I always recommend a program that can fit into your schedule so the you can complete it even on days when motivation is not at its peak, a program that is easy to complete so that a thought of giving up never passes through your mind, and a program that makes you and your muscles feel fatigued after the workout and the next day which is your body telling you that you are doing a good job.
Simplicity
Pilates is a program that can fit into any schedule as it can be done in as little as twenty minutes a day (although I do recommend a thirty minute minimum). Also, I found that sticking to the routine is easy as your body gets used to it, in fact; I got to the point where I felt that something was missing from my day if I didn't get my Pilates in. I was worried that I would not be able to continue doing the routine as I got bigger and more uncomfortable, but Pilates is extremely simple to learn and follow from the training videos. The directions in the DVD that I was using were modified for each trimester. All of the women that I spoke to agreed about the simplicity of Pilates.
Beginners and pros alike:
Although I was attending Pilates classes on a regular bases before my pregnancy, many women begin learning after they get pregnant. Both groups reap the benefits of Pilates during pregnancy, and studies show that there is no significant level in performance after the second trimester between women that began Pilates before their pregnancy and those that began during their pregnancy. The most crucial steps are getting started and making it a habit.
Benefits:
- strength in deep core muscles (lower back and abdominals) needed for giving birth
- flexibility to feel more comfortable
- more energy
- less lower back and shoulder pain
- spinal alignment
Preparing for child birth:
The way I think about pregnancy is keeping my baby healthy by means of staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, eating right, and exercising so that when the time comes for delivering, the process puts as little strain on me and my baby as possible. The beauty of Pilates is that it makes you conscious of your body so that you understand the way it works, in particular, the core muscles that are used during child birth so that you have optimal control of your body.
Words of Advice
It is much easier to lose weight after you deliver if you have been working out during your pregnancy. Instead of gaining unwanted fat, gain weight that is good for you and the baby, in total, woman gain between 10 to 23 pounds less than when they didn't without Pilates. Please make sure you read the Tips section before you start any form of exercising.
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