Pregnancy / 2 November, 2017 / My Baba
Research shows that pregnant women who stay active feel better, have a better delivery and recover faster. We asked the experts at FittaMamma to explain why Pilates is the perfect exercise regime, both during and after pregnancy.
Devised by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, Pilates is a gentle, low impact form of exercise which offers a whole range of additional benefits for pregnant women.
There’s no reason not to practise Pilates throughout your pregnancy, adapting the different exercise routines as your baby bump gets bigger. Many women find they can continue right up until their baby is born, enjoying Pilates even when other more vigorous forms of exercise have become uncomfortable. The precise, controlled movements will help you adapt to the changes in your body and can prove hugely beneficial during the birth process, encouraging a speedier recovery afterwards.
Pilates strengthens your deep abdominals, back and pelvic floor muscles without placing undue strain on your other joints. Even if your usual fitness routine is more about running, cycling or gym-based workouts try and include some Pilates exercises as well. If you’re not used to regular exercise there’s no reason not to start practising Pilates during pregnancy, although we’d advise waiting until your second trimester.
What makes Pilates so beneficial for pregnant women?
Experts agree that all healthy pregnant women should aim for 30 minutes exercise on at least five (ideally seven!) days a week. Pilates is a strong but low impact workout for your entire body, and here are our top ten reasons for why pregnancy Pilates should be included in your exercise routine:
Try these core exercises to give you a taster!
Four point kneeling
This exercise will help to strengthen your core abdominals.
Repeat 6-8 times before sitting back on your heels and reaching your arms forward to stretch and relax.
Cat stretch
Repeat 4-6 times.
Pelvic Tilts
You’ll need a fitness ball for this one!
Repeat 4-6 times
Joining a class with a certified pregnancy Pilates instructor is a good idea, as well as being a great way to meet other mothers to be, and if there’s not a suitable class available locally you’ll find detailed pregnancy Pilates routines at www.fittamamma.com that are easy to follow at home with minimal equipment.