Pre Natal Pilates Wednesdays 19.15 at The View Studio, St Andrews BOOK NOW

Here at The View, it’s lovely to hear about how classes at the studio have affected our members. We really appreciate that they are able to share such wondererful stories.

If you are considering pre natal Pilates, and wondering how it can help you – read Abby’s story.

Abby started taking pre natal Pilates after the birth of her first son. We asked how her second pregnancy has differed from her first now that she’s practising Pilates.

“I was twenty-five when I found out I was pregnant with my first. I wasn’t very physically active but I figured I was young enough that my body would take pregnancy in its stride. I was wrong.

I was busy working full time and instead of intentionally taking care of my body, I was spending a lot of time in my car, traveling for work. I neglected my pelvic floor almost entirely. When I began experiencing serious sciatic pain I figured it was too late to try new workouts. As I became more and more pregnant, my posture declined and I was in a lot pain.

Things with my body didn’t improve after Alfie was born. I experienced new difficulties with my body. Whilst the discomfort of pregnancy had passed, breastfeeding brought about new challenges. Feeding was so demanding and my back ached due to poor posture. Eventually I decided to get help with physiotherapy and later starting taking Pilates. Slowly, I got back on my feet and began feeling better.

The experience taught me that I wanted to be in better control of my body during any subsequent pregnancies. With Alfie, I didn’t know how to care for my body as it changed to accommodate a baby. Once Alfie was born, I struggled to be in control of my new body because I was in so much pain and the new routine was so demanding. I didn’t have the tools to manage my aches; my efforts at taking care of myself were reactive. Obviously, when it comes to having babies there is a lot that is out of a woman’s control but I saw an opportunity to take charge with my second pregnancy.

This time around I decided to be proactive and take up pre natal Pilates classes at The View. I’ve been at it for twelve weeks and the effects are definitely noticeable. I’m still driving a lot for work and I’m busy keeping up with Alfie. I still experienced slight sciatica due to the baby’s positioning but the pre natal Pilates classes helped me to manage my discomfort and the pain was minimal in comparison. I’m far more aware of my posture and alignment and can feel the difference it makes.

As for the pre natall Pilates classes themselves, I find them so relaxing. It’s a treat to know I’ll get an hour alone to unwind and care for my growing body. I’ve made friends with a few of the other mums and I’m looking forward to trying other classes like Barre Fit in the new year.

This pregnancy has had its own challenges (like caring for an active little boy!) however I feel much more grounded and self aware with my mind and body because of what I’ve learned through pre natal Pilates.

Pre Natal Pilates Wednesdays 19.15 at The View Studio, St Andrews BOOK NOW