Frequently asked questions
A: Pilates is low impact so it can be done every single day. If working out daily seems daunting to begin with or you tend to get sore after your workouts try for every other day or every 3rd day. You can vary the class length that you take and the intensity to fit your needs. Some days you may only have time for a shorter workout such as a 15min express abs or arms while other days you can devote yourself to doing an hour long full-body session. Some days you may choose a more restorative or stretching focused session while others you may choose a more invigorating session. My advice is to mix it up so your body gets a good variety of feel good workouts, targeted toning sessions, and stretches.
A: This varies from person to person and it will depend on how much time you devote to your Pilates workouts. If you are doing 4 to 5 days a week you will see results more rapidly than only doing 1 to 2 days a week. Every body is different and it will take time to adjust and adapt to a new workout regime. However, I guarantee if you keep up with your pilates practice and make it part of your weekly routine you will start to notice amazing changes in your body as you become stronger, are more toned, have better postural alignment, and become more flexible.
According to Joseph Pilates: “ In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.
A: Yes, it is if you are following the appropriate Pilates for pregnancy protocol and provided your doctor considers it safe for you. There are specific Pilates courses and exercises for pregnant women and I recommend taking those or working one on one with a Pre/Post Natal certified Pilates instructor throughout your pregnancy. Please note that my classes on this website do not cater specifically to pregnant women. Although most exercises are fine during the 1st trimester, it is important to listen to your body and modify or take breaks as necessary. Always talk to your doctor before starting something new during pregnancy and get their approval.
In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy all practitioners should be very careful about how much time they are on their back during exercise, limiting it to only a few minutes at a time or avoiding it all together. It is also important to avoid too much forward flexion (like a curling up or a crunching motion) as it can cause diastasis recti, where your abdominals split from too much pressure from the uterus or if your stomach muscles are too strong. If you are at risk or carrying too much weight then you should avoid any position or exercise on your back especially after 16 weeks. A healthy workout should leave you feeling a little tired at first but energized and refreshed overall. If you feel completely drained or increasingly fatigued long after a workout you’re probably overdoing it.
Your doctor will also need to give you approval for when you may start working out again after giving birth. This is usually somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks post delivery but may vary given individual circumstances.
Every pregnancy is unique and it is important you listen to your body, air on the side of caution, lower the intensity of your workouts, and keep hydrated.