Reformer - Pregnancy is no Barrier!
If you are currently pregnant or have recently given birth, performing exercise using a reformer is an excellent way for to you keep active despite having specific positions that may be painful or uncomfortable.
Pregnancy is a journey where your body is in a constant state of change and as a result you may feel different day to day. As your body undergoes this transformation, it is important to adjust the exercises you do and the positions that you are in accordingly. During the first trimester there isn’t anything too specific that you can’t do, however it is very important to listen to how your body responds to exercise. During the second trimester, you may want to limit the amount of time you spend lying on your back if you notice that you are feeling nauseous or dizzy. You can still exercise upright or lying on your side depending on your comfort levels but limit doing exercises lying on your front for obvious reasons! (you have a baby in the way!) Once you’ve reached the third and final trimester you may experience some increased upper and lower back discomfort due to your growing belly and performing exercises with a wider stance will be more comfortable. Your physiotherapist will be able to come up with strategies to help give your back, belly, hips or legs more support whilst lying on your back or side. The most important thing is to listen to your body from day to day, as each day may feel different.
After giving birth, the body has just undergone a drastic event so it is important to take your time to recover from the changes of pregnancy. It is also very important to pay attention to your pelvic floor as it will still be quite weak for a few weeks after giving birth. Doing exercises which are too strenuous may put too much pressure onto your pelvic floor and prolong your recovery or increase the chances of complications in the future.
If you have had an uncomplicated and normal delivery, it is possible to resume very LIGHT exercises a few days after giving birth under the guidance of one of our physiotherapists. If you have had a C-section, extensive vaginal repair or a complicated birth it is highly recommended that you consult a specialist women’s health physiotherapist before starting an exercise program.
The reformer is a great way for you to return to exercise and help you regain or improve on the strength you once had. It allows for us to safely work with your body regardless of what level you are at and gradually progress you from light to strenuous activity. In the case of complicated births, we are definitely able to work together with your women’s health physiotherapist and obstetrician to develop a suitable exercise program for you.
Book online today (bookings.nookal.com/bookings/company/39XKS) or call us on 9873 2770!