Can you Use Pilates Equipment when pregnant? Is It Safe?

Pregnancy is a challenging period in a woman’s life, as she anticipates, labour, delivery and the physical, mental and emotional responsibilities of motherhood. You need endurance, flexibility, mobility, and strength when you’re pregnant. Yet, you must choose to avoid injury to yourself or your unborn baby. It is important to maintain physical fitness when you are pregnant, and pregnancy reformer pilates is tailored for expecting mums who wish to build their core muscles yet remain comfortable, and most importantly, safe.

Can you do reformer Pilates when pregnant?

Reformer pilates, a much-loved form of workout regime today, is great for pregnant women due to its versatility and non-impact nature. It does not stress out your body, yet it offers the benefits of a strong and developed pelvic floor, back and abdomen. It helps the body cope with the extra weight as the baby grows, reducing the chances of injury and pain. Women performing on aero pilates machines tend to have less painful and easier deliveries, better energy levels and faster postpartum recovery.

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of pilates during pregnancy:

Strengthens pelvic muscles

The pelvic muscles support a woman's womb, bladder, urine tube, bowel and vagina and it is crucial to keep these muscles strong. The combination of hormonal changes and the extra weight from the baby weakens the pelvic muscles. Working on pilates equipment strengthens the pelvic floor and reduces the chances of incontinence during pregnancy or postpartum.

Reduces back pain

Posture strains and back pains are common during pregnancy, due to extreme pressure. There are changes in posture, weight gain and distribution. A pilates reformer machine prepares the gluteal and pelvic muscles for daily bodily changes by correcting your posture and managing the sudden weight distribution.

Strengthens abdominal muscles

The release of the hormone relaxing makes you susceptible to pelvic as well as lower back pain. So, opt for a pilates reformer for sale. This machine strengthens the abdominal muscles and supports your body to deal with the changes.

Helps to control breathing

Pregnant women experience shortness of breath due to increased pressure in the diaphragm, therefore, a pilates reformer machine is what you need. It redirects the breath intake into the ribs while supporting the intestines during pregnancy.

With a few modifications, you can continue a regular workout routine on an aero pilates machine, to achieve a strong pelvic floor that supports the bladder, uterus and bowels. If you are looking for a pilates reformer for sale, feel free to contact us at Pilates Reformers Australia.