Pilates for Pregnacy - what to expect from Pilates when your expecting.

Exercising during pregnancy is important to maintaining muscle strength, however this is not a time to be pushing your body, more a time to gently strengthen with particular focus being paid to the pelvic floor muscles.   

The main focus of a Pilates class during Pregnancy is on the maintenance of muscle tone, strength and endurance. 

 

As well as the general benefits of Pilates such as improved posture, prevention of injury and a reduction in back pain, there are specific pre-natal benefits. 

Incontinence Symptoms:

A significant 64% of women develop incontinence symptoms due to the weight of the baby on the bladder during pregnancy, and as a result of the pelvic floor being stretched or weakened during labour. The risk of incontinence can be greatly reduced by strengthening the pelvic floor. 

 

Pilates can help to achieve optimal fitness and health for both mother and baby during pregnancy, and for labour. Exercises that will lead to improvements in functional fitness for every day life are practiced. For example, squats leaning against a Swiss ball placed on the wall to mimic standing and sitting movements, or the ‘sidekick’ to lengthen the hip flexors and hamstring muscles, counteracting the forward tilt of the pelvis and therefore reducing back pain.

Breathing:

The respiratory rate naturally increases in pregnancy. There is a focus on relaxation both during pregnancy and specifically for labour by an emphasis on deep breathing patterns.  

A focus on deep breathing into the thoracic part of the spine and into the lower parts of the lungs helps to improve breathing capacity. This helps to improve circulation, decreasing the risk of blood clots, varicose veins, leg cramping and swelling. It can also assist in regulating fatigue levels, as well as improving sleep. 

The focus on breathing, the relaxing pace of a Pilates session and the sense of well-being it creates leads to improvements in mood and body image throughout pregnancy, as well as helping to cope with post-partum depression. 

Working through the trimesters:

The Pilates repertoire is adapted throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, as changes in the body occur. In the first trimester, and indeed throughout, hormonal changes, particularly the increase of the hormone Relaxin, can result in injury or weakness in muscles and ligaments. The lower back and sacral area are most affected. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises are still included in a class but the range of movement is limited, stretches are held for shorter periods of time and the focus shifts to stability rather than flexibility.

The greatest increase in pelvic mobility and reduction of pelvic stability occur in the 20-27 week period (the latter part of the second trimester). The centre of gravity is also most altered during this stage. Stability exercises are key; working in a neutral pelvic position and strengthening the pelvic floor not only increases pelvic stability generally but also helps to avoid Symphysis Pubis Diastasis, where the pubis separates due to hormonal changes. Focus is on the support of the abdominals as a corset rather than trying ‘to flatten’. In the second trimester abdominal crunches are removed from a Pilates program because of the separation of the rectus abdominus. This occurs with the increased stretch of the abdominal wall. 

Changing exercise positions frequently is encouraged to ensure comfort throughout the session. The Pilates spine supporter is introduced after week 12 of pregnancy so that the mother can exercise lying on her back safely by being propped almost to a sitting position. It is not advisable to exercise lying fully flat due to the possibility of Supine Hypertensive Syndrome, a condition where the uterus compresses the vena cava effecting oxygen flow to both the mother and baby. 

To gain all the benefits of Pilates through pregnancy and to feel assured that the possible contraindications of pregnancy are recognised, it is important to find a class with an instructor who is specifically trained in Pregnancy Pilates and where classes are limited to a maximum of eight. A Pregnancy Pilates class will help all new mums enjoy their pregnancy to the fullest, feeling relaxed and strong in both body and mind. 

For more information or to book a taster class or course in Pregnancy Pilates at Purely Pilates Studios please contact us on:

Email: info@purelypilatesstudio.co.uk

Tel: 01273 770900

Gemma Wright, Studio Director, Purely Pilates.

What is a Pilates Reformer class?

Pilates entails a series of stretching and resistance exercises with a focus on breathing and body awareness that leads to core stability and leaner muscles. The method has an ‘all gain, no pain’ approach.

Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates method in the early 1900s as an exercise programme for First World War veterans. His original technique has now been enhanced utilising the improved knowledge we now have about the way the body works.

Through Pilates you can address your muscle imbalances, developing a ‘scaffolding’ to support your spine. As a result, your external muscles will relax and any tension will ease. 

Pilates classes take on a number of forms from group mat classes to one to one and group pregnancy classes to  reformer classes.

The reformer class is our focus on this blog update as although it is the most widely-used apparatus in pilates it is not widely known as a fitness option and we get asked many questions about what a reformer class is and what the benefits are.

 

So what is all the fuss about?

The reformer machine or apparatus looks like a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys and can look quite intimidating at first sight. Trust us when we say you can put your fears aside as once you have tried a couple of reformer classes you will fall in love and realise it is one of the most effective, flexible and easy to use piece of gym apparatus ever!

The reformer class offers the opportunity to work in the reformer studio but in a class environment.

The workout is more intense and more dynamic than a mat based class as you add resistance via the use of springs which are part of the apparatus.

The springs not only add resistance but a level of support that protects you and enables you to work your muscle groups more deeply and enhance your understanding of Pilates and your own body.

The Variations of movements and excersises are endless so you will never get bored and as you develop you add a new dimension and strength to your work-out.

The reformers we use at Purely Pilates have 5 springs and the springs are very strong, using only one or two can provide gentle resistance however the intensity can be varied considerably from person to person making the class very specific to each individuals strengths and making the equipment a very versatile tool for rehabilitation and for a great workout.

For more information or to book a reformer class taster session or course contact us at Purley Pilates today.

Email: info@purelypilatesstudio.co.uk

Tel: 01273 770900