FIT FOR BABY

Prepping your body for the physical toll of pregnancy can help when trying for a baby. Leading pre- and postnatal fitness expert Hollie Grant reveals five Pilates moves that offer support

ARM REACH

Focus area: During pregnancy, the growing uterus can pull the pelvis forward at the front and cause us to lean backwards. This is a great exercise for teaching core activation that stabilises the spine and reduces the leaning back effect.

• Start standing and, as you exhale, reach your arms up overhead. Hold them there for a moment.

• Stay in neutral (don’t lean back), then inhale and lower the arms back down by your sides. Reach up to repeat the move.

• By staying in a neutral stance, you will work the front abdominals.

HIP HINGES

Focus area: This exercise activates the hamstrings and glutes, which can become weak from too much sitting down. During pregnancy, it is these muscles that will give the pelvis support as the uterus grows. 

• Find a neutral standing position and bring your hands to prayer position at your chest, with knees soft.

• When you’re ready, imagine you are bowing – push your bottom back and hinge at the hips until you can go no further.