

Enter this information, and you will see your payment plan options laid out, like below. Your monthly payments and total payment will be listed for each option with interest broken out so you can see exactly how much interest is included. Interest rates are based on your credit score and you will have the option to move forward or not.

Select the option you’d like, and click continue. It will show you the amount due today and it will also give you the dates and amounts of the next payments. You will have the option to enroll in autopay if you’d like. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes. 

If you have any questions or challenges, please reach out to us at info@pronatalfitness.com or give us a call at 516-778-9468.

Note, payment plans are not available for membership renewal fees after the first year.

There are no prerequisites for this course. Anyone interested in a highly comprehensive, and updated approach to pre and postnatal education will benefit from the information in this course.

To receive your Certificate and CECs, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

This a 2-hour timed exam that you take at home on your computer or device (no testing center). There are 80 multiple choice questions. You must receive 85% to pass (68 questions correct). You can use any notes you want, but you must complete the exam within the 2-hour time limit.

If you do not pass, you can purchase an exam re-test for $35. But don’t worry, we give you plenty of tips on how to prepare for the exam so you pass on the first try!

And if you do need to retake it, it’s the same test again, so you just need to review the questions you answered incorrectly.

After registering for the course, you will have 1-year access to complete the course. The course is estimated to take about 30 hours, but some people complete it in less time. If needed, you can purchase course access extensions for $35 per month. You will get email reminders to keep you on track, and you will always be able to see how much time you have left when you login to your course.

All written materials (module PDFs, self-check answer sheets, course downloads, and the electronic textbook of entire course) are available for you to download and keep.

If you are a PPN member, you will have lifetime access to the latest course materials. You still need to complete the course and take your exam within 1 year, but after that, you will always be able to access the latest course materials (and a summary of updates made) in your membership dashboard.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn the title (and your certificate) as a Pre/Postnatal Performance Training Specialist. Everyone who passes the exam receives this title (there are no prerequisite requirements other than passing).

There are no renewal requirements. This is a one-time program to receive your certificate. If, however, you’d like to be featured on our website in our Find a Professional Directory, then you must remain enrolled in our PROnatal Professional Network, as we want to ensure that the professionals we endorse are committed to consistently growing their knowledge and expertise in this space.

Absolutely! Typically, the process is that you reach out to your certifying agency and ask them for a CEC petition form for you to complete. If you need any additional information about the course, you can submit this Course Overview your agency. We are also happy to provide your reviewer course access, or any other materials requested. Please reach out to us at info@pronatalfitness.com for any of this information.

This course is approved for the following CECs already:

  • ACE 3.6
  • ACSM 28
  • NASM 1.9
  • AFAA 15
  • ISSA 20
  • CANFITPRO 4

Because we update this course so frequently, we do not include a printed textbook. However, each module contains a downloadable PDF with all the detailed text. In addition, at the beginning of the course there is a Full Course PDF with a table of contents that includes hyperlinks to each module. You can download the entire course as one file, then print it and put it in a binder, separated by tabs for each module if you’d like.

We want you to feel good about your course purchase! Therefore, we allow you to take the first 3 modules of this course RISK-FREE. If, at any point during the first 3 modules, you are not satisfied with the course, you can reach out to us at info@pronatalfitness.com to request a full refund (and the materials from the first three modules are yours to keep).

Please note, our Full Course PDF (the electronic textbook of the entire course) is located after module 3. Once you hit this spot in the course where you have access to the entire textbook, we can no longer offer a refund.

If you purchase the course bundle, and request a refund within the first 3 modules, we will refund your entire purchase — course and PPN membership. After you pass the 3-module mark in the course, we can no longer offer refunds for either.

If you pay for the PPN membership on its own, once you pay for it, it is good for an entire year. We cannot offer refunds (or partial refunds) for cancelling part of the way through your membership.

If you do not want your membership to auto-renew, you can change your preferences to not auto-renew. This will give you the option of renewing or not when your 1-year term is up.

We are happy to answer any questions you have!  Email us at Info@pronatalfitness.com or give us a call at 516-778-9468.

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Select the option below that’s right for you. Payment plans are available for both options. Plus, we offer a Money-Back Guarantee. See FAQs for details. Your PPN membership renews at $150 annually, but you can set your membership to not auto-renew.

Course Only
$699 USD

1-Year Access to Take the Course

Lifetime Access to Course Materials

18 Modules: Webinars, PDFs, Self-Checks

Electronic Textbook

Movement & Instructional Videos

Forms, Templates, Client Resources

Sample Workouts + Case Study Practice

Certificate & CECs (upon completion)

BUY COURSE
Best Value
Course + 1-Year PPN
$799 USD

1-Year Access to Take the Course

Lifetime Access to Course Materials

18 Modules: Webinars, PDFs, Self-Checks

Electronic Textbook

Movement & Instructional Videos

Forms, Templates, Client Resources

Sample Workouts + Case Study Practice

Certificate & CECs (upon completion)

Access to Private Community

Direct Support from PROnatal Leadership

Video Exercise Library

Workout Builder + Pre-Made Workouts

Video Resource Library

Exclusive Monthly Webinars

PROnatal Website Feature

Access to Course Updates

Exclusive Discounts

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