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Get Back to Pre-Pregnancy with Pilates

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After you’ve had children, it’s natural to retain some extra weight. Yet it’s possible to get back to your pre-baby body using Pilates. The flexible, adaptable fitness system that works at your pace will help you to slim down and tone up without injury.

Why Pilates?

Many new mums are eager to join gym and get active post-pregnancy, but this is a riskier option. Because pregnancy is taxing on the body, especially the back, it is preferable to work your way up to more gruelling workouts. Pilates is a holistic fitness system that strengthens your core. This helps to correct poor posture while also creating extra strength that makes it easier to lift and carry baby.

If you have recently had a baby and you want to get back in shape, Pilates is a good choice because:

  • You can work out at home with baby
  • You can fit your home exercise regimen around baby’s naps
  • It strengthens your whole body, improving strength

Additional benefits for post-natal mums include:

  • Developing stronger arms and back
  • Flattening the stomach

Will Pilates really get me back to my pre-pregnancy physique?

Pilates is a very effective system for toning up and as you become more adept your workouts can be adjusted so that they are more challenging. This will help you slim, but it’s also crucial to eat well. Fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats and fibre-rich foods will provide you with the energy and nourishment you need to juggle caring for baby and enhancing your fitness. At all costs, avoid:

  • Sugar-loaded foods
  • Processed foods
  • Low-nutrition carbohydrates (such as bread made with white bread flour)

If you are missing the body you had before baby, Pilates and a good eating plan together will get you back in shape. The additional strength and health benefits you’ll gain in the process will make it easier for you enjoy each moment with baby. Join a Pilates class with other new mums for a social experience. You can continue to apply the exercises you learn at home in stolen moments.

 

Pilates: The best exercise for mums-to-be

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Women’s bodies respond differently to pregnancy: Some mums-to-be gain weight all over while some only show a baby bump until much later in the pregnancy. Whatever your body type, however, Pilates is ideal if you’re a mum-to-be and want a gentle fitness approach that will not pose risks for the foetus.

Why should women practice Pilates for pregnancy? Ideally, one should start with Pilates even before pregnancy. Having built up a strong core means better posture and fitness. Many women, especially of slighter builds, experience back pain as a result of the extra weight carried both during and post-pregnancy. Pilates is a fitness method that helps to ensure you a sound back for life. Additional benefits for mums-to-be include:

  • Strengthening stomach muscles (which assists in supporting the extra weight as baby grows)
  • Reducing back pain – especially important since you will be lifting and carrying baby post-birth
  • Relaxation and controlling your breathing – both will help to ensure a smoother delivery

Is it safe to practice Pilates during pregnancy? Understandably, safety and avoiding personal injury or injury to the unborn is one of the largest concerns amongst pregnant women who consider joining Pilates classes. Pilates movements are typically gentle and highly controlled. However, to ensure maximum safety during pregnancy, only:

  • Take classes with a licensed professional who conducts classes for pregnant women
  • Do Pilates once you have informed your instructor you’re pregnant and how far advanced you are – this will help your instructor tailor exercises to your current state
  • Do Pilates as long as there is no pain – if you experience any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult your doctor before you continue with classes

Pregnancy is a joyous time that is filled with new developments. Make sure that you enjoy it to the fullest and safeguard your physical strength and health by joining a Pilates class that is matched to where you are in the pregnancy cycle.

 

5 reasons to do Pilates for a comfortable pregnancy and delivery

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Pilates has many health benefits, including strengthening your core and alleviating back pain. There are multiple benefits besides pain management. Here are 5 reasons to use Pilates so you can enjoy a more comfortable, less stressful pregnancy and delivery:

  1. Pilates builds core strength and tons abdominal and pelvic muscles

Whether you have had children before or not, giving birth can be uncomfortable if you are not in the ideal physical shape for it. Having stronger pelvic muscles will help you to give birth more smoothly.

  1. Pilates will boost your mood and energy levels

Mood swings are a natural part of life, but many women report particularly high moodiness along with flagging energy levels during pregnancy. The gentleness of Pilates means that you can get exercise without any risk to baby, provided that you are careful, use a trained instructor and follow all guidance.

  1. Pilates is adaptable

Many mums to be don’t want to lose fitness due to a long, more sedentary pregnancy and Pilates is the ideal way to stay fit. Because exercises are adaptable you can do just as much as you can manage without hazarding your or baby’s health. A Pilates instructor experienced in teaching pregnant women can advise you when to stop exercising and how best to exercise safely.

  1. It helps you gain better breath control

With the diaphragm compressing as baby grows, many moms to be find themselves more regularly short of breath. The core intercostal muscles get a work out thanks to Pilates, and this makes it easier for pregnant practitioners to breathe. Deep breathing is also important for focus and taking your mind off pain during delivery.

  1. You can get back to your pre-pregnancy physique faster

Many mums are concerned that their bodies will ‘never be the same’ post-pregnancy. Maybe this is so, but with Pilates your body can be even better than before. Weight gained during pregnancy can be slow to lose, but as you become more flexible you can increase how challenging your Pilates programme is. This will help you get back into shape when you are ready.

Are you ready to learn the health-giving techniques of Pilates? Contact Belinda today to book your first class.

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