I am working with a lovely client who is now 20 weeks pregnant. It's been an exciting time for her, watching a new life growing as well and strengthening and progressing her in her pilates abilities. Her goals were to be as strong as possible to manage the pregnancy, to keep flexible and to build a strong pelvic floor. Pilates is helping her reach these goals.
Each session we focus on 'hugging' the baby by encouraging her to use her lower abdominals to pull the baby up and in towards her spine. Doing this while exhaling helps her to engage her centre (core) and give the stability she needs to support her spine. Adding to this we focus on her pelvic floor - engaging the front and back passage muscles at a steady rate.
As her pregnancy is progressing, she can no longer do the typical pilates in the rest (lying down) position. The exercises are adapted to continue to work on her strengthening, alignment and posture but in adapted positions such as high kneeling, side lying, propped lying (resting on her forarms lying on her back) and standing with support.
My pregnancy faves include squatting with TheraBand, high kneeling with ova ball working on arm and shoulder strengthening and side bends. My ideas are endless and it's fun modifying the typical pilates sessions for my client.
Pilates during pregnancy is making her feel great, more energised, improved posture awareness and stronger all round. Being her second pregnancy, she still has a toddler to manage and work to do as a nurse in a hospital.
Katie, Kingston: "I started Pilates about 6 months with Monica .... and what can I say, I've fallen in love with it! Monica is so professional, but at the same time so caring and puts you at ease straight away. Her bespoke sessions are carefully planned to ensure you get the most from them and she is a great motivator! I am now pregnant so now completing weekly sessions concentrating on strengthening my body and working on my pelvic floor - which is key for me. Pilates has definitely increased my awareness of my body, giving me much more confidence and reassurance through my pregnancy. It is definitely my therapy and I feel instantly lifted on a Monday morning when I can start the week strong and relaxed. I can fully recommend Monica to anyone interested in Pilates, she is a star!"
