Helping women live stronger, healthier, happier lives is my passion!

"Shouldn't somebody know?"

Have you asked your doctor, midwife, mom, sister, and friends about:
-safe prenatal exercise
-running and doing crunches after having a baby
-how to stop peeing your pants when you jump or sneeze
-when you can start lifting weights after delivery
-why your "mummy tummy" won't go away no matter how much you workout

And NOBODY knows?

Let me back track for a minute and tell you how I went through this very same situation.

My name is Aly Matejka and I'm a mother of three children and was blessed with three healthy pregnancies. Going through pregnancy and childbirth, experiencing both C-section and vaginal deliveries, I have learned first-hand the amazing things a mother's body can do! The not so amazing thing I learned is that there is extremely limited support for postpartum women in this country, especially in the area of recovery and returning to activity.

I was shocked!

After the birth of my first child, a long labor that ended in an emergency c-section, I couldn't believe that I was cleared for physical activity at 6 weeks! I asked about returning to exercise and the only advice I got was, "just listen to your body."

  As an athlete, my body had always told me to push through the pain. "No pain, no gain! Right?"

 Wrong! Definitely not the "advice" for me. 

My second delivery was the VBAC (vaginal delivery after a c-section) I so desperately wanted. Yay! Unfortunately, I suffered a third degree tear and a myriad of pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.

 And guess what? Cleared again!  I had to research and find a pelvic floor therapist myself. I didn't even know pelvic floor therapy was a thing!

Why wasn't there anyone there to help guide me through all of these changes? Didn't anyone know how to get me back to running without pain? Without leaking?   I felt lost and frustrated, and honestly a little angry. This was NOT going to be my new normal!

I knew I had to become the person I needed.

 While pregnant with baby #3, I took the plunge and enrolled in a Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist course. I was finally able to feel confident in my exercise choices during pregnancy and empowered in my postpartum recovery and return to activity.

And that's what I want for every woman...

to feel supported and empowered through her pregnancy and postpartum journey. To have someone guide her in a safe and active pregnancy and give her more than outdated cliches for postpartum physical activity. I help rebuild postpartum bodies and restore function, ease pain, and get women back to the activities that give their lives joy.

My hope for the future is that prenatal and postpartum exercise information becomes more accessible to all women. That healthcare professionals, coaches, and personal trainers are educated on this aspect of women's health just like any other medical condition. That more specific guidelines for prenatal exercise and protocols for postpartum exercise will be in place.

Consider this...

When an athlete tears their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) they are advised that their injury is serious and requires surgery and almost a full year of therapy before they can expect to return to activity. They have MULTIPLE appointments with a therapist and follow-ups with a physician. It takes months to heal and properly strengthen the body to prepare for physical activity and prevent further injury.

  But when a woman has a baby she is given ONE follow-up appointment six weeks after having a human being come out of her body and told she is cleared to return to all previous activity. Oftentimes the woman is still experiencing pain, dysfunction, leakage, and weakness and given no guidelines on how to begin strengthening her body again.

Doesn't that seem a bit crazy?

I BELIEVE WOMEN DESERVE BETTER!

Exercising during pregnancy and returning to physical activity after a baby shouldn't be this huge mystery! Women deserve real guidance and support during these exciting and emotional life experiences.

I knew that my skills and knowledge as an athletic trainer would make me a great person to fill this gap in treatment. Athletic trainers are skilled healthcare professionals with education in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Adding a pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise certification has allowed me to pursue my passion. Now I help women have a safe and active pregnancy, recover from childbirth, and advance into physical activity confidently.

Education

BS in Athletic Training- University of Mount Union
MS in Athletic Training- California University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Athletic Training- A.T. Still University

Clinical Experience

Over the course of my career, I have been honored to have treated all types of athletes in varying settings with a majority of my time spent working with college athletes. I have provided athletic training services to many athletes including those playing soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, track and field, tennis, softball, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, football and golf.

Personal

I'm an assistant professor and my husband is the head soccer coach at a university. We have three young, active children. As a family we love to spend time outdoors and playing and watching sports. Growing up I did a variety of sports but really loved soccer and competitive gymnastics. Ultimately, I played soccer in college and have always had an intense relationship with sports. It has truly shaped me as an athletic trainer and clinician because I understand how important it is to be able to do the activities that you love- it's what makes life fun!

Working With Me

I believe in taking a whole body approach and that small steps can lead to big changes. I introduce simple exercises and corrections that can be implemented into any workout routine and everyday activities. All of my courses are self-paced so you can master exercises at a rate you feel comfortable with.

I also believe in education, (I'm a professor, remember?) because educating someone is empowering them to help themselves. My goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to make yourself stronger, healthier, and happier.