What can Pilates do for you?
Tones
your pelvic floor muscles
During the nine months of pregnancy there is an increasing load
on your pelvic floor. By actively strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, Pilates
can help to prevent the stress incontinence that many women suffer during and after pregnancy.
Strong pelvic floor muscles are also believed to help speed up the second stage of delivery and labour by making contractions
more efficient.
Increases
your core stablility and improves your posture
Pilates exercises tone and strengthen the deep muscles of the
abdominal wall and back which help to stabilise the spine. This can alleviate
back ache, improve your posture and realigns the spine helping you to cope with a changing centre of gravity as the baby grows.
Teaches
you relaxation and body awareness
Pilates focuses on effective breathing techniques which enhance
blood circulation and promote relaxation. This can be of great benefit in the
labour room and beyond.
Greater
sense of wellbeing
Pilates exercise are low impact, adaptable throughout pregnancy
and focus on working the whole body. You will feel energised and exercised
without feeling exhausted.
Regain
your pre-pregnancy figure
If you practice Pilates regularly you will have the foundations
of a strong core and long lean muscles which can be built on once your baby is born.
Most women who do Pilates on a regular basis find that they return to fitness much more quickly than women who do not.