Prenatal Pilates


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Prenatal Pilates is a 60 minute class designed to promote good posture and spinal alignment, easing the strain and tensions involved with a changing body during pregnancy. Participants will learn to improve awareness of their bodies creating "conscientious" movement that will extend beyond the walls of the classroom.

The class will teach the principles developed by Joseph Pilates with proper modifications to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and levels of fitness.

The benefits of Pilates during pregnancy include:

Increasing the deep abdominal strength providing support for the weight of the baby and taking pressure off the spine;
Increasing pelvic floor strength and greater awareness of the muscles used during childbirth;
Improving muscle endurance especially in the "core" region including the abdomen, back, pelvic and shoulder girdles;
Promoting relaxation through the use of flowing movements and focus on breath.

Each class will consist of full body warm-ups and mindful exercise sequences performed primarily in the sitting and side-lying positions and stretches. Toning bands and exercise balls may be incorporated. Participants should bring their own personal exercise mat and a large towel to each class.

Class is limited in size. Prior registration and a signed consent (PDF) from your obstetrician or midwife are required to begin.

Dates: 2008 fall dates TBA.

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000