Pilates for the Whole Nine Months

 

Pre-natal Pilates

Pilates for pregnancy is not only for the first or last trimester – instead Pilates is great for the whole nine months. It is one of the few exercises that can be

Women who work out during their pregnancy tend to have an easier labour plus their bodies go back into shape a lot sooner than those who don’t do any exercise at all; besides, having that extra incentive for working out is rather nice.

Choosing to do Pilates for pregnancy is very safe right throughout your pregnancy, plus it builds up strength, gives better balance and creates stamina.

In addition to the above it makes it a lot easier during labour as well, and it will keep you relaxed during the birth.

Prior to embarking on any exercise programme during your pregnancy you need to get the go-ahead from your medical professional.

Remember that before doing any type of exercise you need to begin with a brisk 20-minute warm-up.

All in all, Pilates is the ideal low-impact pregnancy workout since it will increase flexibility and prevents back pain as it strengthens the pelvic floor as well as your core muscles which support the spine.

The exercises practised during Pilates is a sequence of controlled movements which are mostly carried out on an exercise mat that can easily be enjoyed right throughout your pregnancy – the best part of all is that all moves can be modified around your growing belly or can be adjusted accordingly if there is any pain you might experience.

Most Pilate’s exercises are safe and gentle but you still need to be aware that you need to exercise responsibly by not overdoing any of the moves.

Pilates for pregnancy is a great idea, but you need to take these pointers into the equation:

Pilates for the Whole Nine Months

  • When you are pregnant the ligaments around the joint become a lot looser – this is because the hormone, relaxin, is increased in the body during pregnancy. This means that it is a lot easier to injure yourself. If something hurts or any of the moves are uncomfortable, you need avoid these.
  • Avoid moves that require lying on the back as this can disturb the baby’s blood supply.
  • Speak to your Pilates instructor so that you can modify your moves accordingly.
  • Because Pilates focuses comprehensively on core strength it is easy to over strain abdominal muscles which could cause them to separate. This is called diastasis, so take it slowly.
  • Balance becomes an issue when your belly grows in size and if this happens it is important to take extra special care when working out with a balancing ball; if you do decide to use one, take care when getting up and down.

Pilates for pregnancy, done responsibly, is a positive experience for the whole nine months.