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The benefits of Pilates during pregnancy


There are several reasons why Pilates is the best type of exercise for pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant women.


Pilates workouts are designed to strengthen your core muscles with an emphasis on abdominal muscles, the lower back and the muscles of the pelvic floor. All of these muscles are important in pregnancy because of the changes to your body as your baby grows.


If these muscles are toned by doing Pilates they will support your baby properly so you can have a more comfortable pregnancy with less back-ache and you will have more control over the muscles during delivery.


When your pelvic floor muscles and abdominals are strong they have a better chance of full recovery to normal after being stretched during pregnancy.


The Instructors at OptionsPilates are specifically trained to teach Pilates to pregnant women.  Certain exercises and positions must be avoided, especially exercises lying flat on your back. Our Instructors are qualified to know what is suitable during pregnancy.

Why should the lower back be strong?


The lower back works together with the abdominals and obliques to keep the spine in a neutral position. As your baby grows the pressure on your lower back is relieved when these muscles are strong enough to keep your spine in a neutral position.


How does the pelvic floor help?


The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in your pelvis that functions as the foundation for your whole core. The pelvic floor muscles are very important during childbirth and if these muscles are well conditioned through Pilates training you will have greater control during labour and faster recovery after birth.


How are prenatal Pilates classes different from normal Pilates classes?


Prenatal Pilates is much more gentle than regular Pilates. Many of the normal exercises are too difficult to perform when your balance is affected by the changes in your body. We modify a lot of exercises by using special equipment to make them suitable for the changing ability of your core muscles as they stretch during pregnancy.


There are different special requirements during different trimesters. For example the baby is most sensitive during the first trimester so we will not encourage clients who have not worked out before to start any exercise until around the 10th-12th week of pregnancy. Of course it is ideal if you have started Pilates classes before you become pregnant as this will make it easier for you to continue your classes once you become pregnant. Pregnant ladies are encouraged to take plenty of water breaks and short breaks during class and of course we are more lenient about missed or forgotten classes during pregnancy.


Classes are 55 minutes long and cost from $450 for a package of 10 sessions in group classes with other mothers-to-be, or $110-$180 for a private session.  Prices include GST.


You can book a class by calling 6333-3137 or by filling the form below, or simply visit the studios between 8am and 8pm.
