The Power of Pilates for New Mums

Pilates can be an excellent form of exercise for new mums looking to regain strength and flexibility after pregnancy. Most women who had uncomplicated births will be able to start gentle pelvic floor and core exercises from the day they arrive home and once they have had their six-week check can get back to the activities they loved pre pregnancy. Especially if your favourite sport is high impact like running you may want to get a proper mummy MOT to check your pelvic floor and core is up to the job of supporting the impact of your sport. Pilates can really help you get back to the things you love faster but setting a good grounding in pelvic floor / core health post pregnancy.

The benefits for new Mums include:

1. Core Strength: Pregnancy weakens the abdominal muscles, and Pilates is known for its focus on core strength. It can help new moms regain abdominal strength and stability.
2. Pelvic Floor Health: Your pelvic floor is part of your core, Pilates exercises incorporate pelvic floor engagement, which is essential for postpartum recovery. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help with issues like incontinence and pelvic pain. It will also get you back to running, jumping, cross fit and cycling quicker.
3. Flexibility: During pregnancy your body changes shape dramatically to accommodate your little one. Pilates includes many flexibility and mobility exercises, which can be beneficial for relieving tension and promoting overall flexibility. It is important t not over stretch during trimester four because of the higher level of relaxin still in your system which causes joint laxity.
4. Posture: When your new baby arrives looking down whilst you are feeding, changing nappies and just generally snuggling your little one leads to a more forward head position, tightness in the upper back and weakness in the chest muscles. Pilates focuses on strengthening the body as a whole improving your posture and alignment at the same time.
5. Stress Relief: New babies are hard work, especially if its your first time everything is new and can feel a bit stressful. My aim with mum and baby Pilates is give you a moment to focus on yourselves and your won wellbeing, which helps you be the kick ass mum you need to be!
6. Low Impact: Pilates exercises are generally low-impact, which is essential for postpartum recovery. They are gentle on the joints and suitable for women who may have had a C-section or experienced other birthing-related issues.
7. Bespoke: The Pilates exercises I teach can be modified to suit individual fitness levels and needs, making them accessible for new moms at different stages of postpartum recovery.

If you are a new Mum or know a new mum who would like to join my classes in Emsworth and Southbourne please get in touch with me for more information or use this link to book.