There’s no denying it, pregnancy and giving birth takes a massive toll on your body! During this time of physical and mental change, Pilates and Yoga is a fantastic way to give yourself the love and care it needs to thrive during this special time of growth and transition.
Undertaking regular exercise throughout your pregnancy not only helps you to maintain your physical strength, but also assists in promoting calmness during this time of change. Post-partum, Pilates and Yoga is a great way to safely and gently return to exercise after you have had your little one. We know some people are very keen to get back to their pre-baby body, but the most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself and to give your body, and your mind, the time to rest and recover.
Pilates and Yoga can help strengthen your body in a variety of ways including:
- Strengthening your pelvic floor to reduce the risk of incontinence.
- Strengthening your core to prevent pelvic and back pain during pregnancy and to assist with closing any abdominal separation after birth.
- Helping to improve balance as your posture changes and your weight distribution moves as your baby grows.
- Preparing your body physically for child birth.
- Strengthening your body to help aide in recovery after birth.
- Helping to prevent strain in your neck and shoulders by strengthening the muscles that are used when hunching over to feed, change and bath your baby.
Last but not least, taking the time to take care of yourself during and after pregnancy is very important. Studies have shown that post-natal Yoga can assist in decreasing the risk of post-natal depression, and can help to improve calmness, reduce anxiety and increase your energy.
After birth, going along to a child friendly Pilates or Yoga class, moving your body and just getting out of the house, can be the kindest thing you can do for your mental well-being during this new and different time.
During and after pregnancy, many women experience muscular changes in their body due to many factors, including carrying the additional weight of your baby, hormonal fluctuations and changes to your body shape.
Breathing is a key focus of pre-natal Pilates and Yoga classes, and is especially useful to learn as good air exchange is essential for you and your baby. Learning correct breathing techniques also helps to control your breathing and may assist in reducing and managing shortness of breath during pregnancy and working through contractions during labour.
You are also able to meet other mothers in class and chat about the new phase of your life that you are all experiencing.
From mobility to flexibility, maintaining muscle tone and strength, to positive mental health benefits and making you feel good, Pilates and Yoga helps to keep yourself and your baby happy and healthy as you move through this new and exciting chapter of your life.