Yoga or Pilates??

**MandieA** · 13-07-2008 20:11

HELP I'm a first time mum to be

and I have not excersized in YEARS and Im very unfit

but understand the importance of getting my body ready for the birth and need some advice should I do yoga or pilates? Im already walking (not much) but need the structure of a class any ideas or suggestions??

**justmum** · 13-07-2008 21:38

Have a look for antenatal yoga classes or pilates classes.

The most beneficial thing I did with my first pregnancy was antenatal aqua aerobics. You will usually find these classes in local pools or at physios attached to private hospitals.

**JenL** · 13-07-2008 21:40

I ahve just booked into pregnancy yoga classes. I chose yoga because it is about strengthening and relaxation.

**Ffrenchknickers** · 13-07-2008 21:42

You can do both or either

Most of the moves are fine, especially in early pregnancy and any qualified instrucor will be able to tell you how to adapt things as you grow.

If you are a member of a gym or have one near by look for a Body Balance class....it is a mixture of Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. I taught it up until I was 40 weeks pregnant.

Have fun.

**zephani** · 14-07-2008 00:08

We don't seem to have antenatal yoga classes where I live. Well I can't find them if we do. Can anyone reckon antenatal yoga dvd that I can do at home?

**SilverStarfish** · 14-07-2008 00:14

Originally Posted by Ffrenchstar

If you are a member of a gym or have one near by look for a Body Balance class....it is a mixture of Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. I taught it up until I was 40 weeks pregnant.

I loooooove Body Balance!! I did it right through my last pregnancy, up until about a week before I hatched.

I did aqua aerobics with my first.

So long as you have an understanding and properly trained instructor, you don't NEED to go to a specifically done pregnancy/antenatal class.

That said, if you are already doing regular exercise, then it's fine to continue it during your pregnancy (with normal precautions about heart rate, impact, listening to your body etc). Pregnancy is not a time to START any sort of gung ho exercise program... so you should definitely have a good talk to your doctor and instructors before you start