Aloha Blog
Aloha Blog
Pregnancy
JUL 22, 2024 (Monday)

Suitable for pregnant mothers Reformer Pilates

Author
Wing Kwok
Wing Kwok
Registered Sports Physiotherapist

Reformer Pilates suitable for pregnant mothers include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

  • Upper body and shoulder exercises: Using the Reformer's ropes and pulleys for upper body and shoulder exercises helps strengthen these areas, which is beneficial for carrying a child.

  • Leg and glute exercises: Leg and glute exercises on the Reformer help maintain strength and stability in these areas.

  • Side-lying exercises: Side-lying exercises are a good option for pregnant women in mid to late pregnancy as they avoid supine and prone positions.

When recommending Reformer Pilates exercises for pregnant women, special attention should be paid to avoiding pressure on the abdomen, maintaining proper breathing, and avoiding overstretching. Here are some Reformer Pilates exercises suitable for pregnant women, but please note that these recommendations should be done under professional guidance and consultation with a doctor or obstetric specialist before starting any exercise.

Reformer exercises suitable for pregnant women:

  1. Footwork on the Reformer: Strengthens leg muscles and improves leg stability.

  2. Side-Lying Leg Lifts: Strengthens outer thigh and glute muscles.

  3. Seated Arm Raises: Strengthens shoulder and upper back muscles using the Reformer's ropes.

  4. Pelvic Tilts: Strengthens core abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles.

  5. Seated Rowing: Strengthens back, shoulders, and arms.

  6. Side-Lying External/Internal Rotation: Strengthens hip and gluteal rotator muscles.

  7. Seated Chest Expansion: Improves chest openness and breathing.

  8. Side-Lying Leg Press: Mimics leg sliding movements in a side-lying position to strengthen thigh muscles.

  9. Seated Wrist Curls: Strengthens wrists and forearms in preparation for baby handling.

  10. Cat Stretch: Helps relax back muscles and improve spinal flexibility.

  11. Pelvic Curls: Done on the Reformer to strengthen lower back and glutes.

  12. Seated Side Bends: Strengthens muscles on the side of the torso and improves trunk stability.

  13. Quadruped Leg Lifts: Strengthens back and glute muscles while maintaining core stability.

  14. Glute Bridges: Done on the Reformer to strengthen glutes and hamstrings.

  15. Arm Slides: Strengthens arms and shoulders using the Reformer's pulley system.

  16. Side-Lying Arm Work: Strengthens shoulder stability and strength in a side-lying position.

  17. Seated Rotation: Strengthens abdominal rotator muscles, but deep twists should be avoided.

  18. Arm Circles: Done on the Reformer to increase shoulder joint flexibility and strength.

  19. Side-Lying Breathing: Focuses on breathing to relax and increase rib cage flexibility.

  20. Pelvic Stability Exercises: Done on the carriage to improve pelvic stability.

Reformer exercises to avoid for pregnant women:

  • Any movements involving lying on the back, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

  • Overstretching or putting pressure on the abdomen.

  • High-intensity or high-impact exercises.

  • Complex balancing movements that may lead to falls.

When practicing Reformer Pilates during pregnancy, it is essential to listen to your body's signals, avoid any movements that feel uncomfortable or stressful, and always practice under the guidance of a professional. As pregnancy progresses, further adjustments may be needed to adapt to the body's changes.

ALOHA PREGNANCY CARE ensures that every therapist has professional training and experience in prenatal massage, fully considering the comfort and safety of pregnant women.

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