Forget "Bouncing Back". Our New Take on Postnatal Pilates.

There are a lot of implications around the fourth trimester of pregnancy, the most prominent being the implied need to “bounce back”. After having her own child and experiencing these unhealthy pressures, our founder sought to make a difference– by creating an exercise program designed to aid and restore the postnatal body, with an understanding that the goal isn’t to “look the same as before” but rather to feel strong and confident and embrace the magic of your body.

Aside from what makes it different, what are the benefits of a program such as this one?

Posture and Alignment

During the nine months of pregnancy our body changes dramatically. Many of these changes we are very aware of such as the increased arch in our lower back, or the tightness in our chest. But we often don’t stop to think about what else is going on within us.

During pregnancy, some muscles will stretch (think abdominals!) and others will shorten (like our lower back and chest). Once baby is born, many of the activities to support this small human will cause these muscle imbalances to increase. When sitting to feed, whether it is by bottle or breast, we are often hunched forward with our shoulders rolled in. When standing and holding baby for long periods of time, often we “hang” on or joints and ligaments, with knees locked and hips thrust forward. And sometimes that is all we have energy for– and that is ok!

The goal of our program is to bring the body back into alignment, so that as bub grows, we can keep up with continuing demands on our bodies. Pilates will help to stretch the chest, strengthen the back and core, get those arms ready for carrying small children around, and provide overall muscle balance.

Healing

Pilates concentrates on breathing as one of its key principles. Increased oxygen and circulation to our muscles, caused by movement, will help with the healing process, especially for those who bear a C-section scar. This increased oxygen and circulation also helps to boost our energy levels, and who couldn’t do with an energy boost these days?! Pilates will also help us to re-connect with the pelvic floor and those deep core muscles that keep us upright, strong, and stable.

Work on Mental Health

Another healthy side effect of our intentional breathing is increased blood flow to the brain. This helps with cognitive capacity, creating mental space, patience, and stress relief.

We all have different ways of coping with mental load, but perhaps Pilates can help you by providing a social atmosphere, a quite space, and Instructor to listen, some much needed “me time”, one hour for your brain to think just of muscle and movement, a reason to get dressed and leave the house, fun and banter; whatever we need it to be, there is a space in our studio and an Instructor that can provide.

Time

Time to yourself. Time for yourself. Because you are important too.

To join our next Postnatal course click here.

Disclaimer­– please seek doctor’s clearance before undertaking a new exercise program.