Pregnancy Pilates

Pregnancy Pilates is an ideal and safe form of exercise to do during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy. I run a small, lunchtime class, just off Fleet Street, not far from St Paul's in the City of London and 1:1 classes in South West London and Surrey.

It's suitable for all levels of fitness, those with experience of Pilates or those new to the method, from 14 weeks onwards. Even if you have done Pilates before, you'll need to have confirmation from either your GP or midwife that it is suitable for you to exercise, as there are some conditions where it is not advisable to do so. The period of 8-14 weeks during the first trimester is when most miscarriages occur and it's advisable to stop exercising during these weeks until the pregnancy is well established.

Group Classes: Book your place.

Classes are run in terms of either 6 or 7 weeks, booked and paid for in advance. I don't run drop-in classes. Class size is small by design, to give a more personal feel to the sessions. All equipment is provided for you but please bring a clean pair of socks, a bottle of water and wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily.

Venue

St Bride Foundation, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, EC4Y 8EQ. Click here for a map.

Pregnancy Pilates	THURSDAY: St Bride Foundation, 1 - 2pm
Spring Term 1:	these are now online

Prior to each block starting, classes are offered on a passport basis so your fee covers you attending up to and including 6 classes out of a 7 week block or attending up to and including 5 classes out of 6, if it's a 6 week block. Please note I'm unable to offer any further reductions on the passport option.

You can pay for all of the classes within the whole block if you wish but please be aware there are no refunds for missed classes and classes can't be carried over to a new block. Do get in touch for the fee for either option. You can join mid-term without having to wait for a new block of classes to start as long as there is a place free and you pay for the remaining classes in the block; please email for availability, price and booking details.

Please take a moment to read my Terms & Conditions which includes class guidelines.

How the classes support you

Ante natal Pilates focuses on supporting your body during pregnancy and preparing it for the demands of giving birth.

Pregnancy isn't the time to be concerned with weight loss or increasing fitness levels. It is a slightly gentler class than a normal Pilates class and the exercises concentrate on breathing, relaxation, pelvic and ribcage stability, how to support the abdominal wall and most importantly, learning how to exercise the pelvic floor correctly.

We work on increasing your postural awareness by developing the deep postural muscles; vital for protecting your spine and supporting your bump as the pregnancy progresses. Light hand weights are used to strengthen the upper back and arms in readiness for lifting and carrying your baby.

When should I not exercise?

If you have any of the symptoms below or are unsure whether to exercise or not, please consult your GP, midwife or ante natal clinic.

Bleeding or pain (including incompetent cervix and pubic pain)
Dizziness, faintness or shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Sever headaches and swelling
Very anaemic
When you experience Braxton Hicks or labour pains.

I wanted to thank you though, as I have found them extremely beneficial and the information and support you have provided has been brilliant. Some of the advice you have given I would never have known if I hadn’t come to your classes – so thanks very much!

Ling, Pregnancy Pilates Client

Photography © Niels Rakhorst & Jacqueline Pye. Photographs cannot be reproduced without the photographers' prior permission.