Hi, Hande Here!
I have been a sports enthusiast my whole life. Growing up I was given the opportunity to play and just be. So, play I did. I experimented with different kinds of sports, both at the individual and team level. I just loved—and still today love—moving my body. While free-style swimming competitively as a teenager, I also took an interest in gymnastics, tennis and even beach volley—despite being vertically challenged.
My years of active living taught me the importance of practicing science-based, safe movement. So I decided to take it to the classroom and learned a bit about biomechanics, kinesiology and all the other fun stuff. The more I learn about the human body, the more fascinated I become and more grateful I am for what my body can do.
I believe that movement with awareness is an essential component of any physical activity. What is your body telling you today?
Throughout my thirties, I lived in New York City and had the opportunity to learn and work with the best of what the fitness community can offer. I traveled around the globe, visited more than 50 countries for fun and to study. Now I reside in Barcelona, Spain, where I instantly connected with and embrace the vibrant and positive community. Let’s get fit!
Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise
After two pregnancies I’ve personally dealt with diastasis recti, lower crossed body syndrome, and bad posture, to name a few things. Helping expectant and new mothers to regain daily function & movement with confidence is a very fulfilling professional experience for me. It’s also one that requires specific knowledge & skills. As an American Council on Exercise (ACE) fitness specialist, I follow guidelines set forth by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to create a program for your unique needs.
Prenatal Training
Exercise for a pregnant woman can have profound effects on her health and her baby’s experience in utero. I employ exercises that are appropriate for each trimester and how you are feeling that day, keeping in mind that intensive exercise is not the optimal goal during this stage of your life. My primary goal is getting you to a place where you feel more relaxed and less symptomatic so you can focus on enjoying this incredible experience in your life!
Postnatal Training
Exercise after pregnancy: the journey to motherhood starts with getting back on your feet! Together we reconnect you with your feet using core exercises and variations, working gently on your postural deviations. It is essential to new moms to take care of themselves so they can take care of their children.
First 30-Minute Free Consultation
In a 30-minute free consultation session, I will be conducting various comprehensive tests to evaluate your health status and level of fitness. This includes postural assessment from head to toe, which is essential in creating an injury-free and unique program, working with pre-existing or acute conditions and managing injuries or pain at all levels
Testimonials
Sarah from Germany, “The small group exercise with Hande help me to strengthen my body during pregnancy. I really like that Hande prepares individual exercises for everyone's specific needs and the friendly atmosphere among the other mums.”
Laura from UK, “ I'm really happy to have found Hande and her mami fitness classes in Barcelona. My postpartum body was so ready to get back into action but I wasn't sure what I should be doing and a little nervous about doing damage. I always feel like Hande is taking care of me and my body and giving just the right exercises to make me feel the difference and get me strong to take care of my baby. The class atmosphere is relaxed with the right amount of challenge and motivation. Hande is professional, truly listens and adapts to everyone's needs and has an energy that is infectious!”
Isabel, from Spain, “Volver al deporte después de tener a mi hijo ha sido mucho más fácil con Hande! Clases adaptadas para el post parto en grupos reducidos, con una atención personalizada y en un muy buen ambiente.”
Minttu from Finland. “Hande’s post-pregnancy workout classes are a great way to get back into training. Her classes are gentle but effective. It’s also a great way to get to know other mums, and most importantly you can bring you baby along. Warmly recommended.”