What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise which combines flexibility and strength training with body awareness, breathing and relaxation. The exercises are based on certain movement patterns performed with your tummy and pelvic floor muscles -- known in Pilates as the "stable core". These muscles are also known as deep stabilizing muscles (Robinson et al, 2000).

Physiotherapy research has shown that by improving your deep abdominal stabilising muscles through pilates based exercise, it can reduce and prevent lower back pain, pelvic pain & instability, all of which are common during pregnancy, due to the physical & hormonal changes.

All different muscles can be strengthened during a pilates class while working on the stable core at the same time. Resistance from the spring loaded reformer beds or from therabands and balls can aid strengthening & stretching of the specific muscle groups.