Pilates and Pregnancy – Week 31: Chair Workout and a Baby Shower!

This week Carey had lots of fun exercises in store. We used the Chair along with Balanced Body’s Slastix Resistance Bands (pictured right).The bands hook onto the Chair and can be used in a variety of ways to create resistance.

We started with footwork on the Chair and as I pushed the paddle down with my feet, I held one handle of the Resistance Bands in each hand and did a straight arm lift out to the side. It only took a few repetitions to feel the work in my shoulders! Next, Carey had me sit on a large exercise ball in front of the Chair. I was turned so that the right side of my body was at 90 degrees to the paddle. Then, we did the first three exercises in the Reformer Side Arm Series – Open the Door, Shave the Face, and Lawn Mower – using the Slastix bands hooked to the Chair. Afterwards, I held the Slastix handle in my right hand and did Mermaid reaching away from the Chair. It was great arm work and helped stretch out my side waist.

We ended the workout with low back and side waist stretching. Carey had me stand in front of the Chair, about a foot’s distance back, and hold on to the outer edges of the Chair for support. From there, I softened my knees and flowed through a rounding and extension of the spine similar to Cat/Cow in yoga. Then, I flattened my back and did a subtle side bending motion. Carey describes this motion as being similar to a dog trying to look at its tail. You gently turn your head to one side at the same time that you move your hips to that side, and then switch.

And then it was time to party! Okay . . . not right then, but a few days later Carey threw me a fabulous baby shower and lots of our studio clients attended. We had so much fun and I cannot thank Carey and everyone who celebrated (in person or from afar) enough. This baby already feels so loved. :)

Here are some pictures from the shower day.

Check in next week for news of my 32 week appointment!

-Cassie