Let’s break this down.
What is Pilates?
It is a low-impact exercise that builds strength, improves mobility and flexibility. The principle of Pilates is to strengthen the core muscles. Furthermore, the breathing techniques used in Pilates help to guide you through the exercises (e.g. breathe in on raising the hips, breathe out when lowering the hips), which in turn makes you feel relaxed, which can help with managing tension.
To show the link between Pilates and its benefits postnatally, lets talk about the core muscles. The core muscles are the muscles in our mid-section; our stomach, waist, back, pelvic floor and buttocks. So, at a time when core stability and strength is challenged (during pregnancy), Pilates is often encouraged.
So, based on what we know about Pilates, what is Postnatal Pilates?
Postnatal Pilates main aim is to aid recovery from pregnancy and birth, by increasing blood flow to the damaged muscles. As Pilates is a low-impact exercise, it can be performed in a safe way to heal and gain strength gradually.
What are the main benefits of Postnatal Pilates?
- Low impact
- Helps to build core strength and stability
- Prevents and reduces back pain
- Engages pelvic floor muscles (these muscles can weaken during pregnancy and birth), which can help with urine incontinence and help prevent prolapse
- Improves posture
- Tones stomach muscles
- Help support mental well-being (especially important with the pressures of looking after a new baby and the lack of sleep you may well be experiencing)
Our Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists now offer Specialist Post Natal Recovery Pilates Classes.
At Raleigh Park Clinic, we are fortunate to have Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists who support men and women to manage an extensive range of symptoms relating to the pelvis including:
- Ante and post-natal issues
- Bladder and bowel issues
- Pelvic pain (including vaginismus, dyspareunia and endometriosis pain)
- Prolapse
- Symptoms relating to the menopause
- Mummy MOT (including full postural screen, pelvic floor muscle assessment, abdominal muscle exam to check for any separation, screening for any bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction)
Disclaimer: Always speak to a medical professional before partaking in exercise during pregnancy.