Pilates Classes For Pregnancy

As your belly stretches and your body widens, finding an appropriate exercise program during pregnancy can be difficult. Yet, the benefits of exercise remain just as important during pregnancy, when your body requires extra strength, flexibility and balance. For some pregnant women, prenatal Pilates offers a safe and easy fitness routine with its focus on dynamic stretches and proper breathing. After receiving approval from your doctor, Pilates classes for pregnancy can strengthen both the body and the mind.

Identification

Created by Joseph Pilates in the 1900s, the practice of Pilates involves a series of dynamic body movements to strengthen the muscles and improve posture. Since the fitness program focuses on using your own body weight for resistance, it does not require any special equipment or weights. In fact, a cushioned mat is the only piece of equipment recommended for Pilates practice. Along with strengthening the muscles and elongating the body, the practice of Pilates also attempts to relieve stress through proper breathing techniques.

Benefits

One of the most important benefits of Pilates during pregnancy is that the practice helps to strengthen the muscles in the abdominals and back. During pregnancy, these muscles often become strained and fatigued. As you continue through your Pilates practice, you should find that these muscles become stronger and you are able to improve your body alignment. In fact, the Gaiam Life website explains that "a consistent Pilates practice helps open the hips and decompress the low back, promotes better breath and circulation, and lifts the shoulder girdle up off the ribs, allowing more space for the organs and less strain on the head and neck."

Considerations

During the second and third trimesters, avoid any Pilates positions that require you to lie on your back. If held for too long, this supine position can decrease oxygen supply to you and your baby. Positions on the stomach can also be dangerous and should be avoided once your belly begins to bulge. While doing Pilates during pregnancy, it is important to avoid overstressing your abdominal muscles. If you feel any sort of pain or discomfort in your stomach or back, stop immediately. As with any type of exercise done during pregnancy, stop immediately if you begin to experience dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath.

Warning

In certain cases, pregnant women should avoid participating in Pilates. For example, some women experience a separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This condition, known as diastasis, is generally safe. However, straining the abdominal muscles during Pilates can cause significant complications. Pregnant women with bleeding difficulties, placenta previa or an incompetent cervix should also avoid Pilates during pregnancy. To be safe, pregnant women should consult a doctor before initiating a Pilates fitness program.

Pilates Classes

Pilates studios across the country offer prenatal Pilates classes. Before signing up for a class, inquire about the instructor's certification and experience. To ensure the utmost safety, a prenatal Pilates class should be taught by an instructor specially certified in prenatal Pilates. The instructor should understand how to modify traditional Pilates positions for pregnant women.