Pregnancy Exercise Pilates Advice For Pregnant Moms | Pilates Advice For Pregnant Moms |
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Pilates is quickly becoming a popular form of exercise among many pregnant women. That being said, not every Pilates move is safe for expecting mothers, so it is essential that you join a prenatal Pilates class to get the most out of these fantastic exercises. Although you may be under the impression that Pilates is another form of Yoga, in actuality there is one major difference between the two. In Yoga you hold static poses. In Pilates you continually move through various poses and movements instead of holding them. Pilates exercises are usually performed with few repetitions, but each movement is precise and controlled, just as in Yoga. What are the benefits of Pilates? Pilates has many benefits. It is great because it: -Increases the strength of your muscles. -Improves flexibility. -Improves your breathing. -Improves your circulation. -Improves your balance. -It targets your core (abs and back). -Is a great way to de-stress and relax your mind. How should I do Pilates? You can purchase a video specifically designed for pregnant woman, so you can do Pilates in the comfort of your own home. You could also sign up for a prenatal Pilates class. Many pregnant women enjoy going to a class because they get to learn from a qualified instructor and can meet fellow expecting mothers. If you are already in a Pilates class, talk to your instructor and ask his/her opinion about different, or modified movements you can do to accommodate your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt to do Pilates on your own without proper instruction. You can risk injuring yourself or your baby. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and make sure you are constantly breathing as you exercise. Your muscles and your baby need oxygen. You will discover as your pregnancy progresses that you will need to make some modifications to your routine, regardless if you are a natural pro at Pilates or not. Don’t push your body to go beyond its limit. Take it easy, and only do what’s comfortable. In the later stages of your pregnancy, you may find it harder to keep your balance. Therefore, it’s also a good idea to use a chair for support to help maintain your balance. How long should I do Pilates for? You can do Pilates for 20 – 30 minutes, essentially for however long your video tape or prenatal class is. Of course, if you feel exhausted, or are not up to doing all of the moves, you can stop whenever you think it’s time. Remember, listen to your body. Is there anything I should be aware of? 1. Always move slowly when you are performing Pilates moves to make sure that you don’t lose your balance. 2. Don’t attempt any movements you are not familiar with. You don’t want to risk falling or suffering an injury. 3. Avoid positions that require you to excessively stretch your abdominal muscles, such as deep forward movements or back bends. When you are pregnant you are at a higher risk of pulling, tearing or straining a muscle. 4. After you’ve reached your second trimester you should avoid doing any of the Pilates moves that require you to lie on your back. Exercises that require you to lie on your back decrease the blood flow to the uterus. 5. You should stop Pilates if you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, or vaginal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately! |
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