Pilates for Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's posture changes dramatically, due to the growing baby. This can cause discomfort and misalignment throughout the body, resulting in muscle tightness, aches and pains, breathlessness and decreased energy levels. Attending regular Pilates sessions can help to alleviate all of these symptoms as well as prepare for labour.
Pilates for pregnancy takes the original Pilates movements, modifying them as necessary for each stage of pregnancy. At a time when expectant mums are aware of their changing bodies and their growing bumps, Pilates for pregnancy is a safe and effective exercise programme to follow throughout the whole pregnancy.
Pilates can be done in a group matwork class or on a 1-2-1 basis with one of our qualified instructors, making you feel more relaxed and at ease with your changing body. If you have already been practicing Pilates prior to pregnancy, or you are in your first trimester and new to Pilates, it is safe to participate in a regular matwork class. If you have no experiece of Pilates and are in your second or third trimester, it is highly recommended that you have a 1-2-1 session before joining a matwork class.
Benefits of Pilates during pregnancy
- Increases core abdominal strength to support the weight of the growing uterus and baby
- Strengthens pelvic floor muscles to aid childbirth by giving the mum-to-be greater awareness of that area during labour
- Improves posture and improves core strength to help control the amount of pelvic tilt. Excessive pelvic tilt can create posture problems and lower back problems.
- Aids relaxation, improves sleep and increases energy levels.
- Improves circulation and helps to prevent varicose veins and leg cramps.
- Aids breathing during labour and reduces shortness of breath during pregnancy.
- Alleviates general aches and pains.
- Increases stamina.
- Reduces the risk of abdominal separation by strenghtening core muscles.
- Reduces post-natal recovery period.
Post Natal Pilates
Pilates is also an ideal form of exercise to get mums back in shape after delivery, even if you are new to the technique. It is safe to do Pilates 6 weeks after a normal delivery and 12 weeks after a C-section.
