There is a lot of debate on the subject of Pilates and pregnancy and exercise in general. Generally speaking, moderate exercise is safe through a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle Pilates exercises are appropriate. However, keep the following cautions in mind:

• Do not over-exert the abdominal muscles.
• Take care of your lower back, which can be strained by the weight of the fetus.
• Avoid all Pilates exercises that require you to lay on your back. The American Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology cautions women in the second trimester of pregnancy against doing any exercises that require this position as it can compromise the vascular system of both the mother and fetus.
• Do not over-stretch, as relaxin and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy causing the ligaments around the joints to become lax, loose and vulnerable.
• Be aware that your center of gravity and therefore your sense of balance has changed.
• Do not start a brand new exercise regimen in the first trimester.

That being said, many gentle stretching and strengthening Pilates exercises can be good for a woman’s body and mind during pregnancy. To be safe during pregnancy, only practice Pilates under the guidance of a professional Pilates instructor who has been trained to teach women in this condition.

Personal Pilates training is our main focus at the studio here at TFC.

Group Reformer/Tower class: Group classes are a structured class on the Studio Reformer/Tower with 5 people in a class. A Pilates trainer leads each student through the same exercise at the same pace, all being performed on the Studio Reformer/Tower Sessions for 2-4 students: Sometimes called duets and trios, these small group sessions are a little more economical per participant than a private session, but still allows for plenty of individual assessment, guidance and monitoring. Various mat and equipment exercises can be approached in these sessions. Private one-on-one session: A personal training session the most effective way to learn, practice and perfect your Pilates performance. The instructor devotes undivided attention to your specific needs and develops a custom program for optimum results.

Group Pilates mat classes are still offered at TFC and are included in the terms of your membership. For class dates and times, see the TFC group fitness schedule or the Pilates specific schedule.

In machine Pilates, you will work one-on-one with a certified instructor, who has been trained extensively to design and modify the exercises with your specific needs in mind. Your instructor will move you from one piece of equipment to another, choosing from well over 500 exercises, after mutually assessing you specific needs and goals.

The group Reformer/Tower classes are small and limited to 5 individuals. Because of the small class size, it is similar to a semi-personal training session. The instructor will move the class in unison, allowing the participants an opportunity to develop awareness and concentration. The group energy and supportiveness of your classmates can inspire you to new heights, to gain new capabilities that you didn’t even know were possible.

In group Pilates mat classes, you will be with a larger group of people, performing the same exercises, at the same pace. With a Pilates class, the instructor may only be able to occasionally give you special attention, based on your movement, and will direct the group as a whole. We recommend that you only do Pilates classes if you are without injuries and are relatively fit and pain-free. Since there is no apparatus in the Pilates mat class, you will look to your own body to create resistance, an amazing way to connect with and strengthen your core.

The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise. The Reformer glides forward & backwards on rollers and uses springs for resistance, along with other attachments, for a wide variety of exercises and positions (i.e. lying down, seated & standing.

To enroll in any equipment class you must first attend 4 Private sessions. The 4 introductory sessions cover the history, principles of Pilates and the anatomy of the REformer/Tower which is the equipment you will be using in the studio.  Each private instruction is meant to evaluate your strength and ability and introduce you to the particular exercise that you will become proficient with by practicing the exercise in a classroom setting

This will introduce you to the Pilates equipment, give you and the instructor an idea of where your body’s strengths and weaknesses lie and provide the attention needed to formulate your goals. After your private session you will be more comfortable with the principals and philosophy of Plates, and you and your teacher will decide how you will proceed from there. Contact Suze Cheever to schedule your 4 introductory Pilates session.

A package of 4 Introductory Private sessions paid in advance is $150.00

Suze Cheever
405-812-3289
pilates@transformationfitness.com

Pilates is a musculo-skeletal conditioning exercise. In combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness, etc.) , it’s all you need. For people who reach advanced levels, they can actually elevate their heart rate with more advanced Pilates workouts.