Venn Ambassador Spotlight: Nikki Bergen — Pilates Entrepreneur and Pelvic Health Expert
Nikki Bergen is one of Canada’s most sought after health and fitness professionals. A former professional dancer, Nikki has dedicated her life to creating ground-breaking fitness programs for women that combine Pilates and Pelvic Health. Through The Belle Method and The Bump Method Inc., Nikki shares her expertise and passion for helping women feel confident and strong throughout pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
Tell us briefly about your work, inspirations, passions and philosophy on health and fitness.
I’m a Pilates Instructor, Mama of 2 and a big pelvic health advocate! My greatest passion is in supporting pregnant women prepare mentally and physically for birth, and to help with their postpartum recovery. My company The Belle Method was born of this passion. I’ve been teaching movement for 20 years, and I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon!
We're all about movement at Venn. What does a typical day for you look like through the lens of movement?
Most of my movement comes from teaching my virtual Pilates classes and chasing my kids at the park!
Why and how do you use a Venn Air Chair? Where in your home, office or workout routine do you use it?
I use the Venn Air Chair as a Pilates prop for workouts, stretching, and baby bouncing!
What are some beneficial stretches/moves you’d recommend doing with a Venn Air Chair during pregnancy? Postpartum? (Please send photo(s) if possible)
Thoracic spine mobilization is key during pregnancy and postpartum to help with intra-abdominal pressure management and breathing mechanics. Child pose, ball marches, roll ins – the possibilities with the ball are endless!
Students that attend your Prenatal Pilates & Push Prep Class are between 20-30 weeks pregnant. What’s something movement-related that’s often unexpected by women at this stage in pregnancy?
Around 20 weeks is when many (especially first time moms) start to show more prominently. This can come along with changes in centre of gravity, balance, and breathing mechanics as the diaphragm becomes more compressed by the growing baby. Learning to stay connected to the deep core and pelvic floor muscles is key to help reduce diastasis recti, prolapse and incontinence, not to mention key for birth prep!
At Venn, we zig when others zag. What's something in work or life that you approach differently—philosophically, physically, emotionally—than others?
Love this question! I’m very intuitive in decision making, and it’s never steered me wrong! I believe our capacity for abundance is limitless – this has been a powerful lesson as a life-long entrepreneur. What we focus our attention upon will grow. I believe our thoughts are the most powerful secret ingredient to success!
Learn more about Nikki’s work at www.thebellemethod.com and follow her on Instagram @thebellemethod.
“I believe our capacity for abundance is limitless – this has been a powerful lesson as a life-long entrepreneur. What we focus our attention upon will grow. I believe our thoughts are the most powerful secret ingredient to success! ”