Making The Most Of Yoga And Pilates For Pregnancy Fitness
In the olden days it was thought that pregnant women should rest or even stay in bed during pregnancy. Today we know better. These days, moms to be are advised to get light to moderate exercise throughout most of a normal pregnancy. It's a good idea to begin your exercise regimen before becoming pregnant to get in shape for your pregnancy and accustom your body to your routine. Many women find that yoga and Pilates are good choices for pregnancy preparation, as a pregnancy workout and a post-pregnancy shape-up method. In this article we will discuss these two popular forms of exercise and give good advice on making the most of yoga and Pilates for pregnancy fitness.
Yoga is a form of exercise that is ages old. It is a form of exercise that benefits your whole being physically, mentally and spiritually no matter what your religious affiliation may be. There are many forms of yoga from Bikram, Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga, which are all very challenging and often quite vigorous, to Hatha yoga, a slower and gentler form. All forms of yoga can be performed in a small amount of space.
If you are planning to get in shape for your pregnancy with yoga, it is possible to get in good shape using Hatha yoga. The breath control and concentration you will gain will help you when you are in labor. If you don't want to do a vigorous, energetic form of exercise, it is perfectly fine to choose Hatha yoga and stick with it throughout your pregnancy and throughout your life. Doing gentle Hatha yoga stretches and poses for 20 minutes twice a day will keep you flexible, strong and centered and add a great deal of peace to your life.
If you like vigorous exercise, you can get in shape for your pregnancy with one of the more challenging forms of yoga and then transition to Hatha yoga when you become pregnant. Of the three more energetic forms of yoga mentioned here, Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga could be toned down for use during pregnancy. Bikram yoga (aka hot yoga) is incredibly challenging and performed in a very hot room (between 95 and 100 degrees). It is not suitable during pregnancy.
Pilates has become popular lately as a form of strength and resistance training for athletes, therapists, dancers and others who need to develop strength and endurance. This is certainly a plus for a woman preparing for labor! Pilates can be done for a fee in a class or with a trainer, or it can be mastered easily and affordably with an exercise DVD and a floor mat. Unlike many forms of exercise, you don't need much space for Pilates as it does not involve a lot of moving around.
Pilates is very good for developing flexibility and strengthening the back, abdomen and the core muscles. All of this is excellent in preparation for pregnancy. The focus of Pilates is strength, and it involves quite a few static positions that require you to assume a position and hold it for a required period of time. This is very effective in building strength from the core muscles out. Many women enjoy this type of exercise, and an equal number dislike it intensely. The only way to know if Pilates is for you is to give it a try. If you begin before becoming pregnant and get in good shape, you can continue Pilates throughout your pregnancy.
You can choose to take up yoga or Pilates or both! The two are compatible with one another, and having choice in exercise programs will help make your fitness routines more interesting. Both yoga an Pilates will help you during your pregnancy in terms of cramping, nausea, excessive tiredness and sore back and legs. Additionally, both will help you have an easier delivery and get back in shape quickly after your baby is born. Use the information presented here to create a great pregnancy fitness program with yoga and Pilates.
