Pilates for Pregnancy & Post-Pregnancy

The key principles of Pilates include concentration and controlled movements—this focus on the action rather than the results makes it an excellent program to maintain and improve fitness through your pregnancy. Pilates positions and sequences are easy to modify to suit the specific changes women experience through the stages of pregnancy.

The basic Pilates mat exercises are the ideal level to practice throughout your pregnancy—now is not the time to be attempting advanced movements either on the equipment or the mat. Use this time to enjoy being active and closely in touch with your own body and the baby you are about to welcome into the world!

Very Important *** Be sure to consult your physician/obstetrician to confirm Pilates is suitable for your individual pregnancy and always make sure your instructor is aware and well-trained in Pilates for pregnant women.

Pilates eases first trimester changes

Pilates is the ideal exercise program to practice in the months leading up to your baby's birth. When you're pregnant it can be hard to maintain and stay committed to a exercising —hormones, fatigue and the changing shape of your body challenge your resolve to stay fit. The first trimester can be an especially difficult period to exercise if you experience morning nausea and increased fatigue. The calm, focused practice of Pilates can help ease the transition through this time, while you work on the most important muscles for labor and delivery—your abs, pelvic muscles and back.

By the time you move into your second trimester, your body will have responded to your Pilates practice with improved flexibility, muscle strength and balance. Your increased body awareness which comes from concentrating on breathing and movements keeps you in tune with your body as your pregnancy progresses.

Pilates breathing eases aches and pains of pregnancy

Generally, proper oxygenation of muscles helps them perform their functions with less stress and strain, thus reducing the sensation of pain. Becoming more experienced at controlling your abdominal muscles during breathing will also benefit your labor when the time comes to do the hard work of delivery. Nearly every Pilates exercise begins by drawing the navel gently towards the spine. This both strengthens the traverse abdominal muscles so that you will regain a flat stomach following delivery, and protects the back against undue strain during exercise.

The warm-up exercises you will do at the beginning of your workout along with the relaxation movements at the end will help to reduce tension in your body, calm your mind and re-energize you.

Pilates gets you back in shape quickly

If you are able to maintain a basic program of modified Pilates exercises throughout your pregnancy, your abdominal muscles should be easier to coax back into shape once your baby arrives. Because Pilates is focused on the doing of the exercises rather than the results, women find it is easier to stay motivated. You can't control the shape of your body—so you can just concentrate on anjoying the activity.

	Belly Basics Maternity Four Piece Yoga/Pilates Set At the studio or on the go, this casual workout set is soft and comfortable, and features a bonus drawstring backpack. Contrast-lined hoody has zip front and kangaroo pockets. V-neck tank. Elastic-waist pants with contrast side stripes. Cotton/spandex by Belly Basics. Available online only from Nordstrom.
	Pilates During Pregnancy This no-nonsense DVD gives you a safe, rigorous workout option for your entire pregnancy. "...you'll enjoy the results." An inpiring Pilates-based routine adapted for busy women in all trimesters who want to feel fit, healthy, and fabulous. Pilates requires you to move consciously—using the breath to revitalize and energize—something you will need to depend on during and after childbirth. Every movement in Pilates emanates from the "center"—helping you focus on those muscles necessary for labor and delivery. This routine is comprised of two distinct sections to make the most of you time. Section I : abdominal and breath work Section II : side leg series, lower body work Sections I and II can be combined for a longer workout depending upon your time and energy level.
	Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy Named one of the "Six Best Workouts for Pregnancy" Discover how yoga-infused Pilates can keep you in shape during your pregnancy. Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy is the first Pilates based workout designed to give pregnant women a challenging workout, without compromising safety. This unique workout includes modifications that are appropriate for each trimester. Pregnant woman of all fitness levels will be challenged and motivated by this inspiring workout. This unique and inspiring workout follows guidelines from The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. It includes modifications that are appropriate for each trimester and challenges and motivates pregnant women of all fitness levels! Part 1 : Safety Precautions for Pregnancy Part 2 : How to Access and Strengthen the Pelvic Floor Part 3 : The Pregnancy Workout
	The Pilates Pregnancy Pilates is an exceptional exercise technique for core strengthening, flexibility, and developing a lean, strong physique. But is it right for pregnancy? Yes, says Pilates trainer-to-the-stars Mari Winsor. Pilates is a safe way to reduce stress and increase comfort and balance during pregnancy. Additionally, Pilates will make your pregnancy and delivery easier, your recovery quicker, and it will benefit your baby by keeping blood circulating to the abdominal area, says obstetrician Uzzi Reiss, M.D., in the foreword. Winsor explains Pilates concepts and techniques, with a focus on the pregnant body. Then she presents 22 to 39 exercises in each of three workouts, one for each trimester, that are most suitable for pregnant women. The exercises are described clearly and carefully in three stages—"prep" (getting in the correct position to begin), "ready" (techniques and cautions for doing the exercise correctly), and "action" (step-by-step instructions)—and are well illustrated with photos. The Pilates Pregnancy is an excellent guide for at-home practice—be sure to learn the principles and techniques from a qualified instructor who is experienced in training during pregnancy.