The pilates DVDs themselves are totally unique in two ways. The first is that each workout is trimester specific and secondly, I, your instructor am pregnant too so am really going through it with you in more ways than one!
Each workout lasts between 45 and 60 mins and targets all areas of your body. Beginning with a gentle warm up and leading into the tummy, working on your balance and flexibility. Then onto your side (lateral) muscles, and not forgetting the legs, bum and arms.
Each trimester is different. In essence, the exercises are the same which allows for a more thorough understanding of the movements but there are crucial modifications made where necessary based on which stage of your pregnancy you find yourself in. for example, the time spent on your back for the second and third trimester is greatly reduced to that of the time spent on your back in the first trimester and post natal stage.
The pace at which the pilates exercises are done will mirror the change in energy levels you will experience. The range of movement will also differ to take into consideration the amount of relaxin that will be present in the body.
Joseph Pilates believed in extremely precise movements and lots of repetition which is why he only created 36 different exercises in total!
The progression through the trimesters is designed to be seamless so it will feel as though not much has changed from the previous workout – this has been done on purpose and is especially realistic as I myself am at the same stage of pregnancy as you, so you can be assured of a ‘real’ workout no matter which trimester you’re in!
These DVDs are great for a gift to yourself or for a friend/relative and can be started at anytime throughout the pregnancy. Just make sure you clear it with your doctor before getting going.
Enjoy!
