Pregnancy is a time of significant change for the body and Pilates is the perfect form of exercise to help maintain your strength, fitness and energy levels as your body changes with each trimester.
Why Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, it strengthens and stretches the body, improving posture and mobility without placing stress on the joints. Pilates exercises can be easily adapted during pregnancy to suit changes in your posture, body shape and energy levels, as your body changes with each trimester.
Varied and less intense than standard classes, specialist pregnancy Pilates classes are planned with pregnancy in mind. Exercises are chosen and adapted to provide an effective workout, completely safe for mother and baby. These classes are an excellent way to help your body cope with the changes you’re experiencing and prepare for the stresses to come.
Benefits of Pilates during pregnancy
Pilates has many benefits for mums- to-be, it strengthens the pelvic floor and abdominals, helping to prepare the body for a smoother pregnancy and birth.
Mothers-to-be who regularly exercise these core muscles often experience shorter labours and reduced lower back pain or pelvic pain. Attending classes will help to boost your immune system, circulation, and provide the energy levels you need to enjoy your pregnancy and become better prepared for labour.
Regular practicing Pilates before birth can help you to cope with the demands of labour and childbirth. Pilates improves your body awareness, retrains your muscles to activate properly, and strengthens your abdominals and pelvic floor. Women who exercise during pregnancy often recover quicker from birth, feeling more energetic and able to return to being active sooner after birth.
Lasting benefits for after pregnancy
By training your body to stay strong and function correctly, you will be more able to cope with not just labour and childbirth but also the exciting months to follow. Pilates keeps the, legs, back arms and shoulders strong and flexible, in preparation for the physical demands of being a mum – such as breastfeeding, carrying your baby, lifting heavy bags or pushing a pram.
Attending classes throughout pregnancy will also provide social support and a sense of mental wellbeing, whilst helping your body to get back in shape faster after childbirth.
Classes at treat, Norwich
Small group Pregnancy Pilates classes are available at treat on Fridays 10.30-11.30am, mums-to-be can benefit from extra support, advice and guidance in a smaller class.
Drop in classes on 11th and 18th November £5 per week – booking advisable
4 week block 25th November-16th December , £32 – booking essential
Classes are suitable for all levels of fitness, providing you have not had any complications during your pregnancy.
Beginners are welcome to attend in their first or second stages of pregnancy. Pease note if you’re in your 3rd trimester and have not attended Plates classes during the earlier stages of your pregnancy, it’s not safe to start now.
To book or for more information email instructor Claire cgfitnessandtherapy@gmail.com, or visit http://www.fitternorfolk.co.uk/pregnancy-pilates/ alternatively call treat on 01603 514195
Classes will be held at “treat” clinic, Capitol House, 4-6 Heigham Street, Norwich, NR24TE. Parking is available nearby. Mats are provided but you may wish to bring a towel or pillow to use as a head or back support.
One to one Pilates sessions are also available.
