Congrats on your new baby!

Now is the time to stay toned, stretched and centered so you can feel strong and recharged for your little one. Classical Pilates is a safe and effective way to train the body through all three trimesters and prepare for a beautiful child birth and a quick recovery. We focus on breathing and strengthening your pelvic floor and postural muscles to ease the challenges and discomfort of labour.

This is for women who are wanting to stay fit and looking for a healthy way to approach common issues that may arise during pregnancy. Prepare and reinforce healthy movement through pregnancy with an individualized Pilates program.

  • SI Dysfunction

  • De quervain's tenosynovitis (mommy thumb/wrist)

  • Pubic Symphysis Pain

  • Sciatica

  • Scoliosis

  • Round ligament pain

The Pelvic Floor - What does it really do?

The pelvic floor is a very important group of muscles and ligaments that attach to your pubic bone at the front and the tail bone at the back. This group of muscles support the bladder, uterus and bowel and help you control bladder control and bowel function. Like any muscles, they can become injured or weakened. Up to 50% of postpartum women have prolapse so it’s important to stay strong with a proper exercise program. If you’re experiencing issues such as incontinence, prolapse etc. please check in with a specialized Pelvic floor physiotherapist before any exercise program.

Things to help prolapse healing:

Pilates hip/glute, thigh strengthening (to help support your pelvis!), breathwork, side laying work, sitting work, supine exercises, swimming, cycling, walking, kegel exercises.

Downward pressure - these muscles are weak and loose so avoid downward pressure as they cannot support it.

  • Avoid: Running, skipping, jumping jacks, squats, wide leg exercises, weight bearing exercises, plyometrics (downward pressure), planks, abdominal crunches, heavy lifting and carrying, limit standing work.

  • Always check in with how you’re feeling and stopping any exercise with pressure.

ALIGN I PILATES I Vancouver Testimonial

I have worked with Brita through the past 5 years through so many different stages in my life and body. She helped me get fit for my wedding, rehab from a car accident and recently prepare my body for a healthy, fit pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She has helped me gain strength in muscles I’ve never had access to. It’s changed my posture, the level of pain and discomfort in my body, my strength and flexibility, and helped me navigate the constant changes in my body during pregnancy.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this woman! She’s fun, knowledgeable, adaptable, observant, pushes me where I need to be pushed and has such a natural supportive and encouraging way of teaching. One on one pilates with Brita is time, energy and resources well spent for my health and wellness. Thanks Brita!!

- Dr. Katie Leah

Brita is an amazing and attentive instructor. She pushes me every session I have with her. She has helped me so much with alignment and reducing pain stemming from a car accident and previous surgeries. Not only am I getting physically stronger but I am also breaking through mental barriers with my Pilates practice. Brita has a healing light that she shares with all of her clients and I am so grateful for all of her help.

- Susana Ponce