Fitness Tips For Pregnant Women: Pilates

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and this article hopes to capture the essence of motherhood right from its root. It is said that a woman becomes a mother from the moment she conceives and her entire being is dedicated to preparing a safe and healthy passage for her baby. Everything else comes second. She goes out of her way to ensure that she is in a state of optimum health and fitness because she knows that’s what the life of her baby depends on. This one’s for all of you mothers and mothers-to-be. To take care of yourself is to embrace your motherhood.

Among the many exercises and workouts for pregnant women, Pilates is one of the most suitable. Mainly because it solves the all-time dilemma of pregnant women who need to exercise but without having to move too much. It is a low-impact workout that is designed for those who can’t do much running and bouncing but great at building core strength. If the abdominal, back and pelvic muscles are properly toned, it gives way to more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. Another reason that Pilates and pregnancy go so well together is that it helps moms get back in shape after giving birth!

Is Pre-natal Pilates Right for You?

If you have never done it, it is crucial that you enroll in a proper Pilates class. It is not recommended that you train on your own without knowing the fundamentals. It is important to understand that Pilates is a strength exercise that requires breathing regularly and tightening your stomach. Going to a workout class daily away from home may not be a welcome thought so check out online fitness portals that will help you get in touch with expert Pilates trainers whose services are available for personal training in the comfort of your own home. Also, consult your obstetrician to ensure there are no health risks for you and your baby.

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Choose Exercises That Are Safe For Your Stage of Pregnancy

Traditional Pilates usually requires that you lie on your stomach or back and, obviously, for a pregnant woman, this is not only uncomfortable but dangerous to the baby as well. Lying on your back beyond the first trimester can reduce oxygen flow to your baby and abdominal separation (diastasis) can occur in future pregnancies. So it is of prime importance that you adopt a prenatal-specific Pilates workout program to avoid the complications of traditional exercises and which is also why you need the proper guidance of an expert trainer. 

Nutrition and Energy

You are already eating for two and if you are exercising, you are burning calories and losing water through perspiration, which is why you should increase your caloric intake and stay hydrated. Consult an expert nutritionist to ensure you are eating and drinking proper.

Prenatal Pilates is not usually strenuous but you need to pay attention to your body and pace yourself.  If you are too tired to talk normally, it’s time to stop. You also need to watch out for other signs that you’re overdoing it like dizziness, nausea, uterine contractions, bleeding or leaking fluid and headache.

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Motherhood is one of the most beautiful things to witness, let alone experience it. If you like this article then don’t forget to hit like and share it further. Give us a buzz in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you. And here’s wishing all the mothers and moms-to-be around the world a very Happy Mother’s Day!