Postnatal reformer Pilates FAQs.
Our Brisbane Pregnancy Pilates courses are run across two beautiful clinics and designed by our women's health physiotherapists in order to keep you strong and moving throughout pregnancy. We often get asked the same questions about our Pregnancy Pilates courses so have listed some of our most common answers here.
Where are your Tarragindi Postnatal Reformer Pilates classes located?
Our Tarragindi Pregnancy Pilates Courses are run out of Articulate Physiotherapy just next to the Esher St Cafe. Still working with a maximum of just 5, these classes also incorporate Wunda chairs, mat work and cadillac work.
I've never done Pilates before - is that ok?
By far the most common question we get asked is whether you need to be a Pilates pro! The answer - absolutely not! Most of our mamas-to-be are complete beginners which is why our small group classes with a maximum of 5 are perfect. Pilates equipment gives the opportunity to progress and regress exercises to completely suit you! No matter where your fitness currently sits the exercises will be tailored to suit you.
What if I have an injury or condition during pregnancy that impacts my movement?
Our physiotherapy consultations prior to starting our 8 Week Pregnancy Pilates Course is key here! By completing an assessment your teacher will know exactly what exercises are going to benefit you most, as well as knowing what movements you can and can't do. They'll also have a good idea of your movement history, and will be able to adjust the resistance on the reformers as well as progressing and regressing exercises to suit you.
What makes Pregnancy Pilates Different?
Pilates exercises are performed lying down, sitting or standing, and usually involve some form of resistance against gravity. pregnancy Pilates is different in that you will spend more time on your side or all fours (quadruped), as well as seated. This is because during pregnancy, it becomes unsafe to lie flat on your back for extended periods of time due to the pressure that this can put on your vena cava (the large vein responsible for returning blood from your lower body to your heart). It is also not recommended to do any exercises lying flat on your stomach, as this can put unnecessary strain on your abdomen.
Pregnancy Pilates has a strong focus on pelvic floor muscles - both strengthening and relaxing them. This is because the pelvic floor muscles play an important role in pregnancy and birth, and need to be strong and flexible to accommodate the growing baby and prepare for labour.
Additionally, pregnancy Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles needed for labour - namely the legs, back and abdominals. Having strong legs will help you during those long hours of standing and walking during pregnancy, as well as giving you extra strength when it comes time to push during labour. A strong back will help you manage the extra weight in your front that comes with pregnancy, as well as helping you maintain good posture (which can become more difficult as your belly grows). And finally, a stronger set of abdominal muscles will help support your spine and pelvis during pregnancy (when they are under extra strain) and aid in your post pregnancy recovery. During pregnancy, your ligaments start to loosen in preparation for labour, which can lead to instability around your joints. Stronger muscles around these joints will help to stabilise them and prevent injury.
There is a different focus when it comes to ab work in pregnancy Pilates. Instead of crunching or sit ups, pregnancy Pilates focuses on working the deep abdominal muscles (TVA muscles) to help support your back and pelvis as your baby grows. These exercises are still safe for pregnancy and can help to alleviate some common pregnancy pains, such as lower back pain.
Finally, there are lots of stretches included in pregnancy Pilates to help relieve tightness in muscles caused by pregnancy. These stretches can help to improve your posture and alleviate common pregnancy pains, such as round ligament pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What if I miss a class?
You can either make it up in another round (subject to availability) or in a general class at Articulate Tarragindi (supervised by an exercise physiologist or physio) to make sure you attend before bub arrives! Just pop us an email and we'll arrange.
Can I claim these classes on Private Health?
We always recommend checking in with your fund first. Prenatal exercise comes under code 561, and depending on which class you do we are also able to provide you with your physios provider number. Most funds require you to attend all classes before submitting your invoice for claiming. Simply call or pop us an email when you've finished your course so we can issue your invoice.
If you have any other questions about our Pregnancy Pilates at Coorparoo or Tarragindi please don't hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and support you through your pregnancy journey. Email us at hello@nascentwellness.com.au or call us on 07 3061 5050.
Where are your Tarragindi Postnatal Reformer Pilates classes located?
Our Tarragindi Pregnancy Pilates Courses are run out of Articulate Physiotherapy just next to the Esher St Cafe. Still working with a maximum of just 5, these classes also incorporate Wunda chairs, mat work and cadillac work.
I've never done Pilates before - is that ok?
By far the most common question we get asked is whether you need to be a Pilates pro! The answer - absolutely not! Most of our mamas-to-be are complete beginners which is why our small group classes with a maximum of 5 are perfect. Pilates equipment gives the opportunity to progress and regress exercises to completely suit you! No matter where your fitness currently sits the exercises will be tailored to suit you.
What if I have an injury or condition during pregnancy that impacts my movement?
Our physiotherapy consultations prior to starting our 8 Week Pregnancy Pilates Course is key here! By completing an assessment your teacher will know exactly what exercises are going to benefit you most, as well as knowing what movements you can and can't do. They'll also have a good idea of your movement history, and will be able to adjust the resistance on the reformers as well as progressing and regressing exercises to suit you.
What makes Pregnancy Pilates Different?
Pilates exercises are performed lying down, sitting or standing, and usually involve some form of resistance against gravity. pregnancy Pilates is different in that you will spend more time on your side or all fours (quadruped), as well as seated. This is because during pregnancy, it becomes unsafe to lie flat on your back for extended periods of time due to the pressure that this can put on your vena cava (the large vein responsible for returning blood from your lower body to your heart). It is also not recommended to do any exercises lying flat on your stomach, as this can put unnecessary strain on your abdomen.
Pregnancy Pilates has a strong focus on pelvic floor muscles - both strengthening and relaxing them. This is because the pelvic floor muscles play an important role in pregnancy and birth, and need to be strong and flexible to accommodate the growing baby and prepare for labour.
Additionally, pregnancy Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles needed for labour - namely the legs, back and abdominals. Having strong legs will help you during those long hours of standing and walking during pregnancy, as well as giving you extra strength when it comes time to push during labour. A strong back will help you manage the extra weight in your front that comes with pregnancy, as well as helping you maintain good posture (which can become more difficult as your belly grows). And finally, a stronger set of abdominal muscles will help support your spine and pelvis during pregnancy (when they are under extra strain) and aid in your post pregnancy recovery. During pregnancy, your ligaments start to loosen in preparation for labour, which can lead to instability around your joints. Stronger muscles around these joints will help to stabilise them and prevent injury.
There is a different focus when it comes to ab work in pregnancy Pilates. Instead of crunching or sit ups, pregnancy Pilates focuses on working the deep abdominal muscles (TVA muscles) to help support your back and pelvis as your baby grows. These exercises are still safe for pregnancy and can help to alleviate some common pregnancy pains, such as lower back pain.
Finally, there are lots of stretches included in pregnancy Pilates to help relieve tightness in muscles caused by pregnancy. These stretches can help to improve your posture and alleviate common pregnancy pains, such as round ligament pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What if I miss a class?
You can either make it up in another round (subject to availability) or in a general class at Articulate Tarragindi (supervised by an exercise physiologist or physio) to make sure you attend before bub arrives! Just pop us an email and we'll arrange.
Can I claim these classes on Private Health?
We always recommend checking in with your fund first. Prenatal exercise comes under code 561, and depending on which class you do we are also able to provide you with your physios provider number. Most funds require you to attend all classes before submitting your invoice for claiming. Simply call or pop us an email when you've finished your course so we can issue your invoice.
If you have any other questions about our Pregnancy Pilates at Coorparoo or Tarragindi please don't hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and support you through your pregnancy journey. Email us at hello@nascentwellness.com.au or call us on 07 3061 5050.