I practice Pilates just as much for my mental health as my physical health. As we now understand, they are intertwined. In fact, if I do not move in a significant way for more than a couple of days, I feel unbalanced or “off” in my body and in my mind, and I know I am not alone. I feel more reactive, less patient, less able to handle the challenges of motherhood and the stresses of daily life, and more stuck and stiff. On the other hand, when I am in a groove of consistent movement, I feel less stressed, stronger, more in tune with myself and the present moment, more focused on my goals, more peaceful and at ease, and simply happier.
For pregnant moms and moms-to-be, Pilates can be particularly wonderful. Pregnancy can come with enough stressful decisions and unexpected shifts. Adding all of that on top of the stress of the holiday season can become too much to handle. Pilates, of course, has so many physical benefits for pregnancy, including maintaining strength especially of the core and pelvic floor, supporting overall balance in the body, assisting in postural awareness, helping to prepare for birth and a smoother recovery, and so much more. In addition, Pilates can help us during pregnancy to feel centered, calm, mindful, less stressed, and more confident in a rapidly changing body and identity. These are just some benefits for mom; there are also many proven advantages for baby.
Similarly, Pilates is extremely beneficial for postpartum moms, from early on, through that first year, until even many years after the birth and beyond. On the physical side, it can help us to reconnect to our core and pelvic floor, rebuild strength and support recovery, and improve the rounded posture common in new moms. Furthermore, it can relieve tension and stress, provide time to focus just on ourself, help us feel more like ourselves, improve feelings of confidence and empowerment, and elevate mood and energy.
Wouldn’t it be great to create a new tradition by starting the year off in a state of vitality instead of burnout? Calm and energized instead of overextended and exhausted? Why wait until the new year comes when you can start now, even if it is the smallest step forward? Getting that jumpstart on the health, wellness, and fitness goals that tend to come with the new year could not only help you to start the year off on the right foot, but also could help you navigate the stress and overwhelm of the holiday season that precedes it. I know it can be daunting to add in more commitments when all we want to do is simplify our schedules and commit to less, especially when we are pregnant or postpartum. However, supporting our mental and physical health through moving our bodies - and particularly a mindful movement like Pilates - is simply something that deserves to take a high spot on our list of priorities - this season, and all seasons to come.
Kristin Colsky Gavin is a native of Sausalito and lives there now with her husband, John, and her three-year-old son, William. She is a UC Berkeley graduate and certified Pilates instructor with over ten years of experience and her own business, Kristin Gavin Pilates. Kristin has worked with all kinds of bodies, ages, and fitness levels but specializes in supporting mothers and working with pregnant and postpartum clients. Contact her at kristin@kristingavinpilates.com. Website coming soon!
When not practicing or teaching Pilates, Kristin can be found swimming, practicing yoga, hiking the trails of Marin, cooking, writing, studying languages, traveling near and far, and spending time with her family. She started open water swimming several years ago and has completed the Alcatraz to San Francisco swim three times.
More from this issue:
Homegrown Education: Homemade Gifts Read >>
Movement & Motherhood: How Pilates can Support our Physical and Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum Read >>
Advertorial: It’s OK to Fail, Even Epically Read >>
The Nurtured Mommy: The Magic of Traditions Read >>
Nurture Revolution: The Power of Nurture: Building Emotional Resilience from Infancy Read >>