During the last 26 years, we’ve certified over 119,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. Each month, we recognize one of our distinguished graduates who use what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.
Meet our graduate for the month of October, Anum Malik, an AFPA certified Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist.
How did you originally become interested in health and wellness?
Health and wellness only became important to me after giving birth for the first time. I wasn’t prepared for all the ways my body would change both physically and mentally. I didn’t understand how much of a toll the human body can take if you don’t make physical fitness and good nutrition a priority. Once I spent time educating myself and learning about best practices regarding good health, I just had to take the plunge and help others too.
Which certification did you choose? Why did you choose AFPA?
I chose the prenatal and postpartum fitness certification because I wanted to help women go through an empowering pregnancy and postpartum period. The impacts pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood have on a woman are momentous, and correct care is hugely negligent everywhere. In my home country, Pakistan, the concept of prenatal and postpartum fitness is relatively new, and that’s been the most inspiring part of pushing it forward!
I chose AFPA because their certificate course had everything I was looking for. It covered each aspect of a woman’s pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum in context to movement, corrective exercise, and nutrition. And I’m so glad I did!!
What was your career like prior to getting certified?
I’ve been training pregnant and postpartum women for over a year now and hold multiple certifications in this field. But before becoming a prenatal and postpartum health and fitness trainer, I worked in the development sector in Pakistan, specifically working with companies advocating for social development and human rights.
What is you career like now?
Today, I run my own prenatal and postpartum health and fitness program. The goal is to help women have a healthy and empowered journey through pregnancy and motherhood. My program comprises of a comprehensive fitness session with nutrition recommendations and daily movement assessments, tailored to pregnant and postpartum women separately.
What are your favorite parts about your career?
I love what I do and definitely feel like I’ve found my true calling! The best part is when women actually feel physically or mentally good after attending my classes. It thrills me to know my sessions are helping women feel better and stronger.
Do you have any client success stories you would like to share?
One of my clients was going through a painful pregnancy. She had remained completely sedentary, suffered from gestational diabetes, and was told she was very unlikely to have a vaginal delivery, but she really wanted one. She came to me well into her third trimester, and I tried to pay as much individual attention to her as possible. I modified movements to ensure she was comfortable, went over her nutrition, and ensured she was getting ample activity in and moving correctly in daily activities. In two months, she delivered a perfectly healthy baby through an uncomplicated four-hour labor process! Her doctors attributed the last two months of effort to her easy delivery.
What advice do you have for others thinking about getting certified?
I would suggest following what you’re truly passionate about. If this is where you feel your true talents lie, take the plunge and just remember to always prioritize your client’s comfort and well being.
To connect with Anum, follow her on Instagram for more information or contact her via email.
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