What is Pilates?
Pilates is a slow, controlled, fluid form of exercise which really targets the muscles which lie deep into your abdominals and back.
Pilates is a brilliant, fun, safe and effective form of exercise for pregnant and postnatal women to do, due to its focus on the "core".
Pilates really helps you:
· tone your abdominals/core muscles
· strengthen your back
· realign your posture
· become more flexible
· relieve tension in tight muscles
· strengthen your pelvic floor
· breathe and relax
Pregnant women can join CoreBaby! from anywhere between 12 and 40 weeks pregnant. It is suitable for every pregnant women, regardless of their fitness level and/or exercise history, so if you haven’t done regular exercise for some time, Pilates is an excellent choice. Places are limited to ensure quality of instruction and these classes are specifically designed for pregnant women, so you know they are safe for you, your body and your unborn baby.
Postnatal women can come along to CoreBaby from 6 weeks after a natural birth, or 10 weeks following a section. Babies in carseats and buggies are most welcome to come along and watch as their mum works out. New mums must have had their GP check-up to come along. And, don’t worry if you have never done Pilates before, or you are concerned about the intensity of the exercises if you have had a section, as varying levels will be provided throughout the class, to ensure your workout stays safe and effective.
Claire Mockridge is a qualified and experienced Fitness and Pilates Instructor specialising in ante and postnatal exercise and wellbeing. She has worked with over 400 pregnant and postnatal women over the last 4 years, so you could say she knows a thing or two about what it’s like to exercise whilst pregnant, and the challenges one faces getting out of the house to a fitness class as a new mum.
Claire aims to educate you as you go along and will pass on current, up-to-date information about ante/postnatal fitness to you. You’ll also learn really practical and functional stuff too like:
· how to get down on the floor safely (and back up again!),
· how to bend down to pick up your baby without doing your back in(!),
· what exercises you should avoid doing at all costs during the ante/postnatal period,
· what actually really happens to your body during and after pregnancy, and
· why your pelvic floor is so important (squeeze, release...)