Can I Start Pilates While Pregnant?

Absolutely. Pregnancy can be a wonderful time to begin Pilates, and many clients discover us while they're expecting.

That said, when you begin during your pregnancy can influence which type of class we'd recommend. Here's how we think about it.

If you're in your first trimester

For most clients, our group Reformer classes are a great place to start.

During the first trimester, many people are still moving similarly to how they did before pregnancy, which makes it a little easier to learn the fundamentals of Pilates before larger changes in posture, balance and movement mechanics occur.

If you're in your second or third trimester

If you're new to Pilates and are already well into your pregnancy, we generally recommend starting with one or two private sessions before joining our group classes.

This isn't because group classes are inherently unsafe. Rather, by the second and third trimesters, your body has already undergone significant changes in balance, posture, breathing mechanics and core function. Learning Pilates while simultaneously navigating those changes can be more challenging, and it's important to determine whether a group setting is the right fit for you.

A private session allows us to introduce the equipment, teach foundational movement patterns and review common prenatal modifications at a pace that's tailored to you. It also gives your instructor the opportunity to assess your movement, discuss your medical and exercise history and determine whether it's appropriate for you to transition into our group classes.

For many clients, one or two private sessions are all that's needed. Most find that this approach helps them feel more confident, comfortable and prepared when they join a group class.

Request a private session

What if you've already been doing Pilates?

If you've been regularly attending Pilates classes before becoming pregnant, there's usually no reason to stop taking group classes simply because you've entered your second or third trimester.

Our instructors will help you modify exercises as your pregnancy progresses, allowing you to continue participating at a level that's appropriate for your body, your abilities and your stage of pregnancy.

The work itself also shifts as pregnancy progresses, usually less dramatically than people expect.

Pilates through all three trimesters

Which class should you choose?

If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, there is no reason you need a prenatal-specific class. Our regular classes are prenatal friendly, and our instructors routinely provide modifications throughout class.

These formats tend to be the easiest for prenatal clients to modify:

• Core Classic
• Core Focus – Upper Body + Core
• Core Focus – Lower Body + Core
• Core Circuit
• Core Stretch

These classes focus on strength, mobility, balance and core control and can be easily modified as pregnancy progresses.

Before your first class

Let your instructor know you're pregnant before class begins, even if you're early or not showing yet. That's the only thing you need to do - you don't need to know which exercises to avoid or exactly when to modify.

You also won't need to tell your instructor more than once; we can tag your account. If new symptoms come up as your pregnancy progresses, mention them before class so your instructor can adapt the workout that day.

We'll always respect your privacy and won't announce your pregnancy to the rest of the class. Your instructor can quietly offer alternatives throughout class without drawing attention to you.

Our instructors are movement professionals, not medical providers. Questions about whether exercise is appropriate for your specific pregnancy should go to your physician, midwife or other healthcare professional.

Ready to start?

Your first class at either Ann Arbor studio is $15. If you're ever unsure which class is the best fit, we'd be happy to help you decide.

Learn more about prenatal Pilates