A wonderful conditioning exercise for women of all shapes and sizes, Pilates is now recognised as one of the best exercise programmes for the pregnant body as well. It offers quite an amazing number of benefits, while being a gentle, low-impact regime. These include:--Improved circulation in the abdomen area (this is unique to Pilates)--Firmer, wider and longer abdominal muscles, which reduce backache during pregnancy and speed recovery post delivery--Faster return to shape after delivery--More effective breathing and increased flexibility for easier deliveryThere are also some great indirect advantages to Pilates during pregnancy. By taking care of your body you will also find yourself taking care of your diet, and even your outlook on life and impending motherhood will benefit. The Pilates Pregnancy is an easy step-by-step guide through all the best exercises for the pregnant body. Illustrated throughout, it offers a wonderful programme that has been developed in California by one of America's leading Pilates teachers and which can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

A wonderful conditioning exercise for women of all shapes and sizes, Pilates is now recognized as one of the best overall exercises for the pregnant body as well. A low-impact and relaxing exercise regimen, Pilates doesn't divert blood flow from the growing fetus. As important, Pilates strengthens the abdominal muscles known as the "powerhouse," making it easier for new mothers to recover from childbirth and regain their pre-pregnancy waistline.Working with Dr. Uzzi Reiss, a prominent Los Angeles-based gynecologist and obstetrician, Mari Winsor has developed the first mat-based Pilates routine for pregnant women, bringing this time-efficient and highly effective means to get and stay in shape into the home. Illustrated with 100 black-and-white photographs, the exercises in The Pilates Pregnancy are gentle on the body and easy to do at any stage of pregnancy.