Why Pilates?
The ability of Pilates to keep muscles strong yet long and flexible has made it a hugely popular exercise program with over 500 studios having opened since 1976. Pilates is a tried and true program that professional dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine and their companies have used for the better part of the 20th century. More recently, celebrities such as Madonna, Bebe Neuwirth, Kristi Yamaguchi, Patrick Swayze and Sharon Stone have given Pilates broader exposure. Celebrities, athletes, gym rats and novices have all discovered the truth in the Pilates mantra: you will feel better in 10 visits, look better in 20 and have a new body in 30.
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Why Pilates for Pregnancy?
Pilates is known for improving posture by strengthening abdominal and back muscles. Never is this more important than in pregnancy. Training the lower abdominal muscles will help provide muscle memory, which will help to shorten the pushing stage of delivery. Most first time mothers have longer labors because they don't know where to push from. Pilates is a remarkable exercise program for pregnancy since it is designed to strengthen the abdominals that support the internal organs; provide gentle fluid movements that will not jar or overstretch a pregnant body; and train the abdominal wall so that it returns to a flatter shape more quickly after delivery.
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Can I exercise throughout my pregnancy?
Absolutely! The Prenatal Pilates video is broken down into separate workouts for each trimester so that the special needs of each trimester can be addressed. However, we suggest that you wait until your 8th week and stop after your 36th week. As with any program, please check with your physician before starting this or any other exercise program.
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I have never done Pilates before. Is this program OK for beginners?
As long and you and your doctor have decided that exercise is suitable for your pregnancy. There are modifications for most of the exercises. If you are new to Pilates or were not exercising before pregnancy, start slowly. Do fewer repetitions, keep your feet down, lower your head and shoulders, etc. If an particular exercise is too difficult for you right now, skip it. This is not a contest. Now is not the time to get into the perfect shape of your life, it is the time to condition your body so you have a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. We recommend reading the companion book to the Prenatal video (coming soon!) to get even more details on the execution of the exercises.
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I am pregnant with twins. Can I still do this workout?
We don't recommend it. Multiple fetuses, a history of bleeding and miscarriage, incompetent cervix and risk of premature labor are all conditions that require special attention. Check with your doctor first and if it is ok, try to work with a personal trainer who can monitor your workouts carefully.
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Do I need any special equipment?
No. This program is designed to be easy to do at home. All you'll need are a few blankets and pillows, a towel, 2 soup cans and comfortable clothes for the prenatal workout. For the post-natal workout, you will need a bouncy chair or a supportive pillow.
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I had a cesarean section. When can I start working out?
Abdominal exercise is usually safe after 6 weeks for both vaginal and c-section moms. As with all exercise programs, please check with your doctor first.
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Some of the exercises look too hard for me to do. Should I just skip them?
If the modifications are still too difficult for you, then skip the exercise. Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, stop. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.
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How old should my baby be to work out with me?
Ideally, your baby should be between 2 and 6 months.
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What is tracking?
Tracking is a developmental milestone when babies are able to visually follow an object in front of them.
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When will I see results?
As always, check with your doctor before you begin this or any other workout routine. We recommend that you do these programs at least 3 times per week. However, diligence in maintaining proper form, a healthy diet and a daily cardiovascular routine all work together to give you the desired results. It is important to do some form of exercise everyday; especially while you are pregnant. Walking and swimming are great companions to these Pilates workouts.
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Can I buy your video products at retail stores?
Yes. You can find our Pilates for Pregnancy Videos and DVDs at select retail stores in the US.
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