Are you currently pregnant and looking for a post-birth exercise class or had the little darling recently - and by recently I mean anytime in the region of last week to 15 years ago? Well then chances are very high that Pilates could work for you.
Rumour has it that sometimes the darlings don't sleep for very long, however fear not! The great thing about Pilates is that even for five minutes three times a day, beginning these small yet effective exercises is enough to begin increasing your strength and body awareness.
Rumour has it that sometimes the darlings don't sleep for very long, however fear not! The great thing about Pilates is that even for five minutes three times a day, beginning these small yet effective exercises is enough to begin increasing your strength and body awareness.
If the little bundle of joy has been born in the past year, simple Pilates exercises are an excellent starting place. Basic pelvic floor exercises and upper body movement, such as Head Rolls and Floating Arms, can be done whenever you feel good enough. If you have had a c-section please listen to your Dr's advice and listen to your body to know when you are ready to begin small exercises.
I appreciate that during pregnancy your body becomes something completely new, however now that your delightful bambino has arrived, it is time to take your body back.
Simple Pelvic Floor Exercise:
The delightful thing about this simple exercise is that your kiddo can be lying down next to you!
Information from BabyCentre.com asks you not to push yourself too hard too fast as the effects of pregnancy hormones can affect your joints for up to 6 months after birth, so avoid high-impact activities and take yourself (gently) to the mat.
N.B It is usually advised by Doctors that you wait until after your 6 week check-up if you have had a normal delivery and 12 weeks if you have had a C-section, until you begin to participate in exercise.
I appreciate that during pregnancy your body becomes something completely new, however now that your delightful bambino has arrived, it is time to take your body back.
Simple Pelvic Floor Exercise:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, with your knees and feet in line with your sitting bones (a little narrower than your hips)
- Inhale a nice deep, soothing breath, allowing your ribs to expand out to the side
- As you exhale begin to tighten your pelvic floor and lower tummy (you will see your tummy button dip in and/or up on your body
- Inhale to hold
- Exhale release
- Repeat
The delightful thing about this simple exercise is that your kiddo can be lying down next to you!
Information from BabyCentre.com asks you not to push yourself too hard too fast as the effects of pregnancy hormones can affect your joints for up to 6 months after birth, so avoid high-impact activities and take yourself (gently) to the mat.
N.B It is usually advised by Doctors that you wait until after your 6 week check-up if you have had a normal delivery and 12 weeks if you have had a C-section, until you begin to participate in exercise.