Our physio Hanna explains why Pilates is so popular in pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the growing baby and hormones can make ligaments softer and more flexible, and also decrease your core muscles. Weak core muscles can lead to several issues, and it has been found that Pilates is an ideal way to help build strength before and after pregnancy due to it's low impact, generally quite gentle and adaptable, so the exercises can be modified to accommodate your changing shape. Regular pilates will help with:
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Strengthening your core muscles, which helps your body to cope with the strains caused by the weight of your growing baby.
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Reducing back pain, by increasing muscle strength in order to stabilise back and pelvis. Weak muscles can lead to back or pelvic pain.
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Strengthening your pelvic floor, to support your bowel, bladder and uterus (womb) as your baby grows and moves down.
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Helping with balance as Pilates exercises strengthen your core and may make you more stable when you walk.
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Taking the strain off your back and pelvis, by using teaching various poses and positions that can be used to rest.
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Relaxation and controlling your breathing. Pilates can help to provide training for relaxation as well as breathing exercises, both which are helpful tools during pregnancy.
Pilates is generally focuses on back, abdominals and pelvic muscles, all which are very key to the pregnancy process. In addition, Pilates also targets core muscles without putting strain on the joints which is important as they can be vulnerable during pregnancy. Further, it also helps post-pregnancy with getting back into shape, maintaining and increasing your core strength and making sure you keep good posture to help decrease the risk of injury associated with carrying your baby.
Course starts 7.30 pm at 6 January for 6 weeks £ 80 pounds