Having done Pilates for just over a year prior to being pregnant with my third child I had found that it had really help me to re-discover my core strength, helped me tone, energise and also really reduced back strain which I’d suffered as an early years teacher working with very young children.
Moreover, discovering strength as I went along the block of classes meant that I felt more attuned to my body in a positive way - more than I had done pre-children, enabling me to focus on the positive things it could do, rather than what it wasn't. I did Pilates all through my pregnancy with Ellie carefully monitoring and working with me to ensure I felt happy and safe in what I was doing. I wanted to continue the strength and development, as well as breathing techniques and flexibility that I’d found, so that this may also help me in my pregnancy. I’d suffered with a bad lower back and sciatica as well as carpal tunnel syndrome during my previous pregnancies, but found that the combination of the developed core strength, pelvic floor strengthening and engagement, alongside ongoing balance in the routines, strengthening moves and effective breathing meant that I did not suffer this with this pregnancy. I continued up until 35 weeks, when the sheer size of my bump and the level of exhaustion just meant that it was easier not to be in the block but rather continue with gentle roll downs and pelvic floor exercises I’d learnt as well as centering the mind whilst breathing in order to still feel the level of body awareness that I’d previously felt and maintain a positive approach to my body before the prospect of birth! The deep breathing techniques learnt in class really helped me hugely during birthing - I’m no hero as have had drugs/assistance etc before during births (and think however it comes out - as long as all is ok is by the by!), but was lucky enough to have a fairly easy 3 hour natural water delivery with number 3. This was significantly helped by my Pilates breathing as a technique to keep me busy, relax me and my body into accepting this natural process and embrace it rather than fight it - as well as, I am sure, allowing me to go with the contractions - mentally and physically and thus have a good birthing experience. The breathing also aided being able to push through the contractions and for me to enjoy the least amount of intervention I’ve ever had with a baby. I also found that even after birth, my body managed to recover significantly quicker - with all functions resuming normally very fast and my awareness of my body’s strength and flexibility still being there - whilst also knowing my limits. The pelvic floor engagement constantly practised in class, as well as flexibility in the hips and pelvis, core strength, wrist strength and continued Pilates practise right throughout the significant changes in my body - meant that I really felt I could positively deal with birth (in as much as you can with these things) and I knew what my body could do to a certain extent - although I had no idea with birth until it happened & recovery and delivery were significantly improved after my 8lb 15 bundle of joy arrived! I know Pilates helped with this definitely. 3 months plus down the line and I’m back at pilates for a mini escape for me and re-discovering the core strength I had, whilst also doing the pure stretch class, to allow for flexibility. I’m almost at 2 legs at tabletop again (ARRGH!), but am so utterly grateful for what Pilates (and Ellie leading) it has done for me in terms of me viewing the strength in my body (and having a positive body image), giving me real, applicable techniques to use for birth, relaxation and I’ve even encouraged my kids to stretch when they feel stiff from school. Being able to slow movements right down and understand what it is I am engaging etc and why has been fantastic and I cant wait to see where Pilates will take me as I utterly love it. Thanks Ellie and I’d utterly recommend pilates to absolutely everyone!
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...and as another block draws to a close, I wanted to say thank you all for a brilliant half term! It's been an incredibly busy time. We have welcomed many new faces in the last few weeks - always exciting to get a new Pilates recruit to share my passion with! Well done to each and every one of you who come to classes regularly, working on your practice, and, at this time of year especially, come to classes in rain, wind and sand storm hurricanes!!! Most of you will have heard me this week raving about the course I have been on. It is fabulous to go and be inspired by others and fully immerse yourself in learning new things. I loved the course and am even more inspired to change the world...one spine at a time! So watch out for specialist classes to follow! I am also looking for some case studies, so keep your eyes peeled for an email about this! I will finish with a lovely quote from the man himself. It resonates so much for me as you know how important the breath is and listening to your body!
"You move to the music of your own body and the rhythm of your own breathing" Joseph Pilates Have a fabulous break and see you back in classes very soon! Ellie x |
AuthorI'm Ellie - I started my Pilates journey when I had a bad back. I fell completely in love with it! Archives
April 2019
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