Beginning today (Tuesday, Nov. 1), moms-to-be can get their muscles in shape with a new prenatal Pilates mat series class offered at The Marsh in Minnetonka.

Lesley Koehnan, a Pilates instructor from Minnetonka, believes it is extremely important for expecting mothers to keep their arms, legs and core strong during pregnancy.

"Prenatal Pilates teaches pregnant women body awareness for labor and delivery," said Koehnan. "[The classes offered at The Marsh] will keep our spines flexible to help keep posture during pregnancy and strengthen the muscles of the legs, pelvis, arms, shoulders– and of course the core muscles, which are the muscles that hug our baby."

Koehnan has been teaching Pilates and yogilates– an exercise blending yoga and pilates– since 2001. She practiced both exercises while she was pregnant with her now one-year-old son Jack.

"The class is basic Pilates, but we're modifying it to benefit the pregnant mom," said Koehnan.

Sydney Strand of Minnetonka said she took a yoga class at The Marsh in the past and now that she's five months pregnant with her first child, she's considering signing up for the new prenatal series.

"As a pregnant woman your body goes through so many changes, and it's important to keep yourself limber and to stretch your muscles," said Strand. "I try to do streches every morning and when I skip I day, I definitely notice a difference."

Koehnan said this is the first time The Marsh is offering this class and it's completely safe for expecting moms.

"Pilates is a popular form of exercise," said Koehnan. "We're excited to be able to offer a class for [women] who are pregnant."

The class is designed to help expecting moms stay pain-free during pregnancy, and gives these women a chance to get to know other expecting moms. The eight-week series runs on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m, and the cost is $95 for Marsh members and $150 for the general public. For more information go to visit The Marsh online or call 952-935-2202.