The arrival of a baby typically overwhelms new mothers with emotion, parenting duties and fatigue. Every second of the day is devoted to the little one, with no 'me time' for mothers to relax and take care of their own post-natal health. Exercise sinks low on the to-do list.
But it doesn't have to be that way, says Heather Thomas Shalabi, a Pilates instructor and founder of Flex Studio in Wong Chuk Hang. She says new mothers should take advantage of the rush of good hormones after delivery and get right back into exercise instead of putting it off for months - by which time hormone loss and exhaustion will set in.
Pilates is the perfect post-natal workout, says Shalabi.
'Pilates strengthens the core control muscles of the lower abdominal region and pelvic floor, creating a muscular 'corset' to support the spine,' says the mother of a 10-year-old and six-year-old twins.
The exercise method, founded by German Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, blends toning and stretching to alleviate muscular tension from repetitive movements, such as bending over, carrying and nursing.
'Pilates also helps participants rediscover pre-pregnancy body awareness by focusing on balance, posture and breath to facilitate movement,' says Shalabi. 'Also, stimulating circulation will promote the reduction of excess water weight retained after delivery.'