Studio Vie’s pre/postnatal fitness classes a hit in NDG

By Isaac Olson

Jana Sedivec grew up in NDG and, after having her first child, she realized there weren’t any fitness resources in the area for moms and moms-to-be.

At the time, she was the director of and a personal trainer at Gym Espace Forme on Nun’s Island. She went out and added to her already long list of credentials and experience, becoming a Pre and Post Natal Fitness Specialist (PFS). Meanwhile, she kept having kids.

Jana Sedivec in Studio Vie on February 7. Photo: Isaac Olson

“After having my third, I felt like it was time for me to do my own thing,” she said. “When my third turned one, I found this space and decided to start my own business and I’ve been going strong ever since. I think there’s nothing quite like this type of training being offered right now.”

In September 2011, Sedivec opened Studio Vie which is located at 5175 C Sherbrooke St., just west of Vendôme Ave.

Seven days a week, the studio offers a range of classes, including pre and postnatal fitness programming that is baby friendly. There are also yoga classes, classes for those 60+ and “fit moms” classes as well as Pilates and yoga. Sedivec’s sister hosts prenatal and baby yoga classes. Sedivec also provides personal training services.

“I’ve been in this industry for 15 years or so,” she said, noting she has long worked with tennis and soccer players given her background in the two sports as a coach and player. “Once I had kids, I realized how important that part of the training world is and that there wasn’t really anything being offered.”

Sedivec developed a small-class concept that is really personalized to her clients, specific to each person in the class.

“I am able to modify all different kinds of exercises specifically for what everyone needs,” she said. “Of course, for pregnancy, it’s important to have safe training. It’s safe, but it gets you strong and fit for labor to be a quicker labor with improved recovery afterwards.”

Sedivec played tennis for the University of Tulsa (NCAA, Div. 1) while earning a bachelor’s in exercise and sports science on an athletic scholarship. She played professional tennis at the international level. She also has a “Twist Excelerate Sports Performance” certification.

“More and more pregnant women and new moms are realizing the benefits and, increasingly, doctors are talking about how it’s not time to sit all day long, but there are benefits to staying active and being fit,” said Sedivec. “There’s more research out there to prove there are benefits and more and more women are catching on.”

Jana Sedivec in her Studio Vie fitness studio on Sherbrooke St. on February 7. Photo: Isaac Olson