Pilates For Pregnancy
Jo Everill-Taylor is a leader in Pilates and biomechanics both in groups and 1:1 around the world. Her unique expertise and approach to optimum function through exercise in all stages of life gives Jo a distinct approach to pre/post natal clients. Join Jo on her ‘Pilates For Pregnancy’ one-day CPD module. Pilates For Pregnancy is a “must do” module for all Pilates teachers who teach women.
It used to be that once you became pregnant, exercise was frowned upon and gentle exercise such as swimming was the only recommendation that a health care professional would make – life and knowledge as we say has moved on and it is commonplace in the 21st century for women to continue to exercise throughout their pregnancies. This of courses leads to multiple benefits for mums to be:
- Faster recovery post-baby so you can cope with the demands of a new baby (and often older siblings)
- Better preparation for an active birth potentially leading to less intervention
- Up to 40% fewer incidences of lower back pain and pelvic discomfort
- Muscles and joints remain mobile
- Women maintain a sense of control over their body
- Reduced the risk of excess weight gain
- Improved relaxation of both the body and the mind
- Cortisol (stress hormones) levels can be kept down
- Improved sleep patterns
- Better circulation helping to avoid the common complaints of cramps, piles, constipation and swelling
- Helps beat post natal depression
As someone who joined the fitness industry after experiencing back problems after the birth of my second child, I am determined to educate and protect female class members and optimise their bodies during and after pregnancy- if Pilates had been available in my early pregnancy days, I may never have had those years of pain and discomfort.
As Pilates instructors, if you work with females (!) then please spread the word- Pilates throughout pregnancy will ensure that your client/class members spinal alignment is correct, that you can keep them moving fully and training in the correct way after they give birth. Pilates ticks all the boxes- improving back mobility, strengthening the upper back (for carrying the baby in the womb and feeding afterwards), strengthening the stabilising and mobilising core muscles (deep spinal, pelvic floor, transverse abdominus and diaphragm muscles through to the mobilising trunk muscles) to help avoid biomechanical imbalances and muscular compensations post birth, the list goes on. Safety of the mum and foetus must be our major concern- ensure you have the knowledge and qualifications to deliver the correct adaptations for everyone in your sessions.
Happy clients keep your business alive- this is one of mine….
“I started Pilates 6 months before I conceived for a second time and continued throughout my pregnancy – I had a significantly easier pregnancy and managed a vbac at home to deliver my second angel. A truly unexpected bonus has been how I’ve so easily lost weight post partum. I have managed to get into jeans after 3 weeks, that took 7 months after my first child! I have NEVER felt better!” Catherine Welch (Chiropractor)
Join Jo on her ‘Pilates For Pregnancy’ one-day CPD module. Pilates For Pregnancy is a “must do” module for all Pilates instructors who teach women.