PILATES IN PREGNANCY AND POST-BIRTH - FIT FOR TWO

Moira Clark explains the benefits of Pilates exercise during and after pregnancy.

Are you expecting a baby, or just given birth? Maybe feeling flabby and not very energetic? Then Pilates could be for you. Pilates exercises encourage good posture and strength in the deep muscles supporting your back. The deep abdominal muscles used are responsible for drawing your tummy in towards your spine, so can help with support while you are pregnant, and tighten up that post birth "saggy tummy" - something "sit-ups", all too often poorly executed, will never do on their own! If you are new to exercise, Pilates is an enjoyable and structured introduction.

If you are exercising already, then Pilates would make a very useful addition to your usual routine. During pregnancy hormone changes make you especially vulnerable to injury. Your body has to rely on good posture and central, core muscle strength to keep your body stable. Strengthening these areas will help you exercise safely and effectively throughout pregnancy and gradually recover afterwards with reduced risk of physical post-birth problems which can carry on for months (and sometimes years) afterwards.

Pilates exercises also encourage use of the Pelvic Floor muscles, an all too often forgotten area, where failure to remember the expression "Use It or Lose It" can have very embarrassing consequences! Pilates is a fabulous way to relax, encouraging correct breathing and a sense of inner calm, helpful if you are pregnant and still working, or keeping up with a toddler (maybe both!), or coping with a brand-new baby and possibly establishing breast-feeding. Ante and postnatal classes are great fun -and a good way to meet other mums and their babies.

Moira is an Ante and Postnatal Fitness and Pilates Instructor, and an Infant Massage Instructor, teaching classes in Hildenborough and Seal. Call her on 01732 848725.