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Expert Q&A
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| By Paige Waehner Personal Trainer | ||
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Is it OK to do Pilates while pregnant?
Because the moves are so controlled, Pilates can be a great choice during pregnancy since you have time to adjust your posture and alignment for maximum support and challenge. You don't need special equipment, other than a mat, to get a great workout, and though it's always better to take a class taught by an expert, there are books and videos available so you can do it at home on your own time.
Pilates can be a great add-on to a cardio and strength training program and something you can incorporate a few times a week to target the strength and endurance that these activities don't always cover.
One bonus of Pilates is that it really targets the core: the abs and back. You may already be feeling back strain as you get further along in pregnancy, and Pilates works those postural muscles and helps you improve body alignment so you experience less pain. One thing to note: Many traditional Pilates exercises are performed either lying on your back or stomach, so seek out instruction that is specifically geared toward pregnancy so you can avoid these positions.