One of the most common questions my readers ask me is how to regain our figure after childbirth. Losing weight is relatively easy. But toning up our midsection (read: jelly belly) is much harder. So when Focus Pilates invited me to review their Postnatal Pilates package, I said yes, although conscious exercise isn’t actually my thing.
For many months now, those beautiful body skimming dresses in my closet have been calling out to me but I can’t put them on. Because you know, if I do, I run the risk of people asking if I’m pregnant again. I’m desperate to tone up my midsection in order to wear more clothes.
Focus Pilates Postnatal Package includes:
+ 1 x 30 minute Real Time Ultrasound session with a physiotherapist
My session with Anna Garden – an internationally qualified Senior Physiotherapist was a very interesting and information experience. Using an ultrasound machine (not unlike the ones at your ob-gyn clinic), she determines how strong my Pelvic (Kegel) muscle is. Mine could hold for only 4-5 seconds before other muscles are activated to support the hold. In other word, weak.
I’m been exercising it every now and then, pre and post birth. I was told by my ob-gyn that it helps with childbirth and the recovery afterward. But I didn’t know for sure if I’m working the right muscle prior to this. Do you?
Also, have you heard people (especially moms) say ‘I’m laughing so hard I’m peeing in my pants’? Apparently, it is something that can be corrected if we have strong pelvic muscle.
Like many postnatal moms, I’m also suffering from Diastasis Recti. It means my abdominal wall is split apart down the middle, result from growing uterus pushing against the abdominal wall during pregnancy. In fact, 30-40% of all pregnancies will cause diastasis.
Mine is about 2 fingers apart and half an inch deep. Luckily, Anna told me that with the right exercises, my split abdominal muscles can be brought back together. Whew! However, some of the wrong abs exercises to do if you have diastasis are planks, sit-ups and crunches, which may potentially force the muscles further apart. Who knew?
+ 2 x 60 minute private Pilates sessions
I had been to one pilates class more than 10 years ago, and did not return. I didn’t know the correct postures and was doing it all wrong. I sprained myself in the process.
This time, working one on one with a personal instructor, the experience is very different. And of course, waaaay better for a novice like me. The workout is tailored, and works to strengthen my midsection and help with the diastasis.
The personal instructor was able to talk me through the correct posture for each exercises we did. Posture is very important in Pilates because if you don’t focus on isolating certain parts of your body, you might miss out on doing the exercise right and getting the benefits. When I’m doing really difficult exercises, I often forget to keep my abdominals engaged, and she was able to remind me throughout the class.
I also learn the terms for some of the common moves in Pilates and how to set up the reformer. So I wouldn’t be a duck out of water when I join the group classes.
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| This is how a reformer looks like. It’s basically this moving carriage thing that has weights and different straps and stuff for arm and leg workouts. |
I didn’t sweat at all at my first session and came out thinking,”I can actually do this. Too easy!” Guess what? My abs, back muscle and inner thigh was sore for the next 3 days.
My 2nd session with the personal instructor was a much tougher. She joked that the first session was just a teaser. After the session ended, I could barely walk on my way home. But I LOVE IT!
+ 5 x 60 minute group reformer Pilates classes
I graduated to group classes after my private sessions. I was still a little unsure of the moves, so I attended a fundamental beginner class. The class is pretty much the same as private class where the instructor patiently explain name and moves of each exercises. I found that exercises in fundamental beginner are easier than my second private class.
So if you’ve been to a private session, don’t worry about it and go straight to a reformer beginner group class. If you haven’t had any private session, this class is a good place to start.
I had great experiences at Focus Pilates group classes. Every time the class ended, I find myself wishing it lasted a little longer. The studio can only accommodate up to 10 participants (there were only 4-5 participants at most of my classes), meaning the internationally qualified Polestar Pilates instructor is able to pay more attention on each and every participant.
What I like about the reformer is that it is really a full body workout, targeting functional muscles (gives us good postures) that are hardly used in our day to day sedentary life. Besides the abs which is activated a LOT in Pilates, we work the arms, legs, chest, glutes and a lot of inner thigh too.
+10% off a Maternity Photography Package at BambooShoots Photo
Priced at $485 for all of the above, I think the Postnatal Pilates Package is great for moms who would like to get back into a fitness programme gently. It is important is that post-baby exercise takes into consideration the changes which have occurred to the body, and focus on regaining pelvic floor strength and stability, to ensure that the body quickly and safely returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
Mother’s Day Promotion
*A complimentary 45-minute Trial class on a Pilates Reformer
*All mums who purchase any Pilates package will go in the draw to win one of three great prizes including: a $300 Lorna Jane voucher, a package of five Group Reformer Pilates classes, and a Adeva Spa voucher valued at over $190.
*Exclusive complimentary health talk on the Real Time Ultrasound; essential for those who are expecting, or mummies with a little one. Lead by internationally qualified Senior Physiotherapist, Anna Garden, this educational talk will delve into a discussion on core and pelvic floor strength and stability, and how the Real Time Ultrasound can provide non-invasive muscle feedback, ultimately improving one’s Pilates performance and results. All participants will be entitled to 20% off a private Real Time Ultrasound session.
Bookings are essential for the complimentary talk and class as places are limited. Please contact Focus Pilates on 6733 8785 / 6235 3938, or info@focuspilates.com.sg.
Giveaway!
Update: I have randomly picked a winner. Congratulations to Joyce! Focus Pilates will be in touch with you very soon.
Raffles Place | 6235 3938 | raffles@focuspilates.com.sg
www.focuspilates.com.sg
