Need Help Choosing The Right Pilates Machine?

Contact us now and talk to one of our Pilates experts to help you find the right equipment for your needs

CONTACT SALES
5 Benefits Of Postpartum Pilates Workout

5 Benefits Of Postpartum Pilates Workout

It’s more than just physical fitness, Pilates is about finding balance in your life while creating a healthy environment for yourself and your baby…

Congratulations, mom!

You did it… You gave birth to a healthy bundle of joy.

As a woman whose body and mind went through a drastic change, we understand your emotions when it comes to working out.

You might be in a dilemma where you want to exercise because you know it’s good for you and your baby, but also… You feel that you don’t have the time and energy.

We hear you and we’re here to tell you that what you’re feeling is perfectly normal. Because pregnancy can be overwhelming, so the last thing we want is for you to feel stressed out.

This is why we wrote a blog to help you decide - in your own time - whether a postnatal Pilates workout is for you.

And we also added some simple tips on how you can begin your Pilates reformer journey after childbirth… Without pressure!

Is Postnatal Pilates Workout Safe?

So before anything else, let’s first determine whether it’s safe for you to start doing postnatal Pilates exercises on a BASI Systems Wood Pilates Reformer Machine or not.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you had an uncomplicated and healthy pregnancy, you can start exercising days after childbirth.

As long as you do it gradually and with caution, of course…

However, if you had a complicated or you gave birth via cesarean section you should first talk to your healthcare provider before engaging in any form of exercise.

The 5 Benefits of Postpartum Pilates Workout

1. Help You Cope With Stress

    We know that the journey to motherhood isn’t always glamorous and perfect.

    There are times when you feel overwhelmed by the changes happening around you and within you… And this can be very stressful, especially if you’re a new mother.

    Additionally, the hormonal imbalance that your body is going through after giving birth can also induce anxiety and sometimes depression.

    And because Pilates has a meditative aspect, it can help you not just develop your physical attributes but also improve your mental health.

    Pilates has been proven to help cope with stress by…

    • Helping you become more mindful of your surroundings so that you can live in the present and enjoy every precious moment with your child
    • Giving you the power to focus and not get too distracted by a lot of stimuli so you can concentrate your attention on what’s important
    • Improving your resilience when it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety

    2. Regain Your Core Strength And Stability

      Carrying a baby inside you for nine months is no walk in the park… The stress that it creates in your body is unimaginable.

      It can cause instability and weakness in your abdominal muscles.

      Pilates can help you regain stability and strength by practicing one of its principles, which is centering.

      In Pilates, we refer to the core muscles as Pilates Powerhouse. Powerhouse because Joseph Pilates believed that our core muscles are the center of our energy that fuels our whole body.

      For this reason, having a weak powerhouse can result in a lot of functional limitations and pain such as back pain and the inability to transition from supine to sitting.

      So imagine always experiencing pain and limitations while taking care of your baby… That’s no way a mother should live!

      3. Improve Your Posture To Reduce Back Pain

        One of the reasons why you’re experiencing back pain is because of the improper posture that has developed during your pregnancy.

        This is all normal but… if you plan to ignore this and assume that your muscle strength will just come back after giving birth then brace yourself.

        Because your back pain might stay for a while.

        Using Pilates equipment can help you strengthen your powerhouse and back muscles which can significantly prevent and reduce back pain.

        4. Lose Weight And Be Healthier Than Ever

          Being physically conscious is normal, especially after childbirth… So don’t be hard on yourself.

          You’re on a beautiful journey of motherhood and if gaining a few pounds is the price to pay for a healthy and adorable baby, then so be it.

          Besides, you can always lose and tone your body in a Merrithew reformer because Pilates is a miracle worker when it comes to physical fitness.

          5. Become More Confident

            … in dealing with the challenges of motherhood!

            Combining the 4 great benefits of a Pilates workout will yield into creating the ultimate momma who can weather the storm and come out stronger than ever!

            3 Quick And Simple Pilates Tips For The Hot Momma!

            So now that you already know the positive impact of postpartum Pilates workout, it’s time for us to prepare your body, mind, and spirit.

            1. Start with Pilates breathing

            Pilates breathing is a special breathing technique that helps you breathe in an effective and optimal way while strengthing your diaphragm and core muscles.

            It can energize and cleanse your body while calming your mind and reducing the stress you’re feeling.

            When you’re ready and at your own pace…

            a. Stand and place your hands around your ribcage with your fingertips touching
            b. Relax your shoulder
            c. Before you inhale, imagine that your ribs are an accordion and you’re playing it. Now, inhale through your nose and let your ribcage expand like an accordion. Take as much air as you can
            d. Purse your lips and exhale through your mouth. Feel your ribs drawing inward and contracting, and your fingertips touching again
            e. You may repeat this 10 times or 3-5 minutes

              2. Meditate with Pilates

              While you’re practicing your Pilates breathing, we encourage you to blend it with meditation.

              Without pressure and with an open mind, start by…

              a. Focusing on your breathing
              b. Feel the sensation between your hands and ribcage; between the floor and your feet
              c. Scan your body and acknowledge how you feel without engaging them

                3. Learn the Pilates Principles by heart

                One of the main goals of Pilates is to bring balance to your life by strengthening the coordination of your body, mind, and spirit.

                And you can achieve this by understanding the principles and practicing them by heart.

                Here’s a quick summary of the 6 Pilates principles…

                a. Breathe slowly… Savor each inhale and exhales
                b. Concentrate, live the moment and become the moment
                c. Gracefully control your movement
                d. Be precise with your actions
                e. Flow like a river
                f. Activate your center and let your energy flow throughout your body, mind, and spirit

                  Momma, Just Remember….

                  You went through a lot. Not just physically, but most importantly, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

                  So be kind to yourself…. You’re a strong, beautiful momma who can conquer motherhood!

                  Self-care is the first step to creating a healthy environment for your baby.

                  Are you ready to create a healthy environment for yourself and your baby? Check our Pilates Reformer catalogue to become the mother you’ve always wanted to be!

                  Leave a comment

                  Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

                  Need Help Choosing The Right Pilates Machine?

                  Contact us now and talk to one of our Pilates experts to help you find the right equipment for your needs

                  CONTACT SALES