Pilates can help you maintain good health during pregnancy

By maintaining an active lifestyle throughout your pregnancy, you can feel better and improve your post-natal recovery.

Research shows that workouts, like Pilates, have considerable positive effects on both you and your baby’s long-term health.

Prenatal Pilates is the perfect low-impact workout to improve your flexibility and balance, and prevent back pain while pregnant.

Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates in Downers Grove offers private Pilates instruction during pregnancy. Women are also welcome to join class Pilates with permission from their doctor.

“For one on one private classes, there is an attachment that we use on the reformer for pregnant women so that they can do Pilates modified as needed as the pregnancy progresses,” said Mary Lou Savino Owner and President of Bet Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates, Ltd. “A big benefit about doing Pilates while pregnant is that it is safe and effective and can be modified as needed to accommodate a growing tummy.”

Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates also has an experienced physical therapists on staff who specializes in women’s health and the pelvic floor.

“Helen Murphy PT, MPT, has been a PT for 20 years and specializing in women’s health and pelvic floor issues for the last 15 years! We are very fortunate to have her as they are far and few between,” Savino said.

As your body changes throughout the nine-plus months of pregnancy, Pilates offers many overall health benefits. Pilates can help strength stomach and gluteal muscles, reduces back pain and strengths the pelvic floor.

Pilates also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which will also help speed up the postpartum recovery.

As the baby grows, the uterus expands, pushing the diaphragm upwards. This causes compression that restricts the function of the diaphragm. Pilates helps control your breathing and offers relaxation.

Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates: 4934 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515, 630.964.4008, www.befitpt.com