February Newsletter - Power Of Pilates

February newsletter includes Pilates and Pregnancy, Charlize Theron and one of the most popular moves for relaxation.

Remember you can now book your class online. If there is anything you would like to see in the newsletter in future, please forward your suggestions to: info@powerofpilates.co.uk

Pilates during pregnancy

Many women want to continue to exercise during pregnancy, but are concerned that physical exertion could cause harm to their unborn baby and indeed themselves. Pilates is a gentle low impact form of exercise and as such it is considered one of the best forms of exercise both during and after pregnancy.

One the top reasons Pilates and pregnancy go together so well is that Pilates is great at building core strength – focusing on strengthening on your abdominals, back and pelvic floor, allowing for an easier pregnancy, delivery and recovery. Pilates is also famous for helping new mums get their figures back after baby is born - women can generally return to Pilates four to six weeks after delivery, or eight to twelve weeks after a Caesarean section.

Pilates helps maintain and improve the condition of both your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles which often become weak during pregnancy. Exercises can be adapted at each stage of pregnancy to allow for gentler or more focused exercise and will not place strain on the joints or back. In late pregnancy, we focus your attention on exercises that prepare you for the birth and exercises which will encourage relaxation.

Doctors and midwifes firmly support continuing exercise during a healthy pregnancy. Statistically, active women are better able to cope with labour, and regain their pre-pregnant figures more quickly.

Small equipment workshop

Following fantastic feedback from those who attended the small equipment workshops over the past few weeks, I will be running follow up workshops in March. The workshop focused on using Pilates weighted balls and resistance bands - and it is not for the faint hearted!

The workshops will last an hour and a half each and will be held on Saturday 15th March at 13:00 & 14:30 at a cost of £10.00. The workshops are not suitable for total beginners, so if you are unsure if it will be suitable for you, please feel free to drop me an email or discuss at your next class.

Please register your interest here with the time of the class that you would like to attend.

Celebrity Pilates fans – Charlize Theron

When interviewed in October issue of Self Magazine, Charlize said that she "steps up her Pilates workouts to five 90 min sessions a week" when she wants to see results quickly.

Joke of the month (as sent in by Becci!)

Government health warning:
Do not swallow chewing gum!!!

Move of the month

The Neck Roll and Chin Tuck

Lie in the neutral position on your back, knees bent, feet hip width apart, arms relaxed by your side.
Place the chi ball under the small of your neck
Let your shoulder blades melt into the floor. A couple of slow deep breaths will aid this.
Now slowly roll your head. First to the right, then slowly to the left.
Repeat a few times.
Bring your head to the centre, tuck your chin in. Keep your head on the chi ball and let the back of your neck lengthen.
Imagine you are holding a ripe peach under your chin. This is a small, relaxed and subtle movement.