After you’ve welcomed a new baby into the world, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. You’ve made a life-changing commitment to being a parent, and you may also be dealing with the physical changes brought on by pregnancy and childbirth. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to reshape your post-pregnancy body, Pilates can help. This form of exercise has been used for decades to help people of all levels of fitness achieve their desired body shape. It is low impact, which makes it ideal for post-natal recovery and won’t put too much strain on your body. And because it focuses on strengthening your core, it can help you look and feel your best. With a little dedication and patience, you can use Pilates to transform your post-pregnancy body.
Pilates for Overall Fitness
Pilates is more than just core strength. It’s an exercise discipline that focuses on strengthening and stretching every part of your body. Whether you’re pregnant or have young children, this approach is perfect for your daily routine because it’s low-impact and can be done anywhere. Plus, it can be modified to fit your needs and abilities.
Regularly exercising can help you avoid injury and feel more confident in your body. It’s particularly important for new mothers to keep their muscles strong, as carrying and caring for children can be tiring.
Pilates can also help you improve your posture. Regularly exercising can help you feel more confident and empowered, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.
If you’re a new mom, you may be experiencing a change in your breathing pattern. As you breathe, you also push against your abdominals. While this is normal, strong abdominal muscles can help you minimize these changes. Working out regularly can help you improve your overall health, reducing your risk of disease and improving your quality of life. It can help you sleep better, lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of diabetes.
Finding the Right Pilates Instructor
When you’re picking out a Pilates class, you want to make sure you choose one that best suits your needs. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a basic Pilates class. As you progress, you can try a more advanced class that can help you build more strength and flexibility. If you have a physical or health condition, you may want to talk to your doctor before starting a regular Pilates routine. Make sure to tell your instructor about any health conditions so they can modify the exercises for you.
Pilates can help you achieve many fitness goals, such as toning your muscles and improving your posture. Make sure you pick an instructor who can help you reach your goals. Pilates is a great exercise for people of all ages, but you may want to find an instructor who specializes in working with a younger crowd. Alternatively, you can try a prenatal Pilates class.
Pilates at Home
As a new mom, you may not always have time to leave the house and exercise. Thankfully, there are many exercises you can do on a pilates mat at home, making them a great choice for busy moms. Here are a few exercises you can try at home:
- Crunches – Crunches are one of the most common exercises in Pilates. While you can do them lying down, sitting or standing up, you can also try variations, such as a twisting crunch or mini-crunches.
- Bridges – Bridges are great for toning your glutes, hamstrings, and abdominals. They can also help improve your posture and reduce lower back pain.
- Leg Circles – Leg circles are a great way to stretch your inner and outer thighs
Conclusion
Pilates or any postpartum exercise routine is essential for regaining your strength and overall confidence! Although it may take time to get back into the habit of working out, consistency will definitely bring positive results.