3 programs, demonstrated by real moms, offer all you'll need for years. Safe exercises for 0-6 weeks post birth; 2 further programmes progressively build up to more challenging moves. Multiple levels taught with careful and sensible modifications. Learn about recovery from caesarean section plus pelvic floor and abdominal muscle re-education. The importance of how to lift and carry your baby safely is also explained by physical therapist Ann Johnson. Amanda Latchmore, yoga teacher, guides you through 2 sections, both Breathing Techniques and a Relaxation to soothe, restore and inspire. Learn simple yoga methods to use in everyday life and balance your emotions.
00:00I'm delighted that you've taken decisive action to regain your inner strength.
00:04I think Pilates really helped steer my body's recovery after I had my baby.
00:09Pilates for me is sanctuary. It's just pure time out for me.
00:14My name's Lindsay Jackson and I've put together some very carefully selected elements to this DVD to help you on your journey.
00:22And it's a journey about regaining strength and calmness of your mind that I hope will be an enjoyable one.
00:28It's my time and it's important to me really.
00:32And I feel much stronger, much more stable and generally just much stronger and fitter as a person.
00:40The DVD takes you from immediate post birth moves right through to four months exercises and onwards.
00:46It's progressive and gradual and none of the moves are too challenging deliberately.
00:51If you were to progress to the full Joseph Pilates moves straight away you'd find them too difficult. You wouldn't gain by them.
00:58I think because obviously even if you can just make five minutes just to do a few neck exercises or something just to sort of, for yourself,
01:06just gives you a little bit of break from the baby but also it stops you getting aching bones and limbs and things.
01:14So be patient with yourself and even if you haven't done anything for six months,
01:18start at the beginning of the DVD, the easiest part of the programme, and follow it through incrementally.
01:23Only move on from the exercises that are from nought to six weeks when you've been cleared at your six week check.
01:28I think when you've got little ones it's very difficult to find a little slice of time, not just for yourself, but to concentrate and focus on one thing.
01:38And I found it really beneficial just to have, even if it's an hour a week, just to focus on doing something and concentrating on one thing.
01:50And I found that quite mentally refreshing.
01:53One of the questions people ask is when should I move on, when am I ready to move on?
01:57You'll know that you're strong enough to move on when maybe you can do the moves without your spine changing alignment and without struggling.
02:05Since I started Pilates I've found that gradually I've built that strength back and I've got the support there for my spine
02:13which has eliminated a lot of the niggly back aches that I had when I first had my daughter.
02:18Just remembering to hold myself properly has helped me. I think that if I hadn't had that knowledge I probably would have hurt my back or probably done myself some damage really.
02:30The yogic breathing and relaxation sections with Amanda are suitable for everyone and can do those any time.
02:35It just makes you so much stronger and you recover your time so much quicker. Incredibly quicker.
02:43So before you start have a think, what's your outcome from today, what would you like from the session?
02:49Decide that before you press play and then let's start the journey.
