Karen practices seated, recumbent leg work with a band.

 

Prenatal Pilates What Can it Do for Pregnant Women? By Lisa Lansing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The Pilates method is a comprehensive fitness and rehabilitation program that unites the physical body with breath and creates mindfulness. All pregnant women interested in Pilates should seek an instructor trained in the appropriate exercise modifications for each trimester. Women who have been practicing Pilates prior to pregnancy can continue with their Pilates routine with the appropriate modifi-cations. Pregnant women who have never taken Pilates before may begin, but it is advised that these classes be rooted in the Fundamentals.

    The Fundamentals are mat-based exercises that teach how to breathe, avoid or alleviate pain, stretch and strengthen the body, use joints, lengthen the spine, focus on the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and achieve mindfulness. Prenatal Pilates classes are based on the Fundamentals and designed to help pregnant women with the physical issues associated with pregnancy – rounded shoulders, head jutted forward, excessive curve in the lower back, changes in muscle strength throughout the body, bladder control and abdominal separation (softening and separation of the rectus abdominal muscle). Instructors modify exercises for each trimester as the pregnant woman experiences fatigue, less range of motion and exponential growth in her belly.