Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise for pregnant women and here's why: It strengthens and tones the abdominals, pelvic floor and back safely and quickly. Actually, Pilates is the pregnancy exercise of choice for many reasons, but I do think the pregnancy and Pilates claim to fame is that Pilates does such a great job with keeping core and stabilizer muscles fit.

The ability to modify exercises so that they work for a changing body and the focus on control, precision, and appropriate levels of exercise intensity all come together to make Pilates a safe choice for exercising during pregnancy. Combine that with the inward focus of other Pilates principles like, centering, breath and flow and you have a system that can work throughout a pregnancy. With good instruction, a Pilates session can be an integrative time for body, mind and baby!

For more information about how Pilates can support a healthy pregnancy, and some things to keep in mind about doing Pilates while pregnant, read Pilates and Pregnancy.

_{photo: courtesy of SXC}