Pilates - Post-Pregnancy

The very best way to have a great body after giving birth to your baby is to have had one before you got pregnant. Most young mothers, especially first-time moms, want to get back into their skinny jeans ASAP - and are willing to go to almost any length to get there. However, if having the body you had before you got pregnant consumes too much of your thinking, you may well find yourself unhappy and resentful.

Having a baby is an amazing experience, and your first priority is your baby and the baby's health and well-being. In order to give your baby everything s/he needs, it is important to keep your own needs in perspective. You need to take great care of yourself - mind, emotions and physical health. As you focus on caring for yourself so you can care for your baby, then you'll be in the right mind frame when it comes to getting back into shape.

Pilates - Pre- Through Post-Pregnancy

Pilates is one of the best ways to get in shape before you have a baby, to stay in shape during your pregnancy, and to get your body back into shape after the baby is born. One of the top reasons for this is that Pilates focuses on developing a strong core. Core strength is invaluable because if your abdominals, back, and pelvic floor muscles are well toned they will support your pregnancy and delivery well and comfortably. Additionally, once the baby is born, it doesn't take long to get those core muscles back into shape with Pilates.

Another wonderful aspect of using Pilates as a method of fitness is that it is very adaptable and flexible. Most of the exercises used in Pilates workouts can easily be modified to accompany a belly, a sore back, or stretched belly muscles that are aching to get back into shape. Modifications are an important aspect of any exercise program because they allow you to do the exercise to gain the benefit, yet work within your present limitations.

 

Pilates - Practice with an Instructor

If you are new to Pilates, check in with your doctor or midwife before you get started. You will need to find a good Pilates instructor who can give you some serious one-on-one time and who will be able to help you make the necessary modifications in order for you to optimize the exercises. If you've never worked with Pilates exercises before, it's best not to try to do it on your own initially. Pilates exercises are very exact, so in order to get the most benefit, get the proper instruction. The good news is that Pilates is so popular you will easily be able to find an instructor and/or a class that is suited exactly to you.