Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy

Before becoming pregnant, I was actively involved in Pilates. This book is great because it modified standard Pilates moves for pregnancy. Since I am currently in my first trimester, I prefer to do some of the moves as we do in class, and the book is too easy in a few aspects. But I can see, as I move through my pregnancy and my belly becomes bigger, that the modifications and suggestions will be great to have and will help to keep me in Pilates shape. I like the focus on breathing, which is so important in Pilates.

This book is is wonderfully presented with great informations, but a can leave you a bit hungry. It's a great bargin and a nice quick referance for teachers. I have found many points that have not been addressed in thicker and more expensive books. The exercises they have chosen to illustrate are well thought out because they offer idea's on how to modify similar exercises. A great workbook for current students and instructors.

I did pilates for 3 months before I became pregnant and for the first 3 months of my pregnancy, until it became clear that neither of my two teachers knew how to adapt the exercises for a pregnant woman. This book is excellent: well written, with many good photos accompanied by clear instruction. The exercises are modified for each of the 3 trimesters and for 3 levels of experience with Pilates, from beginner to experienced. There is a complete section on postnatal conditioning as well. There are sufficient exercises for a good program, neither too long nor too short. The exercises are designed with extensive consideration for avoiding long- and short-term pregnancy and postnatal damage. This book DOES lay flat and will be appreciated by those who don't always want to work out in front of a video or as a more complete adjunct to a video. I do not know, however, whether a beginner can learn Pilates only from a book, without the feedback from an instructor. Women should also not expect an aerobic workout from Pilates; instead, you will strengthen and condition your core more in the style of yoga, tai chi, or weight training.

This book addresses a number of very important issues of Pilates exercise and safety for pregnant women, with extensive consideration of your overall physical condition before and after delivery. A number of other Pilates books for pregnancy do not focus on important aspects of abdominal muscle integrity and the effects of hormones like relaxin on your body during pregnancy and after delivery. The exercise focus during and immediately after pregnancy should be on proper breathing, aiding your posture and stability, rather than "working out". This is a time to develop greater body awareness and breathing techniques, not to try for major fitness goals. Some Pilates exercises simply should not be pursued after the 20th week of pregnancy. Michael King's book will allow you to assess your pre-natal and post-partum condition and evaluate which exercises will be safe for you to perform, as well as beneficial for your body. An Excellent book.