Written by a leading specialist, this book outlines the fundamental Eight Principles of the Pilates method for fitness, health and wellbeing. It does so via a series of balanced programmes (beginner, intermediate and adavnced).
Optimum Health, Fitness and Nutrition for Every Stage of Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy should be a wonderful, enriching experience, but it's natural to have concerns about the ways it affects your body, moods and diet. This book enables you to forget those worries and focus on enjoying the experience. For those planning to conceive, a programme to strengthen the pelvic floor and deep abdominals combined with a prenatal diet plan puts you in great shape to cope with the next nine months. In the first trimester, advice focuses on coping with morning sickness and relaxation. In the second trimester, exercise can be introduced, and the book explores how your body adapts to the baby's demands and gives tips on boosting your energy. Exercises for the third trimester help you overcome discomfort and prepare for birth. Get back into shape with postnatal exercise (including very gentle exercise after caesarean deliveries) and follow the tips to aid breastfeeding. Body Control Pilates, with its emphasis on core stability and safety, is ideally suited to make the most of this special time.
Optimum Health and Fitness for Every Stage of Your Pregnancy
Body Control Pilates® for the full nine months of pregnancy and beyond. Pilates specializes in building core muscles to create a "girdle of strength." This is crucially important in pregnancy, when the body is under tremendous stress and strain by the added weight and changes in posture. Pilates Pregnancy Guide features a series of exercises tailored to condition these core muscles for a more comfortable pregnancy, an easier labor and a faster recovery. Suitable for women at all fitness levels -- with or without Pilates experience -- this book provides a comprehensive program during the entire period of pregnancy, with exercises specific to each trimester. Features Workout menus designed for each stage of the pregnancy offer recommended exercises complete with guidelines and warnings. Illustrated with color photographs, each exercise sequence is outlined in specific Aim, Starting Position, Action, and Watchpoints. This exercise program ensures controlled and safe routines throughout the pregnancy and beyond. Thorough and encouraging, with reliable general information about pregnancy, Pilates Pregnancy Guide will be a natural first choice for any expectant mother.