I just finished 9 months (prenatal and postpartum) at The Lotus Method and my experience was so enjoyable. Sophia was my trainer and she was knowledgeable and such a pleasure to work with. My intention was to work on strengething and relaxing my pelvic floor to prepare for birth as well as keep my body strong to carry my baby. I got exactly what I came for! Thanks so much Sophia, I will miss you!! read more

I started training with Hayley when I was 10 weeks pregnant, and I am now 4 months postpartum, with plans to continue. The sessions were crucial in helping me stay active and manage pregnancy-related aches while preparing my body for childbirth. The push breath and other techniques we practiced during the sessions were game-changers during delivery. Now, the sessions are helping me regain my core strength in the postpartum period! read more

I was told by my best friend that the Lotus Method was a must-do for my first pregnancy, after she completed the program for her second pregnancy. She sold me as her recovery and overall wellness were way better the 2nd time around. I signed up for the Marina Studio and I've been working with Hayley since my first month of pregnancy! I am really glad that I signed up and committed to the Lotus Method early on, because it kept me active even during the phases of pregnancy when I did not want to do anything at all. Now, I am feeling strong in my 7th month and the weekly work outs are always manageable but challenging. The work-out and guidance is super customized to how you're feeling and where your body is at. Hayley has helped me not feel scared of being active despite feeling so big. I also feel better prepared for birth, and have really appreciated Hayley's encouragement and support throughout the process. Highly recommend! I have already committed to working with them through my post partum period as well. read more

I honestly LOVE this gym! I train here 3x a week and started going when I was around 8 weeks pregnant (I am now 28 weeks). I've always been extremely active and working out has been a big part of my life, but the minute I found out I was pregnant I wanted to find the most effective program - this is it ladies! I mostly go to Tanae and Erin's classes on Union Street. They always play really great music, switch up the workouts, and answer any questions you have about the workouts patiently. People have been complementing me on my toned arms and abs (yes abs!) and its all thanks to The Lotus Method. Do yourself a favor and train here if you're expecting! read more

I am so glad I did this during my pregnancy. I am going into the final stages feeling strong and prepared. I really believe that the focused strength training has made my pregnancy easy and helped me live my life without skipping a beat. I love all the personalized help and support. I got to learn the basics like teaching me to walk, stand and sit with proper pregnancy posture. They even gave me workouts to do while I am traveling. I also love that this is a place where we can choose if today we want to be fierce and give it everything we got or to pamper ourselves and take it easy. Pregnancy is filled with both of those types of days. Anyway highly recommend the lotus method. read more

I started with founder Caitlin Ritt on week 16 of my pregnancy and worked out with her weekly 1:1 and probably twice a month in the group classes. Caitlin is incredible - super knowledgeable about the needs and concerns of a pre and post preggo body, fun, and able to calibrate each client's individual needs (one day I wanted to be pushed, the next week I just needed to tone/stretch). She was a great resource of information from pregnancy fashion to body aches, and helped me achieve my goal of prepping my body to deliver and give myself the best chance of a fast rebound. I'm now 11 days post c section, feeling great, and nearly at my pre pregnancy weight without trying, and I credit so much my preparation with Caitlin before I delivered baby Luca on 10/19/18. I also loved the group classes, even though they were less possible for me given our weekend travel schedule. I met awesome women, many of whom I exchanged information with and now see outside of class. Love that the groups are a combo of pre and post partum, so you can swap stories and expertise from both sides. All in all, I have recommended Caitlin and Lotus Method to all my girlfriend's and can't wait to get back in the gym with Caitlin once I'm cleared to work out! read more

The Lotus Method - 39 weeks into my pregnancy - Trainers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I started at the Lotus Method a little over 2 years ago when I was pregnant with my first kid (about 5 months preggo). I was looking for a place that specialized in women's health and training because I was feeling tired, wasn't getting much exercise mainly because I didn't know what I was allowed to do. After my first few sessions, I knew I found the right place. The training sessions were such a personalized touch to help me be in the best shape I could be throughout my pregnancy and prep me for childbirth. Also, being able to join in on weekly group sessions helped me build my mommy community and realize that a lot of stuff I was going through was normal ;) It's also a safe environment where I can bring my whole self and not be afraid to discuss my concerns or issues. After giving birth, I went back to Lotus as soon as I got the OK from my doctor. They really helped me get back in shape and continued to grow my strength as a new mom and help me keep up with my rapidly growing son. They are so in tune with women's bodies, both pre and post natal, which I find not many people or doctors talk about. I've learned more about my own self through the many talented trainers I've worked with over the 2 years. Huge shout out to Caitlin for spearheading such a unique experience for future and new moms and for Alicia and Christi for "keeping my butt north!" ;) They are truly the best and I'm looking forward to continuing my time at the Lotus Method through my second pregnancy. I'm in my mid-30s and never felt this strong in my life! read more

I started coming to The Lotus Method after the birth of my baby to help treat some of my diastasis recti. Robin was PHENOMENAL - so patient and so helpful in teaching me how to do the exercises properly. I highly recommend The Lotus Method to anybody who is trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, or postpartum. The group classes are really fun too and allow you to meet other women in the area. read more

I started at The Lotus Method 3 years ago as a pre-natal client. I felt like the work I did prepared me for a quick and smooth labor. I've continued working with The Lotus Method postpartum. All of the trainers I have worked with are experienced in pre and post natal exercise - and they are a lot of fun! I highly recommend making The Lotus Method part of your pre and post natal care plan. read more

I've been working out at The Lotus Method for 7 years now - before my first child and well after my second. The trainers are exceptional and trained in pre/post natal exercise techniques that were originally designed by owner and CEO Caitlin Ritt. They focus on proper breathing during your exercise, and have effective workouts that incorporate more body weight, cables and bands. I love that I can get a great core workout without having to do a single sit up! TLM can help with eliminating diastasis, common for postpartum. I am forever appreciative of how TLM prepared me for my first pregnancy giving me the strength and stamina to get thru childbirth - my OB was impressed with my pushing. I really owe a lot of that to TLM training. Now I've gone virtual due to COVID and I'm loving it. The trainers have been great about focusing on my form and are very good at describing the movements in a way that is easy to follow and the environment and energy between client and trainer has always been enjoyable and inviting. Being able to travel and still workout with my trainer is also a huge plus. I always feel like I belong even after being post-natal for several years now. Thank you TLM! read more

Coming to Lotus during my pregnancy and after was the highlight of each week. Every instructor is so knowledgable and I was able to receive the care and personalization I needed that I wasn't receiving in my other workout classes. As my belly grew I became more wary of the group exercise classes I was doing and if they were safe for me. I started Lotus in my third trimester with chronic back pain that I had been dealing with from a car accident for over three years. No amount of physical therapy and various doctor visits had helped me in the past. Caitlin made a personalized plan for me and helped strengthen my body in a way that assisted with my labor, birth and recovery. I'm 5 months postpartum and my back pain is gone for the first time in over three years! I owe my healthy pregnancy, fast recovery from birth and my new pain free life to these amazing ladies. read more

This is absolutely worth every penny at any stage of pregnancy or postpartum! I honestly didn't know what the pregnant body was capable of. Had I not gone, I would have been on the couch my whole pregnancy - going to the Lotus Method seeing other women in their 40th week doing squats and feeling healthy made me realize what I could do and it kept me going till the very day I delivered! I started at 24 weeks worried about maintaining my fitness once I found out I was pregnant. I originally went so I could bounce back quicker but ultimately this program has provided me with so much more. The trainers are incredibly knowledgeable about a subject that few are educated on. A regular trainer with "some" knowledge could have definitely messed up my abs and I would have never known till post baby. They also trained my breathing which came as second nature while delivering. I was given access to free classes with lactation consultants, sleep consultants, and dietitians. It also provided me with a fantastic network of Moms at every stage which helped answer all my questions, and give recommendations on schools, strollers, and just made me feel normal since I'm the first of my friends to have a baby. Postpartum what I didn't realize is how rough the first few months are on your back, arms and even hands just parenting...picking up a baby, breast feeding etc. I feel so lucky my strength has been built up to endure this. There's so much more I could say, but the best investment I made hands down during pregnancy! Also, shout out to my trainer Claire!! read more

When I first started working with Haley at TLM, I told her my goal was just to avoid becoming morbidly obese during my second pregnancy (which, in the era of Postmates, has been a big challenge). Little did I know that within a few weeks my body would start to fall apart and my objectives would become decidedly less vanity-driven. I've had chronic lower ab, hip flexor and sciatic nerve pain for the past 2+ months (I'm now 7 months pregnant), and I can only describe Haley as my rock during this difficult time. From the minute the pain started, she's bent over backwards to help me figure out what's happening and manage my pain. Even on the days I can barely walk, I'm motivated to make it to my session with Haley because she's one of the few things that truly makes me feel better, both because of the exercises and stretches she makes me do and also because I genuinely enjoy talking to her. I only wish I'd found Haley and TLM the last time I was pregnant (I think if I had rehabbed correctly after my first pregnancy, this pain situation wouldn't be happening). I'm really looking forward to working with Haley after the baby gets here - I know she'll get me back in working order in no time (Postmates binges notwithstanding). I would recommend Haley/TLM to any woman pre-, post- or just considering pregnancy - you won't regret the investment in your health! read more

Great atmosphere full of positivity, support, and laughs no matter where you are at in your stage of motherhood. I really appreciated how each workout was tailored to my needs as a mother, both pre and post natal. I am able to use the workouts and moves I have learned in my daily routines with the baby now. Super useful! In addition to the physical activity, membership here is a nice way to meet and commiserate with other moms :) read more

I've been working with Haley and Emily for almost 3 months now postpartum and am so grateful to have found them. The Lotus Method is such a gem for the soon-to-be or new mom. I'm continuously impressed with how Haley and Emily are so educated in the unique needs of a mom's body and how they vary the exercises in every session (I particularly love this!) I was planning to just do 3 months-worth of sessions but I'm addicted now. I felt so comfortable with both Haley (who's also a new mom and great for tip-sharing) and Emily from the start and love the atmosphere in each location. I can't recommend this enough! read more

Started with Jess while I was still TTC (a sort of "if you build it, they will come" type of thing) and have completely loved it! I've never been especially athletic, so I was a little nervous about feeling awkward or embarrassed, but no need to be! Everything has been completely at my level and I feel totally comfortable with her and all the exercises she guides me through. I'm now 16 weeks preggo and looking forward to working with her all the way to the end! Plus a good girlfriend of mine said she worked with Caitlin before her first and her labor was only 4 hours. #goals. read more

Caitlin, Emily, Haley and the gang are really amazing. I am a physical therapist and pilates instructor who specializes in prenatal & postpartum mamas, but when I needed someone to help me, I started coming to the Lotus Method. I started at the Financial District location but it was a hard commute from the Marina area so I was thrilled when they opened up this location, which is so beautiful btw. Check out those floors! I started with Caitlin after a miscarriage and was trying to get my body prepared for getting pregnant again with our second child. Caitlin helped me through my fertility period as well as my prenatal back pains. It's been 9 weeks since the birth of my 2nd & I've been training 2 x a week. It's made such a difference in my back pain and pelvic instability. I have a toddler and infant now, so when I try to work out at home on my own, I barely get started with someone starts crying or needing something from me. It's been a really important part of my postpartum health (physically, mentally & emotionally) to have this hour of exercise to myself. Cait and the Lotus Method are more than "just personal training". As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I can attest to their rehab-based approach and smart training techniques. It is so important to get your body back to a strong healthy place before and after birth because those little mignons don't get less demanding as they grow up! read more

Love Haley and TLM!! This is my first pregnancy and I love that I can keep working out knowing that everything I'm doing is safe and beneficial for me and baby. She is an expert at helping me through all the aches and pains and I'm glad to know that once I pop this kid out I have someone I trust to help put me back together. read more

Training at the Lotus Method was one of the best decisions I made for myself during my pregnancy. I did the 1-1 on weekly training sessions and came to really look forward to that hour each week. The group classes are also wonderful and a nice supplement to the individual training. Even on mornings I didn't feel like getting out of bed, getting to the Lotus Method and working out always, always left me feeling better. If you're pregnant you should do this! read more

I worked with Caitlin from 4 months pregnant through the birth of my son, Ryan, in September. I had a great pregnancy with only a few minor complaints. My birth experience was also very positive. I credit this to working with Caitlin and preparing my body to be in the best shape it could be. After I was cleared to exercise again, I began working with Haley. She is also a top notch trainer. She was both my emotional and physical coach in the 6 months following the birth of my son. She assisted me through some typical new mom back problems, and gave me fantastic exercises to do at home to prevent further issues. Both Caitlin and Haley are fantastic. Always going above and beyond. Always there with a smile and a hug. Always amazing me with their deep knowledge about prenatal and postpartum recovery and exercise. You're in great hands with Lotus Method. Worth every penny. read more

Ashley and the whole crew at Lotus Method are fantastic! I signed up because I wanted a personalized workout routine that's safe for my baby and me. That's exactly what I got! I have had a healthy and energized pregnancy thanks all to the Lotus Method. Ashley is the trainer that I see regularly, but I've also trained with Jess, Caitlin, and Hayley. They are all outstanding! They are informed on the special needs of a pregnant body. Their first question is always "how is your body feeling today?" And if anything doesn't feel great--lower back, etc--they spend time focusing on stretching and working out that area. I always feel better leaving the Lotus Method than I did walking in! I can't say enough good things about my experience there. I don't think I'll ever have a pregnancy without them! read more

Haley and Caitlin have played a hugely positive role in my healthy pregnancy and postnatal recovery. They are both so knowledgeable, skilled, capable while being fun, energetic and highly entertaining - all of this helps to not only make me feel like I'm in good hands but also totally keeps me going. Additionally, Haley is a mom and has so much first hand experience and has been so nice to relate to and learn from. TLM is growing like crazy! I feel so lucky to be a part of the mix and have benefited so much. read more

I have been so happy with my experience with Lotus Method. I have been working one-on-one for about five months with Ashley at the Marina studio to get into pre-pregnancy shape, and I feel stronger than I have in years. She is very knowledgeable, warm, and flexible about exercises and goals. 60 minutes always flies by. I have also gone to group classes with Ashley at Marina, Jess at Noe, and Rebecca and Emily at SOMA. Group classes are also really challenging workouts, and fun opportunities to get to know other members. I am really proud of my fitness progress and owe much of that success to the really supportive atmosphere at Lotus! read more

Lotus Method is great! I worked with Haley throughout my pregnancy and she is amazing! She is a very experienced personal trainer and has amazing knowledge and passion around women's prenatal and postnatal physical health. During our sessions she was always attuned to what was going on with me physically and adjusted my workouts to provide the most benefit. I had pretty severe back pain during my third trimester and Haley was my godsend. Working out with her was one of the only things able to provide me relief. She also gave me at home exercises to do that really helped with my pain. In addition to keeping me in great shape during my pregnancy, Haley was great to talk to and spend an hour with every week. As a mother herself I found her to be a wealth of knowledge regarding all things baby and pregnancy and she was very open to sharing her experiences. The Lotus Method also provides great group classes and workshops. The group classes are fun and a great way to connect with other moms. There are a variety of workshops that I think every TLM mama should take advantage of. I loved Caitlin's hip hop class and found my amazing lactation consultant by attending their breast feeding class. Overall Lotus Method is has been a fantastic resource for me! It's a smart way to exercise and provides a comfortable, fun, and healthy environment for moms and moms-to-be! read more

When I first came to the Lotus Method, I was three months postpartum and still experiencing pain in my abs. I didn't have diastasis recti, but I had a pain between my belly button and my hip that I couldn't figure out. People just kept telling me to wait, and that I needed time to heal. But I was in so much pain. I couldn't get up from a chair, get out of bed, hold my baby or rock my baby to sleep without pain. It felt so demoralizing to be 3 months postpartum and still not be able to get up with out pain! So I finally made an appointment at The Lotus Method. Within one session, I was able to stand up without pain! It was so magical. We focused a lot on the basics - how to belly breathe, exhaling without pain and activating the pelvic floor, and then how to stand, roll over in bed, etc. I was immediately impressed with the quality of trainers and their competency and knowledge of the implications of pregnancy on the body. It's been a long road to recovery, and Caitlin has been there every step of the way. I'm now 6 months postpartum and I can do lunges with weight overhead, kick stand deadlifts, rows, all without pain. We've been able to progress so far, and I am so much happier! I was a weightlifter before getting pregnant and very aware of my body. So I didn't think I needed a pregnancy specific trainer. However, looking back and seeing the recovery process, I wish I did The Lotus Method sooner. I wish I learned these skills while I was pregnant, which would have prepared me for birth and postpartum. I was super active and thought I was in a good place, but I could have really benefited from The Lotus Method while pregnant. If you're pregnant, I would highly, highly recommend that you do The Lotus Method. I'm sure it will help make your recovery so much smoother. And I'm sure it would help with birth as well, because you can gain more control of your pelvic floor! So if you want a smoother birth and easier recovery, give The Lotus Method a try!! read more

I wanted to update since I've been working with Haley postpartum and she is yet another star in TLM stable of talented, insightful trainers. There is no substitute to working with someone who has dedicated their education to truly learning the function of the body, is so clearly fascinated by its mechanisms, and able to apply her understanding with thoughtful cues and approachable language. Its informative such that i can use her insights not just in her challenging workouts but in my every day on the floor with my sons. She is clearly dedicated to the idea that we live in our bodies and its how we move and use them in each moment that truly "trains" them. She has given me homework that i can add to my days as a busy mom of two, offering priorities if i have 5 minutes, and full scale practices if i have an hour. Another win for TLM in terms of keeping its staffing of the top notch and intuitive variety. I'm so pleased to refer to them my own pregnant patients, knowing what advocacy they will provide women in the pursuit to know and care for their pregnant and postpartum bodies with agency. read more

A friend referred me to Haley at The Lotus Method, and I started training with her in early January. At that point, I was 11 months postpartum with my 2nd child and was having chronic lower back pain from 2 pregnancies (c-sections) 18 months apart. I also had a 2.5 finger abdominal separation that I had already been to physical therapy try and heal. Bottom line is that I (a person that has always enjoyed exercise/physical fitness) was unsure that my body would ever feel "normal" again. Fast forward 3 months, and I'm much stronger in my core than I thought possible which has allowed me to lift my 1 and 2.5 year old and not be in constant pain. Haley is a mom herself and gets the physical challenges that moms face and gives you practical exercises to help prepare you for day to day scenarios. I'm so thrilled that I found her and The Lotus Method to help me continue to build my strength back! It's also been so empowering to be surrounded by a community of women who are in a similar life stage and facing similar challenges as they are trying to conceive, pregnant or postpartum like me. read more

Jess at TLM was amazing! She helped me get into my pre-preggo jeans in just three months and kept me laughing the entire time. Oh did I mention I gained 65 lbs and that I was pregnant with TWINS? #miracleworker read more

I am so incredibly fortunate that by chance I got to start working out with Caitlin even before she opened The Lotus Method. The Lotus Method may just be one of the greatest finds for women looking to prepare themselves for pregnancy, keep them strong and injury free during pregnancy and continue to help them attain their goals throughout their journey of motherhood. When I first met Caitlin before I became pregnant, I had nagging R knee pain that I couldn't shake and within 1 month, it was gone and has not come back. Through my workouts at the Lotus Method, I was able to remain injury free and without really any aches and pains in pregnancy. I was fortunate to not have any diastasis recti (separation of my abdominal muscles) which is very common in pregnancy and was able to push my daughter out in less than 40 minutes. I am convinced that my pregnancy and delivery health was in no small part due to the diligence of The Lotus Method. Postpartum, I was able to come back to exercise safely and have gotten into the best shape of my life thanks to the help of Emily, Caitlin and now Jess. I set personal goals at the beginning of the year and they worked with me to attain them in a smart, consistent way with an appropriate timeline. No matter which trainer you have the pleasure of working with, there is a level of professionalism and consistency at The Lotus Method that can't be beat. I love these ladies!! As both a mother and physician, I give The Lotus Method my highest recommendation. It truly has been the best gift that I could give myself to ensure that I continue to remain strong, healthy and confident in my body. read more

Haley at the lotus method is a gift! I've been working with her for 4 months, since the birth of my daughter. She has taught me so much about my body, how to recover safely, and get stronger. Working with her is a highlight of my week every week. She varies the exercises and always takes in to consideration how I'm feeling (and how much sleep I'm getting). It's been truly wonderful to work with her in this postpartum period. I feel stronger, and so happy with how I'm recovering from pregnancy and labor. The Lotus Method studio is clean and well equipped. I wish I had discovered them prenatally! read more

I am so grateful to have found The Lotus Method. I have been working with Haley for six months now and I have come so far. After two kids I was experiencing incontinence issues and periodic back and neck pain. Spending time strengthening and toning my body has done wonders. Haley knows her stuff and pushes me in a way that is challenging, yet still comfortable. I wish that there had been a Lotus Method through my pregnancies but so happy to have this in my life postpartum as well. read more

This review is long overdue. I started going to The Lotus Method last year when I was about 3 months pregnant and had sessions with Ashley 2x/week until I was 8 months pregnant. I can't say enough great things about the studio and all of the trainers. It is the most supportive environment and you can go in with confidence that every move you do is safe and effective for pregnant women. But you will still work up an appropriate sweat and feel like you actually worked out, which was so important for me to stay motivated. I had 3 nurses, a doctor and a midwife in the delivery room with me, all of whom commented on how impressed they were with my strength during pushing. I totally credit this to TLM! And I honestly was in better shape then than I am now, 9 months postpartum. I wish I could have continued training with them but with the new baby and all of the expenses that came with him, we had to cut back a bit. Going to TLM was one of the best things that I did for my prenatal health and well being and I highly recommend to any prenatal or postpartum mamas out there. read more

Love the new TLM location on Union Street - it is bespoke training in a beautiful setting. Bright, lovely and refreshingly un-smelly-gym-like. I've trained with The Lotus Method trainers through 2 pregnancies and a back surgery with rehab and credit their expertise with a very successfully short (and unmedicated) second delivery and a quicker-than-expected-it-even-impressed-the-physical-therapist recovery from spine surgery (of an old, old injury). The trainers at The Lotus Method are knowledgeable about the pains and strains of pregnancy and post-partum rebuilding and are using the most effective movements and breathing techniques to support strong and healthy women. I love the Mommy & Me class (and so does my baby) and get great personal workouts from all the trainers (in one-on-one sessions or from a class). These TLM ladies will kick your booty into gear and help you be the strongest, most capable version of yourself. Training at TLM Union St is time-efficient, tailored, fun and highly recommended! read more