Pilates is an alternative method of personal strength training and conditioning that incorporates the whole body, rather than isolated muscles. By exercising muscle groups rather than individual muscles, the Pilates method enables you to tone and tighten, build strength and flexibility—without adding bulk. As your core strength increases, you will build longer, leaner muscles, improve postural alignment and develop better breathing and concentration techniques. Best of all, Pilates workouts are tailored to each client’s fitness level and needs.

What else can Pilates do for you?

	Build a stronger core—by strengthening the abdominal, gluteal, leg and back muscles essential to good posture and general fitness
	Greatly improve flexibility and joint mobility
	Achieve a flatter stomach and slimmer waist
	Reduce tension and stress
	Relieve and/or minimize back pain
	Elevate mental clarity
	Enhance physical coordination and balance
	Elevate your self-image and self-confidence
	Reinforce proper breathing techniques
	Improve circulatory and digestive functions

A strong core is essential during pregnancy. Engaging in Pilates throughout pregnancy will strengthen your abdominal musculature and back muscles to support and elongate your spine as your baby grows. Pilates can ease the effects of labor and aid in quickly regaining your original figure.

Pilates works to develop balance, centering and control. During pregnancy, a woman's posture changes dramatically in response to the growing baby. You may experience back pain, other minor aches and pains and overall discomfort. By engaging in the Pilates Method throughout pregnancy, you will maintain good posture which can alleviate all these symptoms, as well as prepare for childbirth.

Pilates aids in labor by training and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and gives you a greater body awareness to be able to focus on this area during childbirth.

Pilates during pregnancy is an ideal training program to relieve stress. By breathing properly, your overall body circulation increases for both you and the child you are carrying. Improved circulation will help prevent varicose veins and leg cramps, and will aid you during labor.

By following a Pilates exercise program throughout pregnancy, you will be able to re-gain your pre-pregnancy fitness level more easily. We recommend waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks after delivery to begin your Pilates program again. Your doctor will let you know the best time to re-establish your work-out routine.

Benefits of Pilates For Pregnancy

	Develop core muscle strength
	Increase flexibility
	Strengthen the pelvic floor
	Learn to breathe more effectively
	Increase energy levels
	Improve sleep habits
	Adapts to meet the current stage of your pregnancy & your day-to-day energy levels
	Re-gain pre-pregnancy fitness