Vital Pilates Bristol

Prenatal Pilates

Pilates during pregnancy can be very beneficial, it can help strengthen postural muscles, reduce back pain, improve posture, increase energy levels, improve circulation and promote relaxation.

First Trimester

The first trimester is a time when the body is getting used to changing hormone levels and women may suffer from morning sickness and start to get very tired. It is a time when women are adjusting to becoming pregnant both psychologically and emotionally.

Second trimester

During the second trimester many women start to bloom, they feel less sick and their energy levels may feel like they have lifted. Women generally feel less anxious about the pregnancy and more confident. The second trimester can be a great time to attend Pilates.

Third trimester

This is the time in the pregnancy when women can really start to feel very tired, the baby is much bigger and  heavier and women can often feel uncomfortable. This is a time to reduce the pace a little and focus on preparing for the birth both physically and mentally.  Relaxation, breathing and alignment at this stage are more of a focus.

Prenatal classes

As a general rule we don’t take a client in their first trimester unless they are unaware they are pregnant or they haven’t informed their teacher. A teacher may decide to carry on teaching their client during their first trimester if they have  been working with them for some time.

All the Pilates exercise are taught in standing, sitting, kneeling, side lying and on all fours.  There are no exercises taught lying on the front or back.  Exercises can be modified for clients individually depending on the stage of pregnancy they are at and if they have any issues that have arisen along the way. Props and small equipment are often used to assist and support the clients during the exercises

At Vital Pilates we take Mums to be from 13 weeks pregnant (post 12 week scan).  Clients need to have informed their health care provider that they would like to participate in Pilates.

We run a mat class on a Wednesday at 5pm. The class runs for 55 mins. There is a maximum of 12 in each class and the classes are booked in blocks. It is a mixed class which has clients in both second and third trimesters, the exercises are chosen to suit all the clients within the class. If the pregnancy has progressed well then clients can come to classes right up until they give birth.

We also offer equipment Pilates.  This is taught in smaller groups 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1. These tend to be taught Monday – Friday between 9.30am – 4pm.

 

 

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