PREGNANCY
Nurtures Baby...
Supports Mum
The body is a highly intelligent system that naturally adapts itself for the development and birth of a baby. However, these adaptations can strain the back, hips and spine. Moderate exercise is a safe and highly effective way of helping both mothers and their growing babies cope with the pressures of pregnancy.
Pilates is the perfect form of exercise for pregnancy. Our specialised “Mum To Be” classes support and exercise the body throughout every stage of the pregnancy and post-natal period, balancing any areas of weakness that may otherwise contribute to discomfort and pain. We individualise your workout according to your needs, adjusting and modifying the exercises throughout each of the three trimesters to ensure we are working with the body’s natural changes and challenges.
PRE-NATAL PILATES
A STRONGER BACK
Back pain is a common complaint as the belly grows and becomes heavier.
In order to support the back and prevent aches and pains, we focus on the stabilisation of the abdominal and lower back muscles.
IMROVED POSTURE
Inevitably your posture will change. Through various exercises, we are able to address any poor postural positions, ensuring that your body is well aligned and less likely to develop discomfort or pain.
INCREASED RELAXATION
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for both the body and mind, as many new changes begin to take place. Regular Pilates will help your body produce more “feel good” chemicals, namely serotonin and dopamine, to help you have less stress and more enjoyment whilst you are carrying your baby.
IMPROVED BLOOD FLOW TO BABY
Countless medical studies have shown that women who consistently exercised whilst they were pregnant, delivered more vital blood, oxygen and nutrients to their growing babies than women who were not active.
BOOST CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM
Your body will undergo significant changes throughout your pregnancy. You will inevitably increase in weight, which is natural and essential. Yet despite this healthy weight gain, “Mum To Be” Pilates will ensure that you still look and feel your best as you continue to tone and strengthen your hips, legs, arms and upper body. You will feel stronger and more in control of the changes taking place in your body, mind and life in general.
LABOUR AND PILATES
THE BENEFITS
It is very important to tone and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, as this will not only enable you to carry your baby more comfortably during pregnancy, but can also assist you in having a smoother delivery and labour.
Also, by stimulating blood flow in the pelvic region after childbirth, you can expect to make a faster recovery from any stitches or episiotomies. For those who have had Caesareans, pelvic floor muscles must still be strengthened, as the gravitational pressure of carrying a child will have caused significant weakness in these muscles.
Strong pelvic floor muscles can also prevent issues with post-natal incontinence.
POST-NATAL PILATES
GET YOUR PRE-BUB BODY BACK
Nothing gets you back into shape as quickly, safely or as enjoyably as Post-Natal Pilates. With regular training, you can achieve excellent body-restoring results quickly!
LESS STRESS
Post-natal Pilates is the ultimate stress buster.
The perfect chance to indulge in some much needed “Me” time.
STRENGTHENED ARMS LEGS & HIPS
If added strength is important whilst you’re pregnant, then it is absolutely crucial after you give birth. Regular Pilates will keep your arms, legs, hips and upper body strong, so you can cope with the constant lifting and carrying of your new baby.
NO SORE OR SAGGING SHOULDERS
Breastfeeding and the every day lifting of your new baby may lead to your shoulders rolling forward, causing your back to hunch over. This is often associated with lower back and shoulder pain. In our Post-Natal classes, we carefully and expertly show you how to correct and avoid this through a series of specific realigning and rebalancing Pilates exercises.
WHEN IS IT SAFE TO EXERCISE
At ten weeks pregnancy all participants must join the pre & post natal classes.
At this point the GENERAL group classes are no loner suitable.
A Medical clearance certificate is required in order to participate in Pre Natal Pilates. Please ensure you email this to our studio before your first natal Pilates session.
We generally recommend waiting four to six weeks after delivery before commencing Post-Natal classes. Please always consult with your doctor first before attempting any exercise regimen during or after your pregnancy.