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Spotlight on:
How can postnatal Pilates benefit you?
Are there any drawbacks to Pilates classes?
What are the dos and don’ts of postnatal Pilates?
Is Pilates an ideal form of postnatal exercise?
My week by week online postnatal Pilates and wellbeing membership is quite simply the ultimate post pregnancy tummy flattening, abdominal strengthening programme.
Try it for FREE to feel the difference!
Pilates classes are incredibly popular amongst the general population with many health professionals suggesting Pilates for the management of back pain. But many pre and postnatal fitness experts will also tell you that postnatal Pilates is probably THE most beneficial and appropriate exercise you can do when you have just had a baby.
So what exactly are the benefits of postnatal Pilates, what are the dos and don’ts, and is this form of exercise really ideal for new mums? Read on to find out more, and make sure that you download your FREE guide on how to keep exercise safe when you are a new mum.
Download your FREE guide in the top right hand corner
What is postnatal Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise which focuses on both mind and body, requiring concentration so that movements flow and are coordinated. Pilates in the postnatal period places strong emphasis on postural alignment, tightening and strengthening the corset of deep abdominal muscles which have been stretched and weakened in pregnancy so as to help prevent and reduce back pain, and on helping the separated outer layer of abdominals to knit together again.*
*The majority – but not all - of women’s outer abdominals separate in pregnancy to allow for expansion. This is not something that you should worry about but simply be aware of so that you don’t do the wrong sorts of exercises which could exacerbate the problem.
How can postnatal Pilates benefit you?
Postnatal Pilates is particularly beneficial when it comes to the inevitable pressures placed on your posture due to all the lifting, carrying and feeding that you are now doing. It works on maintaining a tall posture by strengthening the postural muscles so that you can hold correct spinal alignment with ease. This, in turn, will help reduce back trouble, a very common problem amongst new mums. During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles inevitably became very stretched and weakened and you may well now be conscious of having the dreaded “mummy tummy”. This form of post natal exercise is the best way to blitz the mummy tummy as it works on tightening and strengthening the deepest layer of abdominals to help flatten your tummy. It is also a fantastic way of minimising back pain, and happens to be relaxing too.
Are there any drawbacks to Pilates classes?
Pilates was not, of course, originally designed for the postnatal period and, therefore, in its original form, many of the moves are not suitable for most new mums. Given this, it is very important that you do Pilates that is specifically designed for postnatal women and taught by a qualified instructor who has trained in pre and postnatal fitness – like me! Also, be sure to arm yourself with knowledge - my FREE Postnatal Exercise Guide.
Download your FREE guide in the top right hand corner
What are the dos and don’ts of postnatal Pilates?
The dos of postnatal Pilates:
- Do sign up for my online postnatal Pilates programme. With week by week workouts designed specifically for the postpartum stage you are in, a forum to socialise with other new mums across the country, and access to me if you have any questions, it’s the ideal solution to exercising safely and happily in the postnatal period.
- Always attend specialist postnatal Pilates classes with a teacher who is fully qualified to work with new mothers. This ensures that you are getting Pilates which is specifically adapted for the postnatal period. The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Instructors provides a list of qualified pre/postnatal fitness instructors across the country.
- Do grab a copy of my FREE Postnatal Exercise Guide on keeping exercise safe in the postnatal period. (See the 'Postnatal Exercise' download on the top right of this page).
My week by week online postnatal Pilates and wellbeing membership is quite simply the ultimate post pregnancy tummy flattening, abdominal strengthening programme.
Try it for FREE to feel the difference!
The don’ts of postnatal Pilates:
- Don’t feel embarrassed to ask your Pilates instructor if s/he is a member of The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Instructors. Of course you want to know that you are in safe hands.
- Don’t go to mainstream Pilates classes unless the teacher is qualified to work with pre and postnatal women and is able to adapt the moves accordingly.
- Don't ignore any discomfort when doing a particular Pilates exercise, even if it has been specifically adapted for the postnatal period. You must always listen to your body.
- Don't delay downloading that FREE Postnatal Exercise Guide.... you might forget now that you are a multitasking mum! So get it now and make sure that when you exercise tomorrow you are doing all the right things to get rid of that mummy tummy. (See the 'Postnatal Exercise' download on the top right of this page).
Is Pilates an ideal form of postnatal exercise?
Yes, absolutely, as long as it is postnatal Pilates, and is taught carefully and thoughtfully by a fully qualified expert in pre and postnatal Pilates.
Sign up for tailored online postnatal Pilates that you can access anytime anywhere!
Try it for FREE!