KAWARTHA LAKES-After having my first baby 3 months ago, I discovered all the huge changes that happen to the body during pregnancy, birth, and post-partum. Previously, when I’d hear about Post-Natal exercise, I always thought it was about getting back in shape post-baby and fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes again. However, post-natal exercise is so much more than that!
A lot of new moms will find that their bodies feel completely different after carrying babies and giving birth. Our hips might feel tighter in different spots and very mobile in different spots. Some clients have described this to me as “it feels like their legs are not attached to their body”. Some moms may have had traumatic births, c-sections, or distasis recti. Pilates can help with all of these ailments, due to the intense focus it places on stretching, strengthening and aligning the body. Post-natal Pilates classes focus on the weakened and stretched core muscles and the pelvic floor. Furthermore, it’s a great way for new moms to get out of the house, meet other moms, and just start feeling yourself again.
If you are still not convinced, read on to find out why post-natal Pilates is so beneficial for new moms!
1)It’s a safe exercise
The beauty of the Pilates practice is that it is an exercise modality that is recommended by doctors, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. Practitioners advise that a regular Pilates practice can improve posture, strengthen muscles, improve balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension leading to reduced risk of pain and injury. If you’ve tried other forms of exercise and left feeling beat up and in pain, try Pilates and feel the difference.
2)It improves Diastasis Recti
About 3 in 5 women will experience Diastasis Recti during pregnancy-which is the separation of the rectus abdominus. Since Pilates emphasises on the deepest abdominal muscles, in particular the transverse abdominus, it helps to close the gap of the rectus abdominus, healing diastasis and preventing further damage.
3)It strengthens the pelvic floor muscles
Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on the pelvis floor. The pelvic floor is a series of muscles that act as a sling to hold in our digestive and reproductive organs. Pressure on these muscles-especially after birth-can really stretch them out and weaken them. Thankfully, Pilates can help with that! The exercises we do in class also help deal with post-natal issues such as stress, incontinence and other problems such as a prolapse.
4)It prepares your body for more intense exercises
I always think of the Pilates practice as a daily supplement. Supplements help to fill nutritional gaps. Let’s face it, you are not going to eat a perfectly balanced diet every single day-so you take a supplement. Pilates is a series of essential movements, working and stretching essential muscles that will help you feel better in your every day movements. Once you have been cleared for exercise, try out a weekly Pilates class to keep your body in tip-top shape for running, cross-fit, and of course, carrying around babies!
5)It’s social for you and baby!
One thing new moms know is that your life suddenly becomes very busy in a very different way. This new role can be very isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting out and meeting other like-minded mamas is fun and social-and you can introduce your baby to his or her new lifelong fitness friends!
So if you are looking for a post-natal Pilates class, look no further! We have weekly classes in both Peterborough and Lindsay! Check them out at http://www.sweathappywellness.com
Always check with your doctor before starting any new health or exercise routine.
