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Pregnancy

"Body Balance" exercise class in Pregnancy

7 replies

MrsBloomingTroll · 10/03/2011 12:05

Further to the thread about Pilates...

Does anyone have any experience of doing 'Body Balance' classes in pregnancy? (Body Balance is a mix of Tai chi, Pilates and Yoga to music)

I'm around 16-18 weeks with DC2. I did Pregnancy Pilates with my first pregnancy and loved it, but of course now have the issue of babysitting for DD1. I can't find a local pregnancy Pilates/Yoga class that fits around my schedule.

So I was delighted to bump into my 'Body Balance' class instructor today and she told me that she can let me know some pregnancy modifications which will enable me to go back to her class (I stopped as soon as I got the positive test result), which is included in my gym membership and at a time I can make it!

The other good news is that the instructor taught the class throughout her last pregnancy and so knows what it feels like from a participant perspective. She's so lovely!

Does anyone have experience of doing 'Body Balance' during pregnancy? Was it good or hard work? Apart from the abs work, what should I watch out for? My instructor is good fun and doesn't take it too seriously, and I like the rest of the people in the class, so I'm hoping it will be okay.

Thanks in advance!

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SnapFrakkleAndPop · 10/03/2011 12:16

Done it all the way through and love it (nearly 35 weeks). My instructor says I can go til my waters break!

Watch the twists, the ones in the current choreography aren't pregnancy friendly but there are options from other choreograohies which fit well. This choreography in general is very inversion heavy as well!

The back track as well you'll need to do pregnancy modifications from the start - things in hands and knees rather than flat on stomach putting pressure on your abdomen.

Sun salutations I was doing with knees raise until about 2 weeks ago but pushing up into upwards facing dog rather than the cobra for the first. Depends on your bump though.

There are abs options you can do if you know them but tbh I'm now either using that track for pelvic tilts or as a rest!

The balance track is always fun as your centre of gravity changes from week to week!

My instructors are fab too - they both made special mixes for me last time we modified the choreography slightly that were bump friendly and are happy to take the time to check I'm still okay with everything and go through things so I get maximum benefit.

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MrsBloomingTroll · 10/03/2011 18:13

Thank you SnapFrakkleandPop that's very very helpful!

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Spodel · 11/03/2011 12:23

I've been doing bodybalance for the last couple of years but since falling pregnant (I'm just under 6 weeks)I've not been as I've been worrying about feeling woozy and having to announce to everyone in the class that I'm pregnant yet.

Have also read mixed messages about avoiding anything yoga like for the first trimester....any advice??

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MrsBloomingTroll · 11/03/2011 18:15

FWIW, I've avoided any classes, yoga and Pilates for the whole first trimester (and beyond, Blush) because I felt like cr*p, was throwing up and was tired all the time. It's only been the past few weeks that I've started to feel I might be able to do something.

I would leave it until after your 12-week scan, then you can tell your instructor and get some advice.

Pregnancy Yoga and Pilates are great because you get to meet fellow mums-to-be and the classes tend to have a big element of chatting/introductions then some very gentle exercises (in my experience) followed by some nice relaxation and breathing techniques. But again, I would be wary of starting anything until after your scan.

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jenga079 · 11/03/2011 18:15

I do it. The instructors should be trained in 'pregnancy alternatives' and able to tell you what adaptations to make. I find both the ab track and back track virtually impossible (don't want to lie on stomach or back) but I just take time out to relax during them.

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NaomiKnees · 16/11/2012 11:37

I'm glad that your instructor was helpful! Mine didn't have a clue about exercise during pregnancy and even suggested that I shouldn't be doing any!
The site has a fitness expert that you can ask fitnessy questions to, so maybe she could help? www.fittamamma.com/forum/

I might look into body balance for after pregnancy!

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photochick · 16/11/2012 15:50

speaking from a purely yoga background generally I have been advised don't start again until after 12 weeks (some people will say 14/16). Depends on how you are feeling and your experiance in the classes previously.
Avoid: deep twists, lying on your front, big abdominal stretches and backbends. If you have any SPD avoid asymmetrical movements (e.g. lunges), in later pregnancy (after 30 weeks) avoid lying on your back - lie on your side instead. Don't hold any pose for too long - come out and go back into it. Also be aware that your ligaments etc throughout your body soften during pregnancy so you have to be careful not to overstretch.
I hope that doesn't sound like to many things to avoid! I am sure with an understanding and knowledgeable teacher you will be fine. They should be able to go through alternatives/variations with you. Enjoy the classes but listen to your body and be prepared to slow down and modify the exercises as needed.

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