Pilates & Pregnancy

 

Pregnancy is a time of significant change for the body and mothers-to-be who regularly exercise, particularly their core muscles, can often experience shorter labours as well as reduced lower back and pelvic pain. That being said, it is imperative that only exercises that are completely safe for mother and baby are performed. We do offer both Fitness Pilates & Pilates Reformer sessions for both Pre & Post Natal clients under the following guidance:

 

Pre-Natal Pilates 

 

Existing Clients: 

 

If you have already been attending class on a regular basis in the lead up to your pregnancy then you can continue with ‘regular’ classes from weeks 1-12 of your pregnancy. 

 

From 12 – 28 weeks, you will need to attend private 1:1 sessions only for the reformer, so that the necessary modifications can be made to your programme. You can still attend our Fitness Pilates mat class up until week 28. Barre-lattes is not recommended from week 12 onwards.

 

From week 29 onwards, you can continue with private 1:1 sessions but we do not permit starting after week 29 of your pregnancy if you have not attended classes during the earlier stages of your pregnancy, as it’s not safe to start now. 

 

New Clients:

 

We do not advise attending regular classes if you have not had previous experience or have been out of training for a while.

 

Weeks 1 – 28 If you are new to Pilates then we can only offer private 1:1 sessions for those without experience or that have not been in training for a while. 

 

From week 29 onwards, it is not suitable to attend any sessions at this time in your pregnancy as a beginner or returning to exercise.  

 

Each pregnancy progress differently so please be sure to talk to your trainer for advice.

 

Post Natal Pilates:

 

When you’re ready, we’d love to see you in the Studio and if you are looking to return to exercise then we would love to help!

 

You can begin exercising with us again once your Doctor has given you the go-ahead. Please note that we follow the official recommendation for recommencing Pilates; a minimum of 6 weeks for a natural birth and 8 – 12 weeks post caesarean.

 

Our classes offer a safe and effective way to recover from pregnancy and childbirth – helping you regain your abdominal strength, realign imbalanced posture and help you cope with the demands of being a new mum.  We would however,  recommend attending a private session before returning to regular classes to ensure a safe return.

 

What to expect at a Pre / Post Natal Private 1:1

 

Expect a varied, and less intense than our standard classes. Pre & Post Natal private sessions will be structured around the changing requirements of a developing pregnancy whilst providing an effective workout from the first trimester through to full term, all the while staying completely safe for mother and baby.

 

With a focus on core stability, strength and overall fitness, it is an excellent way to help your body cope with the changes you’re undergoing and prepare it for the stresses to come or coping with a newborn. 

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Pre & Post Natal bookings are available via the mind body app (appointments tab) and chargeable at the same rate as standard private sessions. For more information on how to download and navigate the app - please see the bookings page.