The joy of Pilates, after becoming a mum.

I am now a mum. My boy is now 6 months old and brings me so much joy - particularly his ‘croissant’ legs, his infectious smile and how how enjoys nothing more than walks in the sling, happily smiling at folk. What I have also realised is how important and joyful time to myself is. For me this is doing Pilates, even if its a quick 20 minute session. It serves me when I am feeling ‘tired but wired’, feeling thankful, feeling anxious, feeling overwhelmed, feeling mellow, feeling like demolishing an entire pack of cookies (most likely Pilates + cookies will occur) or feeling happy. I could go on; the many emotions of motherhood are an endless list. I never finish a Pilates session with regret.

It reminds me to breath, to unlock my jaw that I didn’t even realise was clenched until I unclenched it, to drop my shoulders and to feel proud of how strong my body is for bringing a baby into the world and returning to practice.

I practiced Pilates until the day before his birth and I returned to practice day 3 post birth. My baby decided being breach was the right position for him - stubborn like his mother? Perhaps so. I elected for a C-section after he proved he was not going to budge position. Day 3 post C section how the heck do you think about pilates? Hear me out.

I’m talking very basic Pilates. That’s one of its many perks. There is always a modified form. I stretched my neck, my chest, opened my posture and to be honest standing straight was hard enough with my healing C section scar. I breathed air into my lungs, trying to expand my ribcage and felt my feet grounded on the floor. I slowly circled my shoulders and released my jaw. I engaged and released my pelvic floor. I looked at my scar in the mirror and reinforced to myself my body will heal. I slowly drew my belly button in towards my spine exhaled, and inhaled to release. I had a little happy weep (blaming ongoing emotions from the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special).

Pilates for me has navigated me through testing times; occupational burn out as a Physiotherapist (after my day clinic I used to teach two evening classes, this was my switch off and I didn’t view it as ‘work’), living in a flat caught up in the UK cladding scandal and previous pregnancy losses. It has been my constant, loyal pal. So, for me the relief of an uncomplicated birth and the elation of meeting my baby, was cause for celebration.

Today, I continue my Pilates with excitement to return to Poise Reformer Pilates and seeing my awesome clients for more Pilates & daily natter.