The Lotus Method

I knew I liked this group when the owner, Caitlin, sought me out to talk about the pelvic floor. I’m a pelvic floor therapist specializing in pre and postpartum care in Noe Valley and am always looking for excellent exercise professionals to work with my patients who can understand the intricacies of how to work with women with pelvic floor issues — since it’s a VERY common problem. I trust them hands down with my patients and love how communicative they are. I have experienced a training session myself personally and found it very science based, safe and challenging. Their dedication to educating their clients shows as they have involved my clinic in educational sessions they hold for their training clients. The personality of the trainers TLM is awesome, motivating and positive and fun to be around. The facilities are beautiful and make you never want to leave. The fact that you get individualized care from an experienced trainer and then those trainers are the ones teaching the classes means that they can cater the classes to be safe for all those involved. 5 stars for sure!

If you’re looking to stay fit and feel awesome before, during, or after your pregnancy, this is the best place to go! I started working out with Caitlin just after my first trimester and I’m so glad I did. Caitlin spent a lot of time understanding my body and adjusting the workouts to help me stay active and feel good. After a few weeks, I noticed that my body felt much better after workouts at Lotus than it did when I hadn’t been in a few days — the sign of an effective program. As my bump has grown and my body adjusts to the ever demanding parts of pregnancy, my reliance on the techniques at Lotus increases — it works so well and I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I weren’t at the Lotus!
The classes that Lotus provides are also super helpful and fun, you get to meet other women like you and learn about a variety of topics for a happy, healthy mama. I’m confident that The Lotus Method has improved my pregnancy and will help me through the postpartum phase once I’m there.

I love The Lotus Method! I have always worked with a personal trainer but wanted something catered to pregnancy being a first time mom. I have been working with Haley for the last 3 months and she is the best! She is so knowledgeable about the human body and is always helping me improve by posture, etc. It is also great to have someone to talk to about my ever changing body during this pregnancy. I have managed to keep my weight gain low because of my weekly work outs with Haley. I would recommend the Lotus Method to any one prenatal or postnatal.

I had all but given up on fixing my diastasis recti 4 years after the birth of my second child. Feeling extremely frustrated and defeated with the conflicting information I received from my doctor as well as my own online research I had given up hope on ever being able to exercise like I used to. After being referred to the Lotus Method by a friend I decided to give it one last shot. After a consultation with Caitlin (where she mentioned she has yet to come across a case they couldn’t fix) I signed up for a 3 mo. program. Best decision ever made. After 2 months my diastasis was fixed and I moved on to improving my over all strength. I’m SO glad that I found the Lotus Method and didn’t throw in the towel. I’m happily exercising again and I owe it all to Caitlin and Emily. My only regret is not finding them earlier. I would HIGHLY encourage anyone to work with the trainers during and after pregnancy. Amazing!

When I showed up to the Lotus Method I was desperate! I had a physically strenuous labor and delivery that ended in a c-​section. I was in a lot of pain still 3 months postpartum and just was not recovering. My back, tailbone, pubic bones, pelvis, and hips felt out of place and I couldn’t walk or do any movement without intense pain. I was diagnosed with pelvic instability and a diastasis or ab separation. I needed to strengthen my body but I didn’t even know where to begin due to the pain and I was worried about injuring myself even more.
Caitlin knew exactly how to help me. She referred me to a pelvic floor specialist and together they nursed me back to full health. Caitlin helped me close my diastasis and get out of my back pain in just 3 weeks. She taught me how to properly align my body and establish good posture to help me with everyday movements such as lifting, carrying, and setting down my baby. She has helped me learn how to activate and strengthen my core muscles every time I move my body.
I also now feel better about my body aesthetically than before having my baby. I am just 7 months postpartum and almost back to my pregnancy weight and fitting into most of my pre-​pregnancy clothes!
Her method is flawless in my opinion. She knows exactly how to safely help pre– and postnatal women gain and maintain the strength they need during pregnancy and after. I believe I could have avoided a lot of the issues I faced if I had just discovered Caitlin while I was still pregnant. She is so nice, friendly, and fun during our sessions. Working out with her is one of the highlights of my week. She cares deeply about her clients and I could feel it instantaneously. I’m sure the same could be said about all of the trainers. Everyone needs the Lotus Method!

The lotus method meets a long standing need in prenatal movement and education– it’s emphasis on personalization, physical resilience throughout pregnancy and focusing on tools for efficient and smooth laboring is absolutely stand alone for it’s class and insight.
In my second pregnancy, I sought something more focused than the hodge podge of prenatal exercise classes I’d used in my first, something that would truly train my unique body for the steps ahead. I also wanted to maintain my fitness and run after my toddler gracefully as I went! Caitlin and Emily both show an uncanny capacity to both train and intuit the body, offering specific exercises, stretches and breathe work in a dynamic fashion as the pregnancy unfolds. They also bring humor, lightness and an ever changing soundtrack to the workouts, making it an appealing place to be. I can’t wait until their new studio opens in Cow Hollow; it will be an awesome offering in the neighborhood for prenatal conditioning directed by seasoned specialists in the field. Even minor aches and pains I had from being a mother to a 30 pd toddler pre pregnancy are better under their care and I’m just entering my third trimester! Worth every penny.

I love the lotus method! I’ve worked out with Caitlin and Emily and have had a great experience with both of them. They are incredibly knowledgable, kind and patient but also challenge you pre, during and post pregnancy. This isn’t pregnancy yoga where you only stretch and breath. The lotus method allows you to truly get a full body workout and stay strong during this special time in life.
I’ve had lower back pain since 11 weeks and have learned both stretching and strengthening exercises that have significantly helped alleviate my back pain. I’m able to take apply these leanings to their classes, at home or at other studios (though the lotus method classes/​training are my favorite!)
When I found out I was pregnant, I was working out at another studio. When I told this studio my happy news, they told me they had no pregnancy safe classes, wouldn’t refund my prepaid credits and told me that I’m welcome to take class at my own risk. I was appalled by this treatment after being a loyal customer for 3 years.
I turned to the lotus method and not only did I get to take fabulous classes and have personal training, but they thought me how to exercise safely and strengthen my core safely, so I could use up my class credits at that «other» studio.
The lotus method workouts push you and keep you in fabulous shape while being pregnant. I’m 27 weeks and still fitting into many of my pre-​pregnancy tops and all of my pre-​pregnancy workout pants. I have a ton of energy and have noticed that my legs, arms, lower abs and back have gotten stronger while being pregnant, which is awesome!
Compared to other women I know who are also pregnant and close to my timeline, I have more energy, less pain, no stretch marks and am carrying the baby higher and tighter against my body. Sure, some of this may be genetics, but one of these women is my sister and our pregnancies are truly night and day.
You may think the lotus method is expensive, but I am a firm believer it’s totally worth it. One of the best ways you can invest in your baby’s health is by keeping your body healthy during pregnancy. The lotus method ensures you do this.
We pay extra money to eat organic and store stem cells; we read every label to make sure every baby product is non toxic and lead free; why not put that same care and concern into your own body which is growing baby? There are many studies out there suggesting that exercise helps baby’s brain and body better develop, so how could you not make the investment?
I love the lotus method and feel very strongly it’s worth every penny. My belly may be big, but my butt is tight and my arms looks fantastic. And an added bonus is that my husband loves the results! No matter what you do, you will have days when you feel large and like your entire body has changed. It’s REALLy nice when your husband says «your butt looks great and hasn’t changed!». Thank you lotus method for that!!!

Before the lotus method, I was doing mostly heaving weightlifting. When I found out I was pregnant, I was hesitant on what I could and could not do safely. Caitlin and Emily are both experienced and knowledgable pre/​post natal specialists. Caitlin did my initial consultation and made me feel right at home. I admire her ability to create a business that empowers pregnant women to become the best version of themselves. Because of my schedule, I trained mostly with Emily 3x/​week starting in my 1^st trimester. She was able to educate me on how to properly «breathe“during exercises, focused on my form, and the best part was «table time» where she would massage me during the last 10 minutes of our session. Emily is very thoughtful about her program with me and continues to challenge me during every session. I leave feeling more energetic and strong. Thank you for all of your TLC!

I started training with Caitlin at the Lotus Method a month or so before conceiving and have been working with her over the course of the pregnancy. As of now, I’m 31 weeks along and I feel awesome. I can feel a big difference in my transverse abdominus (pushing muscles), and I’m in better shape than I was pre-​pregnancy. (If I would only keep up with exercises at home, I’d be even better.)
I have a history of low back issues, and I was very worried that I’d throw my back out during pregnancy. With Caitlin’s help, however, I haven’t had any issues. She’s also helped me to address shoulder and neck issues that have been ongoing for years. So far, this has been a great investment of time and money. It has definitely helped me to stay productive at work. And I feel like I’m giving myself a much better chance of a smooth delivery.

I began training with Caitlin when I was 3.5 months pregnant. My primary concerns were preventing diastasis and, being a very active person, learning which exercises were safe to continue throughout my pregnancy. I was thrilled with Caitlin’s level of knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm about prenatal and postnatal health and fitness. She taught me so much about my body and my pregnancy and pushed me hard in our sessions.
Caitlin’s sessions increased my strength and fitness hugely and I loved learning new exercises which were easy to replicate in my own training at home. My core remained very strong, my weight gain was minimal and I didn’t actually look pregnant until I was 6.5 or so months along.
Caitlin has succeeded in creating an inviting, fun and inspiring environment at The Lotus Method. The group sessions are great fun and were a wonderful way to connect with other expecting mothers. Caitlin and Emily are fun, personable and their love of their field show in their work. They gave me such confidence in the lead up to my baby’s birth and despite having to have an emergency cesarean, my recovery has been easy — I put this down to my prenatal training at The Lotus Method.

I have been training with Caitlin for some time now. I was beyond excited she opened Lotus Method. Caitlin is incredibly knowledgable about almost everything pre and post natal. She works with you and your body, ensuring you are strong for labor and beyond. She even has guided me through diet and exercise well beyond the birth of my first LO.
She has trained me through two pregnancies… Both times I received so many compliments on how I looked! I think she actually made me look better pregnant than not (if that is possible!) However, what is most important is work on out with Caitlin doesn’t feel like working out… I feel like I am with a best friend just chatting and catching up.
If you want to feel good and confident about your body, pregnant and beyond… don’t hesitate to use Caitlin. Both my labors were 20 minutes or less (actually pushing) and I am back to pre-​baby size within weeks. True story.

I can only say wonderful things about Caitlin and The Lotus Method! I started training with Caitlin when I was in my first trimester. I was on the fence at first about whether to use a trainer initially because I had a lot of great trainers in the past and thought I could continue my work out régime and just modify the reps and avoid crunches etc. I decided after my FIRST session with Caitlin that I was going to train with her because it was clear that she really knows the pregnant body and gave me expert advice that only a master pre/​post natal trainer could give. It was clear to me from that first session that she had a method that helped pregnant women avoid common discomforts (aches, joint pains, waddling etc.) from pregnancy as well as ensure that the exercises were safe. My pregnancy experience was far better than I could have hoped because I was working out with customized exercises geared for my body and different stages of my pregnancy. I never once waddled and had more energy than I would have ever expected. In fact, after my first month training with her, I was feeling so much more energy and I have Caitlin to thank for that. My child birth experience also benefited from the prenatal training I did. I continue to train with Caitlin for post natal and I love it. The studio is beautiful and so clean and inviting. You are always greeted with positive energy from Caitlin. She is not only a great trainer but a caring and thoughtful person. I really enjoy the classes that are offered and the exercises are really tailored for me. I enjoy hard work outs that push me and she gives it to me each and every week! My single best piece of advice for all pregnant friends and anyone who asks for my advice is to go to the Lotus Method. Your pregnancy and post pregnancy body will benefit greatly and so will your mental well being!

The Lotus Method is truly amazing. It’s a new prenatal and postnatal studio opened by an awesome trainer Caitlin Ritt. I have been training with Caitlin for 4 years now. I started training with her after my first child was born. I had gained 60lbs with my son and was able to lose all of it with Caitlin until I became pregnant again with my second child. She was able to train me all through my pregnancy and my delivery was a breeze (2 pushes). I was able to lose the 55lbs I gained with my daughter. Then I got pregnant with my 3^rd child and again same thing. Trained throughout the pregnancy and baby out in 1 push. Lost all 45lbs this time and was able to get to 18% body fat. Now I am pregnant with my 4^th child and back with Caitlin for her to do her magic. I am so excited for her new studio and lucky to have met her. She truly is so knowledgable and friendly and cares about you and your baby. As well as she gives you results. Either with trying to get pregnant, staying fit during pregnancy, having an easier delivery with no complications, and then getting your body back post pregnancy. Being fit and active is so important and it really does matter.
The space is great with high ceilings and huge windows. Feels so zen like and peaceful inside for the perfect workout. I am in my second trimester with my 4^th child and I don’t have to feel self-​conscious like I do at a regular gym. I definitely get a great feeling after my workout and just enjoy working out with Caitlin. She always changes it up so never bored and it’s always challenging.
In addition, there are several different small group classes offered on top of training one on one.

I’ve been training with Caitlin for about five years now. She is knowledgable, kind, creative, funny… basically exactly the type of person you’d want to have help you meet your fitness goals. Most of the time I’ve been with her my goal has simply been to be strong and healthy. And she has helped me to first get, then stay strong and healthy the whole time I’ve been working with her. At one point after I had my son I wanted to lose weight, and she helped me reach my goal in a healthy way by providing information on nutritious diet plans that worked for me, while amping up my workouts to burn more calories. We didn’t meet my weight goal because my numbers were off now that so much more of my body is muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. She helped me recognize when we’d gotten where I wanted to be, even though the numbers were not what I wanted. I think that type of realism and support is incredibly important because it’s easy to get obsessed with numbers and forget about health. This is extra important because during and after pregnancy it’s so critical to keep your own health in excellent shape, both for yourself and your baby.

Love the Lotus Method already! Went this week for my first session, and it was awesome. I’m not in the new mom or prenatal category of women, but my husband and I are hoping to conceive soon, so, I’m excited to be getting into great shape and ready for pregnancy. Caitlin is phenomenal; I’ve trained with her before and she really knows what she’s doing. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the body, injuries, etc., and of course everything about exercise and pregnancy.
It’s also worth noting that the space itself is incredibly beautiful. It’s so luxurious to have a whole workout studio private to just you and your trainer. Love the Lotus Method.