Exercising while pregnant can be a controversial subject. Our Pilates classes are personalized and run in small group settings (4-5 people) allowing us to cater to each and every individual. There are many benefits of Pilates during pregnancy and here are the top 5!
1. A stronger Transverse Abdominis, which helps prevent diastasis recti.
This is a big one, which is why it is first! One of the major misconceptions out there is that women should not work their abdominals during pregnancy. Of course they should! It’s just a matter of “how” they are working them. Women should focus on the Transverse Abdominis during pregnancy and not on the Rectus or what people see as the six pack muscles. Your Pilates instructor will assist you in various ways to strengthen your abdominal muscles the correct way.
2. A stronger connection to the pelvic floor muscles
One of the main functions of the pelvic floor is to support the organs in the lower abdominal cavity. As the uterus grows it relies on the pelvic floor more and more for support, which is why it needs to be strengthened.
3. Better breath control
As the baby grows, the diaphragm is compressed upwards, and can create a rather uncomfortable feeling for mum with every breath. Pilates breathing taps into the intercostal muscles lining the rib cage, which allows mums to continue to take deep breaths.
4. Less discomfort due to muscle & skeletal imbalances
Every class is different, but we aim to help you leave feeling stretched, strengthened, mobile and ready to face the day! A good stretch is like hydrating your muscles with a fresh blast of oxygen rich, nutrient pumped blood.
5. A quicker recovery & return to pre-pregnancy body
It’s simple… the stronger the body is going in to pregnancy and throughout, the stronger it will be after. So much of being a mum involves lifting, bending over and time spent rounded forward (feeding, changing, pushing a stroller, etc) so strong arms and back are also important to prevent permanent tension, imbalances and bad habits!
Kelsey Armstrong
