Pilates Central » Pregnancy: Pre- And Post-Natal
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Pregnancy: Pre- And Post-Natal
You should check with your doctor before doing any kind of exercise during pregnancy. It can, meanwhile, be hard to force yourself to exercise during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when you might be feeling tired and sick, and in the third trimester, when you may be exhausted and uncomfortable.
Pilates, however, tends to be a particularly suitable choice for pregnant women, since it is a safe, low-impact form of exercise that tones and strengthens the back, stomach and pelvic floor muscles: the very muscles you'll need in pregnancy. Plus, because it doesn't feel like hard work, you'll be more likely to stick with it.
In fact, many women first discover Pilates either when they are pregnant or have just given birth.
Pilates routines are ideally for building muscular strength and stamina (for labour and delivery), flexibility and balance (for when you get larger). The exercises can be adapted for each stage of pregnancy. They can also relieve lower back pain and constipation, and even energize the body to fight tiredness.
Pilates exercises will help strengthen muscles that usually weaken with the weight of pregnancy. They can prevent swollen legs and varicose veins, improve posture and increase blood circulation and the supply of oxygen to the womb. Pilates breathing, meanwhile, helps with breath control during childbirth.
You may, of course, need to do Pilates in a modified or gentler way while pregnant, and to make sure you stop the moment that you feel any discomfort.
Women can generally return to Pilates four to six weeks after delivery, or eight to 12 weeks after a Caesarean section.
For new mothers, Pilates will stretch muscles back into place, helping the body regain its shape and tone. The exercises won't overstrain the obese, and our teachers will customize the routine for each client, providing a safe and effective workout that is not too stressful for the abdominal area or spine, even in those who have had a Caesarean delivery.
Pilates is also an excellent choice for women thinking about starting a family. Develop those core muscles, especially the pelvic floor, to get the strength you'll need for childbirth and the resilience to cope with your body's physical changes during pregnancy.
The film star Hugh Grant bragged after taking up Pilates, 'Now I have muscles of steel and could easily deal with giving birth'.
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