Clinical Reformer Pilates
Physiotherapist-led reformer sessions, tailored to you, to support core strength, flexibility and postural awareness.
Pregnancy Pilates
Pilates adapted to pregnancy and the postnatal period, starting only once your obstetrician has approved exercise.
What is pregnancy Pilates?
Pregnancy is a time of rapid, natural change in the body. Pregnancy Pilates is an exercise programme adapted for pregnancy to support posture, breathing, pelvic floor awareness and ease of movement in everyday life.
We only begin once your obstetrician has approved exercise. I adapt positions and intensity to how your pregnancy is progressing and how you feel on the day.
After the birth, once your doctor has checked you and given the go-ahead, I help you rebuild strength and movement control with a gradual programme that starts with breathing, the pelvic floor and the abdominal muscles.
Who these sessions suit
- Healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies where your obstetrician has approved exercise
- Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic girdle pain (following a medical assessment)
- Changes in posture and a feeling of heaviness during pregnancy
- Anyone wanting to develop breathing and relaxation awareness
- Getting to know and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- Rebuilding strength and fitness after birth, once your doctor has given approval
- Controlled exercise for abdominal separation (diastasis recti) after birth
This list is for general information. The right approach for you is decided after an assessment.
When to see a doctor
If you notice vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, calf pain or swelling, or reduced baby movements during or after exercise, stop straight away and contact your doctor.
How we work together
I plan each step with you, at a pace that suits you.
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Medical approval and assessment
We start with your obstetrician’s approval. I assess how your pregnancy is going, your health history, any pain and your usual activity.
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An adapted programme
I plan exercises in positions that suit your stage of pregnancy, leaving out movements that press on the abdomen, require lying on your back for long periods or challenge your balance.
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Breathing and pelvic floor
We work together on breathing, contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, and control of the deep abdominal muscles.
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Listening to your body
We keep talking about how you feel during the session, and I adjust the intensity to how you are on the day.
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After the birth
With your doctor’s approval, we move on to a programme that starts with breathing and the pelvic floor and gradually strengthens the abdominal and core muscles.
The first step: an assessment
If you have questions about pregnancy Pilates or would like to start, leave a request and I will call you so that we can find a suitable time together.
Frequently asked questions
See all questions-
At what stage of pregnancy can I start?
It varies from person to person and depends on your obstetrician’s advice. Once you have their approval, we can start with a programme suited to how your pregnancy is progressing.
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I have never done Pilates. Is that a problem?
Not at all. The programme is planned around your current level and your stage of pregnancy, and we begin with the fundamentals.
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How soon after giving birth can I start?
That depends on the type of birth and how you are recovering. After your doctor’s check-up and approval, we start gradually with breathing and pelvic floor work.