Pregnancy Article:

Pilates during pregnancy

By: Tasha Lawton of Pregalates

So, the million dollar question - 'Should I exercise while I'm pregnant?' The answer my friends is simply - YES, you'd be a fool not to!

As you know, when you fall pregnant your body shape starts to change; the boobs get bigger, as does your tummy. Your balance goes out of whack and your lower back begins to curve more, resulting in a postural shift. These are just a few of the wonders of pregnancy so when choosing the best type of exercise to address these forever changing areas, it makes perfect sense to opt for pilates.

Pilates is the only form of exercise that will target every area of the body that is 'affected' by pregnancy. The precise, specific and highly effective exercises are designed to constantly:

• re-align your posture
• tighten your tummy muscles
• strengthen your pelvic floor
• diminish back ache
• challenge your balance
• tone your arms, legs and bum
• keep your cortisol (stress hormones) levels in check
• eliminate sciatica
• help reduce water retention
• produce results
• ease the labour
• contribute to a faster recovery after your baby is born
  AND
• give you the confidence to enjoy your body.

Pilates is swiftly becoming recognized on an international level for it's effectiveness during pregnancy and more and more midwives are recommending it to their mums. It's also a great way to meet people.

When looking for classes, make sure the instructor is specifically qualified in pregnancy pilates - don't just rock up to your everyday reformer class at the gym!

Each trimester of your pregnancy is different and your exercise regime should reflect that too. Drink plenty of water, keep your heart rate below 140bpm but most importantly, listen to your body - if you feel sick, nauseous, dizzy etc. then STOP!

Pilates is safe, all you need is a mat and yourself and you don't need to be a pretzel to do it!

Tasha is a highly qualified pilates instructor and TV presenter specialised in pregnancy. She is also an established writer in the field of pregnancy and exercise, and during her pregnancy with her second child, she decided to create (what has now become) a world first set of trimester specific pilates workouts which are available from www.pregalates.com.

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