Pilates and pregnancy go hand in hand and there are many mamas-to-be that find this to be one of the greatest forms of exercising and keeping fit while pregnant. Not only does it help with core strength, but is also super adaptable to conform to your body’s nine months of drastic changes. From the beginning of your pregnancy to the beautiful end, you can rely on a solid Pilates workout to strengthen your abs, back, and pelvic floor to ensure both a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Before you start a Pilates routine, be sure to check with your doctor or midwife that it is okay. If you’re new to Pilates, its best to start at a pre-natal class and receive professional instruction. Get the basics down with some instruction before you move onto practicing at home. An at home practice can prove to be relieving in the later months of pregnancy when you’re not feeling quite yourself. There are tons of DVDs and online videos that provide awesome prenatal Pilates instruction.
As your body starts to change to accompany your growing baby, your center of gravity will also change. Make sure to take it easy as this begins to happen and always give yourself extra support when getting on and off your mat or using the exercise ball. Be sure to adjust your body and rhythm if you feel fatigued and don’t overdo it just because you think you should. Energy levels fluctuate like crazy during pregnancy and you shouldn’t expect to keep up with your normal routine the entire nine months, nor should you try.
As you move further along in your pregnancy and get into the second trimester, it is advised to stop doing any exercises that have you lie on the floor so as not to cut off the blood supply to the baby. You’ll also want to stop doing any sharp kicking movements at this time, turning to more focused and flowing precision movements.
The journey of a healthy pregnancy will change your entire life. Introducing Pilates to your workout routine or deepening the Pilates routine you already love during pregnancy will keep you healthy and ensure you are strong, focused, and centred when it comes time to welcome your new little bundle of joy.
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Suzy Stichbury
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