Pregnancy Pilates
Specialist pregnancy Pilates classes supporting you throughout the prenatal and postnatal stages
Pregnancy & Postnatal Pilates
Pregnancy and childbirth are times of significant change to your body, and Pilates classes for both prenatal and postnatal mums are a wonderful way to manage these changes throughout. Taking part regularly in our small classes ensures plenty of care and attention from Judy, our specialist prenatal and postnatal Pilates teacher, and the gentle exercises can help to reduce lower back and pelvic pain, before, during, and after labour.
When do you run antenatal Pilates classes?
The antenatal Pilates class runs every Wednesday from 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm.
We work closely with your midwife, GP, or practitioner to ensure that our pregnancy Pilates classes meet the needs of your particular stage of pregnancy, therefore all referral notes are very welcome. Once you become a mum, we’ll adjust your postnatal exercises to suit the new stage your body is at.
When do you run postnatal with baby Pilates classes?
The postnatal Pilates mat work with baby runs every Tuesday from 10.30 am – 11.30 am.
We welcome new mums and their babies from 6 weeks postnatal for all deliveries, provided there have been no postnatal complications. The focus of the Pilates exercises will be on the reactivation of the pelvic floor, helping you to regain good bladder function, re-establish back and stomach muscle balance, relieve your spine and shoulders from tension and pain, and help you get back into shape faster.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby and other new mums in a small group setting.
What should I expect from antenatal or postnatal Pilates classes?
A full 1-hour structured session using a full range of Body Balance studio equipment including:
clinical reformers
trapeze tables
ladder barrel
chairs
mat work
mat work
foam rollers
weighted balls
elastic bands
exercise balls
In class, your progression and regression of the exercises will be assessed on a monthly basis. This helps both you and us to understand your abilities and limitations at all times. This also helps us to lay out the goals and type of Pilates exercises needed during the three major phases of your pregnancy.
Our small groups mean that all Pilates exercises are always tailored to your individual needs. Judy is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, so will be able to fully assess and devise an antenatal or postnatal rehab plan for you.
I have some other questions, who should I contact?
Take a look at our FAQs as most answers are there, but if not, please email Judy.
How do I book pregnancy Pilates classes?
All new clients who would like to start attending will need to fill in a health questionnaire and attend a 1-1 session so that your mobility can be individually assessed. The cost is £50.
Contact us for more details or to book in your first session. If you’re already a member, book here.
Benefits of Pilates in Pregnancy
Taking part in regular, gentle Pilates classes can bring lots of benefits to new mums both before and after their pregnancy.
Here are six of our favourite benefits of pregnancy Pilates:
1. It keeps your pelvic floor strong – this is something that many women struggle with during and after pregnancy, so building up this strength from the start will help to counter many of the common problems women face. You will definitely be thanking your pregnancy Pilates sessions for any future trampolining sessions!
2. It will help to strengthen your abdominal muscles – having a strong core is always important but especially so during pregnancy. Your ligaments become more flexible as the pregnancy progresses, so keeping your core strong will help to reduce the likelihood of pelvic and lower back pain.
3. You learn to take control of your breathing – a key part of any pregnancy Pilates class includes the ability to calm the mind and lower your stress levels through conscious breathing. This skill can also be of huge benefit during your time in labour.
4. Balance is key – pregnancy Pilates will help to improve your core strength, giving you more awareness and control over your own posture as your baby grows bigger and your body shape changes.
5. You always work to your own fitness level – Pilates is a great way to continue exercising during your pregnancy and is gentle enough to return to six weeks after a birth without complications. It helps many new mums to feel stronger and fitter, as the focus is always on what you can comfortably do from week to week.
6. It’s an easy way to make ‘mum-to-be’ friends – you’ll find lots of ladies from around the local Welwyn Garden City area and beyond in our classes, so it’s a great way to meet and chat with other pregnant mums.