Fusion Pilates in the Press

FitPregnancy6

Excepts from the article:

The benefits

Prenatal Pilates gently strengthens your entire body and will teach you to be aware of your pelvic floor and transverse abdominal muscles (the deepest ab muscles), which will help you deliver your baby.

How to get started

Use a slip-proof mat. Keep a towel nearby to relieve tension under your knees. Incorporate the Pilates breathing technique of inhaling through your mouth as you pull your navel to your spine and move or shift into a movement. This trains your ab and pelvic-floor muscles and will help during labor and delivery.

The cautions

Avoid movements that compress your neck. After the first trimester, don't work on the Reformer, which uses springs and cords that may pull too much on your hip flexors and groin muscles. During the second and third trimesters, don't attempt any inversions or do exercises lying flat on your back. Limit your range of motion as needed, and discontinue any exercise that feels uncomfortable.

For more information

The Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy video (Gianni Productions, 2003, VHS or DVD) is designed to give women a challenging workout without compromising safety. The Pilates-based workout follows the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines and includes modifications appropriate for each trimester.