I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing clients before, during, and after their pregnancies. I wanted to get some feed back and perspectives from 2 of my clients on the benefits of Pilates during and after their pregnancy:

MEET TRACY:
1- How long were you able to continue Pilates while you were pregnant?

TRACY: First pregnancy (single baby) I was able to continue Pilates until about 1 or 2 weeks before I delivered and then I was just too uncomfortable.

Second pregnancy (twins), I was only able to work out sporadically. At 20 weeks or so, I stopped working out because I needed to be in perfect condition in order to fly to Hawaii for my sister's wedding so my doctor wanted me to stop exercising. Then after that I only went to Pilates a few times because I had different issues with my fluid levels.

2 - How do you feel Pilates helped you while you were pregnant?

TRACY: For both pregnancies, but especially my single pregnancy (because I was able to be there so consistently), it first and foremost made me feel more calm and in control of my body, especially when there was so much that was out of my control. If I was having a bad or stressed day, I always left feeling more calm. It also helped me to feel stronger and help me carry the extra weight a little easier, especially helping to take some relief from my back. Being able to focus on particular muscles helped me to transfer the pain out of my back and into other muscles groups when I was doing something. Pilates helped me to be able to do this easier.

3- Do you feel like it helped you during delivery? If so, how?

TRACY: I had two c-sections, so I'm not sure that it was able to help with delivery much. (Although one of the doctors did comment on how little abdominal fat I had! haha...so Pilates contributed there!)

4- How soon were you able to come back after delivering?
TRACY: I was given the clearance to come back after 6 weeks with the first pregnancy and 8 weeks after the twin pregnancy.

5- How has Pilates been helpful post-natal?

TRACY: Post-natal Pilates has helped me to lose some of the pregnancy weight and shrink my waist and butt. It's also helped me to reconnect with my abdominal muscles, since they were so stretched (especially with the twins), and not used for 6 weeks since I had the surgery. It really helped me be able to focus on reconnecting with my abs and re-learn how to use them properly. I also have a diastasis, which the breathing techniques for Pilates has helped me to focus on drawing those muscles back together during exercises as well as everyday activities.

MEET INBAL:
1- How long were you able to continue Pilates while you were pregnant?

INBAL: Up until delivery. Marcy was kind enough to not charge me for the late cancellation when I went into labor the night before our class.

2- How do you feel Pilates helped you while you were pregnant?

INBAL: It helped me release tension and relieve sore muscles by stretching and strengthening. It also helped me stay fit during the pregnancy and have healthy moderate weight gain.

3- Do you feel like it helped you during delivery? If so, how?

INBAL: Yes. I had a very easy delivery. Had to only push 3 times. I attribute it to Marcy's kegel exercises both in class and the homework she gave us.

4- How soon were you able to come back after delivering?

INBAL: As soon as Marcy allowed! 8 weeks if I remember correctly.

5- How has Pilates been helpful post-natal?

INBAL: It has helped rebuild core and kegel strength. Pilates helped me get my pre-maternity body back. It also helped deal with typical post partum muscle & joint issues.