Pilates offers a wide range of benefits for pregnant women as their bodies go through extreme changes throughout the pre-natal period. The Pilates method of exercise is known to make pregnancy much more comfortable and the delivery process much easier. Women are often more motivated to change their lifestyles for the better when they become pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy for themselves and their babies.
Becoming pregnant is a wonderful opportunity to make significant changes as women become more aware of the beauty of giving life. A pregnant woman should embrace her body as it goes through an amazing transformation and Pilates can help in providing confidence and emotional stability during that time. Pilates is a safe, low-impact exercise that will benefit a pregnant woman and keep her body strong, balanced and flexible. The method also teaches proper breathing so that it adds a sense of relaxation, calmness and clarity as the body and mind go through major hormonal and emotional changes. Regular Pilates exercise will provide a wonderful and safe emotional and physical environment for a pregnant woman and her baby. Additionally, it will assist in the delivery process and recovery period after giving birth.
The emphasis on balance and coordination is a unique aspect of Pilates that helps when the body grows as the fetus begins to develop. Pilates can offset the lack of balance in the body that develops by strengthening core muscles to support and elongate the spine. As the abdominal muscles become stronger, posture will begin to improve and the imbalance caused by extra frontal weight will be diminished. A stronger core will also help to support the lower back preventing back injuries and lower back pain. The emotional level of balance will also become stronger as the exercise provides a sense of calmness and tranquility through slow and controlled movements. Breathing is a key component of the Pilates method that helps to increase lung capacity as well as create more room for the baby to grow within the body. When doing the exercises, controlled inhalation and exhalation allows for the entire body to be involved in the movements adding a level of focus while lessening any feeling of tightness in the muscles. This focused breathing will provide oxygen to the muscles allowing them to elongate and become more flexible. Pilates also increases blood circulation in the body.
All Pilates exercises are initiated from the abdominal wall and the circulation is concentrated within the abdomen giving the baby the proper blood flow that it needs. Pilates strengthens the abdominal muscles, also known as the “powerhouse” of the body, allowing a woman to feel stronger while pregnant and making the recovery from childbirth easier. The many benefits of Pilates make it an ideal method of exercise for pregnant woman by increasing mental and physical strength and providing a wonderful sense of balance, control and confidence in their lives.