How Prenatal Pilates Is Great for Pregnant Women
You may be tempted to relax throughout your entire pregnancy, but that is one of the worst things you can do. Staying physically active during the pregnancy is vitally important because it improves the overall health of you and your baby. Pilates is the perfect exercise for pregnant woman because it allows you to strengthen the entire body without having to physically exert yourself too much. These are the five biggest benefits of prenatal Pilates for pregnant women.
Eliminate Back Pain
One of the biggest complaints during pregnancy is unbearable back pain. The pain can be so bad that you are unable to live a normal life. The pain is caused because the body is not used to the extra weight in the stomach. This increases the pressure placed on the back muscles while also changing your posture. Prenatal Pilates will make your more aware of your body, which will instantly improve your posture. It will also help strengthen the muscles supporting the baby.
Improved Breathing Control
Improved breathing control is one of the first things you learn when starting Pilates. While controlled breathing can help everyone in the world, it is even more important for pregnant women. Taking in the proper amount of oxygen when your breathe will help keep the baby healthy during the pregnancy. The breathing control will also come in handy when you go in labor.
Keep Off Excess Weight
It is perfectly normal to gain weight when you are pregnant, but you do not want to gain too much weight. The average woman is only supposed to gain about 25 to 30 pounds during their entire pregnancy. If you add too much weight, then you are running the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Birth defect risks also skyrocket when you get too big. If you practice prenatal Pilates on a regular basis, then you will have no problem keeping your weight under control.
Stronger Pelvic Muscles
The body naturally releases a hormone called relaxin when your are pregnant. Relaxin helps the uterus get ready for childbirth, but it also makes your ligaments more flexible. This weakens the muscles in the pelvic floor. These muscles play a key role in controlling your bowel and bladder, so they need to stay strong. Prenatal Pilates is one of the only exercise plans that specifically targets the pelvic floor muscles.
Stay Relaxed
Getting pregnant may be a joyous occasion, but it can also be very stressful. Since there is so much going on in your life, you need a way to relax and unwind. One of the best ways to do this is prenatal Pilates. The exercises will help you forget about all of the stress in your life.
The only thing every new mother desires is a healthy baby. Learn how you can take care of your body during pregnancy at Zero Gravity Fitness in Ocoee, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!