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I want to start working out again and in particular get my core muscles back in shape after the birth of my daughter and I am wondering if Pilates might be the right choice for me?
Pilates is a body-mind exercise system that focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and posture. The method is safe, low impact and highly effective to streamline your body. For new mums Pilates helps reconnect you with your centre, restore abdominal strength, pelvic stability and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which will have been stressed during pregnancy. Specific Postnatal Pilates exercises help regain good balance, control, harmony, awareness and correct posture you will need for nursing, carrying and picking up your baby.
We know you want your figure back after having your children but it’s important to start with the right exercises a minimum six weeks after the birth (8-10 weeks if you have a caesarean) and after having been cleared to exercise by your GP. During pregnancy the two halves of your rectus abdominis muscles (commonly referred to as a ”six-pack”) will have separated to allow for the growth of the uterus. These two halves must rejoin before you begin forward flexion exercises, so we work to encourage that to happen and monitor it closely. Pilates exercises work from the inside out, reconnecting your pelvic floor muscles and the transversus abdominis (deepest abdominal muscle), for flatter and stronger stomach muscles.
During my postnatal classes, our main aims are to relieve tension and build strength, to feel good, strong and proud of your body. We focus on re-connecting and strengthening abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. New mums often suffer with back and shoulder tension, so we release these muscles. Improving posture and alignment, balancing all your muscles with particular emphasis for new mums. For example, strengthening your mid-back and stretching your chest muscles to help compensate for the increased weight of your breasts and your posture when feeding.
Kamila Blackborn
KB Pilates www.kbpilates.uk
Email: [email protected]
Kamila is happy to run classes for your NCT group so if you are interested please get in touch!
Please email us on [email protected] if you would like to ask the panel anything
My son is coming up to 18 months and I would love some ideas to help make the most of our playtime; I want to make sure that along with fun I am creating learning opportunities.
At every stage of our lives we are learning new skills, information and knowledge. Throughout your child’s life you will witness huge developments, not only physically but cognitively, mentally and socially. Witnessing children learn has always been a passion of mine and having over 10 years teaching experience I have been extremely lucky to be part of so many little peoples learning journeys. Currently I am now playing a major role in my own sons learning adventure. Master L is 19 months and regularly amazes me at how much he takes in, remembers, displays and understands.