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Considered as among
the best forms of exercise for pregnant women, Pilates is an exercise
regimen which helps pregnant mothers strengthen and tone their
abdominals, back and pelvic muscles in a safe and healthy way. Many
consider pregnancy Pilates the prime exercise option for a lot of
reasons. This exercise regimen will keep the core and stabilizer
muscles fit and healthy.
Pregnancy is a very important stage for women, and also serves as a
good time for practicing the principles of Pilates, which are about
centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow.
Expectant mothers who work along these principles are sure to benefit
from a truly wonderful workout and healthy experience, as well as
ensuring the normal delivery and good health of the baby.
Consult Your Physician First Before Performing Pregnancy Pilates
The exercise regimen and activity levels of Pilates for pregnant women
are not that strenuous, however women need to ensure that they pay
close attention to their body as well as on their baby and to pace
themselves carefully while doing the exercise. A woman’s level of
energy changes when doing any form of exercise, therefore it is
imperative not to overdo an exercise activity.
According to most fitness experts, pregnant mothers are advised to
slow down or take a break whenever they feel dizzy, feel faint, have a
racing heart or experience shortness of breath, feel nauseated,
encounter bleeding or leaking fluid, or suddenly get a headache.
For those who have never done this type of exercise before, it would
be best to first to locate a pre-natal Pilates session or a certified
instructor who would be truly able to assess your progress and check
on you regularly as well as guide you with the process. Experts
caution women against performing these exercises by themselves,
especially if they have little or no idea of the program’s
fundamentals.
How Pilates Helps Expectant Mothers
According to pre-natal care professionals, women undergo significant
hormonal changes during pregnancy which they say helps promote
flexibility in the woman’s joints and muscles. Females are seen to
experience higher levels of muscle and ligament strains during this
period since their bodies are adapting to the changes made by
pregnancy.
However, women are cautioned on overstretching themselves and working
in a more relaxed pace and a smaller range of motion. It would be a
nice way to work gently with the oppositional stretch and conduct
breathing exercises as well.
Pregnant women should note that when they enter the second trimester
of their pregnancy, they should refrain from doing these exercises
while lying flat on their back because of the possibility of
obstructing the flow of blood to the baby. Pregnant women are also
warned against putting their feet over the head, which means that they
need to let their hips stay down.
In addition, any sharp or percussive movements like doing reformer
exercises on the jump board or doing swirling sidekicks during Pilates
is not allowed as this could do harm by either obstructing blood flow
to the baby or by increasing your blood pressure levels.
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