Pilates is a non-impact workout that increases flexibility, strength and muscle tone. Not only is it perfectly safe to practice during pregnancy, it can really help you perform the physical feat of creating an entirely new person (or people!)
In this blog we’re going to explain how pilates can help with your pregnancy go more smoothly.
Control your breath and control your mood
Pilates puts a big emphasis on controlling the breath, which in term can help you control your mood, as well as being beneficial during labour. Taking some time for yourself during your pregnancy is important, and a Pilates practice can be an important part of that. Pilates provides the opportunity to switch off from daily stresses and reflect on the changes you will be experiencing during your pregnancy.
How pilates can help with your pregnancy
As the baby grows the diaphragm is pushed upwards and the ribcage expands which causing a restriction of the diaphragm. Pilates teaches lateral breathing, which will make it easier to breath during this time.
Stiffness in your upper back can also occur as your belly grows can restrict deep breaths, so our Reformer Pilates tutors can run you through a routine that will help to maintain flexibility in this area.
Improve balance and alignment
Getting accustomed to having a different centre of gravity isn’t easy. Pregnancy Reformer Pilates improves your core strength and balance so you can feel more stable. Pilates helps your balance by increasing your core strength and allowing you to focus on how the weight in your body is gradually shifting.
Postural alignment can change during pregnancy, and sometimes women can suffer from posterior pelvic tilt, internally rotated shoulders, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis or pronated feet. Pilates will help you avoid these issues.
Reformer Pilates keeps you strong during and after your pregnancy. Your body will be able to recover faster after you give birth.
Strengthen your pelvic floor
Having a strong pelvic floor is important as it provides support to the bowel, bladder and uterus, as well as lessening the chance of incontinence during and after pregnancy. The weight of your baby plus the hormonal changes you experience can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Pilates strengthens the muscles under the pelvis, which in turn supports the organs in the lower abdominal area.
Strengthen the legs
During pregnancy, some women will experience fluid retention, leg cramps and varicose veins. Strengthening exercises for the legs can help to reduce the risk of these side effects.
Exercise can help anyone with fluid retention issues, and that goes for pregnant people, too. A Pilates session allows you to maintain a natural balance of body fluids as you sweat out excess stored water.
Speed up your postpartum recovery
Being able to keep in shape during pregnancy will help massively when it comes to your recovery. If you greatly reduce the amount of exercise you do during pregnancy, certain muscles will become accustomed to not seeing much action. Our tutors will also help you gradually build up your Pilates sessions after you give birth so you have a smoother transition.
At every stage of the pregnancy, we want to help you understand and manage the changes your body is going through. You will be better prepared for labour and you’ll also strengthen the body in preparation for the demands of baby care and breastfeeding. Please get in touch with our friendly team today if you want to get started!
Contact us to discuss our bespoke pregnancy pilates classes.
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