Can Pregnant Women Engage in Pilates?

Exercise is something people need regardless of gender or age. This keeps the body’s defense mechanisms active against viruses and bacteria that may cause diseases. When a woman is pregnant, the individual cannot exert too much effort and needs a lot of rest.

This means not lifting anything heavy and doing some menial work instead of the daily routine if that person is working. Aside from eating the right food, the individual can still be physically fit by going to the gym and doing some moves such as those offered by Pilates.

 Pilates is a low intensity exercise which involves a lot of repetitions in various positions. This will take some time before anyone can get used to it and the best way to learn is by enrolling in a class.

The instructor will show the proper technique sometimes with the use of other equipment such as a floor mat, a stretch cord and a sculptor. This will require breathing and a lot of concentration so the person should take this seriously to be able to reap the benefits.

Are the moves in Pilates the same for someone who is pregnant? The answer is yes and no. This is because some of the moves done will not affect the abs which is safe for the baby inside.

The workout will differ as the months progress so the instructor will then make a different program until the baby is born. Here are some of the usual positions pregnant women can do.

The first position is called the saw.  The person will sit on the floor and spread the legs as wide as possible. The individual will then try to reach the toes on one side for a few seconds then do the same with the other.

Next is called the Modified Leg Front Pull. The person will get down the floor with the arms and knees flat on the ground. One leg will be raised which will be held for a few seconds which will also be done with the other side.

Most exercises for Pilates involve a stretch cord or a sculptor. Pregnant women can use a ball to be able to do the next exercise called the Spine Twist.  The person will have to sit on the ball then gently turn facing the back. This should be held for a few seconds and done on both sides.

The person can also do some kicks on the side. While lying on one side, the individual will elevate the top leg until this is parallel with the hip. This can be done a few times before switching over to the other side.

Pilates also involves building up those muscles in the woman’s back. The person can do this by putting the hands and knees on the floor and lifting the right leg and the left arm at the same time. The person will do the same with the other side after a few seconds.

A woman who is pregnant shouldn’t feel bad about being big and fat since this is normal.  The person can stay fit by using Pilates since this will strengthen the muscles especially for carrying the growing baby for the next nine months.

The woman should always consult the doctor first to be sure this is safe for the mother and the baby.