As your pregnancy progresses your body continues to shift and change to accommodate your growing baby. This is totally natural and the amount of movement that you do is up to you, and your healthcare professional.
Generally, light to moderate exercise is recommended for pregnant women, and pregnancy pilates is a great way to continue to stretch, move and strengthen your body through pregnancy.
Prenatal pilates are targeted and designed for pregnant women, taking into account their changing bodies and what is and is not safe for their baby.
What happens in a pregnancy pilates class?
Pregnancy pilates can take place in a group or individual and can be facilitated by a pilates instructor or a physiotherapist. Pregnancy pilates involves a series of exercises that focus on specific muscle groups, usually the arms, core, legs and bottom.
Pregnancy pilates may take place on a mat or there may be other specific equipment like resistance bands or very light weights. A class can take anywhere from 20 minutes to up to an hour, depending on the instructor and the people taking the class.
Are prenatal pilates safe?
Pregnancy pilates are safe for you and your growing baby, as long as you have discussed your exercise regime with your doctor or health care provider.
Pregnancy pilates are designed to work around your changing body, and the exercises can be modified to be less strenuous and focus on stretching and lengthening muscles rather than being particularly strenuous.
Your pilates instructor will be able to guide you on all of the movements, but you can also listen to your body and avoid exercises that are uncomfortable and slow down when you feel like you are over-exerting yourself.
You should also avoid doing exercises on your back.
What are the benefits of pregnancy pilates?
There are so many benefits to exercising during pregnancy for both you and your baby before, during and after birth.
Prenatal pilates can help with your posture, which helps you avoid the inevitable pregnancy aches and pains.
Exercising generally increases your endorphins, helping you feel relaxed and happy in your pregnancy and avoiding stress.
Exercising during pregnancy can also help to manage weight gain – of course, you will gain weight during pregnancy but exercising will keep you fit and healthy for birth and post-natal.
What do I need to bring to pregnancy pilates?
Before you start pregnancy pilates, find a studio that you feel comfortable in. You can talk to them about what you need to bring to class, but usually all of the equipment is supplied and you can just bring a towel and water bottle.
