Pilates Pregnancy - Is it Safe?

Pilates Pregnancy

Pilates is currently an increasingly popular form of exercise, but is Pilates exercise safe?

The creator of Pilates, Joesph Pilates, focuses his exercise methodology on the core of the body, what he calls the "girdle of strength". This area focuses on working the abdominal muscles alongside those of the lower back and the pelvic floor. These are also the three core areas of particular interest to expectant women, so in theory Pilates sounds as if it would be perfect - but how does the reality match up?

During trimester 1, a woman should be able to perform most Pilates exercises safely. A discussion with her medical provider should identify any of the exercises she usually undertakes as being unsafe for any particular reason. Then the woman should discuss her Pilates program with a certified member of staff at her gym - if possible, she should find an instructor who is experienced in working with expectant women.

As with all gym exercises that involve floor work, all floor work that has been approved as part of the woman's Pilates program will be able to be carried out on her back if so required. Trimester 2 and 3 however will require special handling as this will not be the case. Seek advice from the qualified instructor as to how best to do these exercises; it could be that a hip wedge is required.

During a Pilates program, any exercise that requires equipment and balance should be avoided after trimester 1 also in case the mother-to-be loses her balance and falls. Schedule a meeting with a certified instructor as you begin each trimester and so that the instructor can modify your program to match with your advancing expectancy. As Pilates, like yoga, also involves breathing exercises, it's also preparation for labor, and delivery.

As with most forms of exercise, pregnancy doesn't mean that you have to stop, it just means you have to consider and perhaps modify set routines to accommodate the changes pregnancy puts on the body. If Pilates is your thing, use commonsense, professional advice, and caution - and you can continue doing what you love!

Also read our article about Pregnancy Home Test