Sassy Mama’s Top 5 Pilates Classes for Mamas-to-be!

Calling all pregnant mamas! As the resident mama-to-be on the Sassy Mama team, I have been scouring Singapore to find some of the best (and safest!) prenatal pilates classes around. And the great news is after weeks of exercising, I know I’ve discovered some of the best classes in town. With a maximum of 6 mums-to-be in each class, and with the tailored feel of a private session (as well as the added benefit of meeting a few other expecting mamas!) here’s my round up of the Top 5 Pilates Classes for Mamas-to-be in Singapore!

Most studios recommend that you wait until your second trimester to start prenatal fitness classes. As for when to stop, I had a classmate who was doing pilates right up until a few weeks before her due date, so it all depends on your individual condition!

Breathe Pilates

Specializing in clinical Pilates, and with studios in Novena and on the East Coast, Breathe Pilates’ Preggie Bellies class uses reformer equipment to work your core and keep those back muscles strong throughout pregnancy. With 4 classes per week across their two locations, mamas-to-be can join the class from the start of their 2nd trimester (and can keep working out right up until week 38!). Once bubs arrives new mamas can sign up for their Preggi Bellies No More class and gently regain their pre-baby abdominal strength and tone.

Fave takeaway: As a mama-to-be, it felt good walking into a Medical Centre for my Pilates class (it’s all about peace of mind, mamas!).

Newton: 10 Sinaran Drive, #09-33 Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
Tel: (+65) 9835 5683

East Coast: 217 East Coast Road, #02-05/06/07, Singapore 428915
Tel: (+65) 9835 5683

Core Fitness

As a dedicated physiotherapy and pilates centre in the heart of Orchard, Core Fitness‘ prenatal pilates classes strengthen the deep abdominal muscles, tone the pelvic floor, and improve upper body strength… helping expecting mamas be physically ready for the demands of labour and birth. With many of their instructors also physiotherapists, they do a great job at accommodating the various ability levels of pregnant mamas, and can tailor moves depending on the stage of pregnancy. Classes include a mix of equipment (reformer and springboard) and mat based exercises, and there’s even a postnatal class for when you’re ready to get back into it post-baby!

Fave takeaway: As a total gym germ freak, I loved that all the equipment was wiped down after each class.

583 Orchard Road, #05-04 Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884
Tel: (+65) 6737 3406

Focus Pilates

With an open and well lit environment that instantly puts pregnant mamas at ease, Focus Pilates‘ integrated pilates and physiotherapy studios offer six prenatal pilates classes per week across their Orchard and Raffles Place locations. Using a healthy mix of reformer and mat-based exercises, mamas-to-be will tone their tummy muscles, build their core strength, and prepare their bodies for giving birth, under the guidance of qualified instructors. They even have onsite private physiotherapy rooms for mamas who prefer a private pilates or physiotherapy session.

Fave takeaway: These classes are perfect for working mamas, as their Raffles Place location runs classes during your lunch break, and just after work!

Orchard: 302 Orchard Road, #08-03/04 Tong Building (next to Paragon), Singapore 238862
Tel: (+65) 6733 8785

Raffles Place: 22 Malacca Street, #08-00 RB Capital Building (Royal Brothers), Singapore 048980
Tel: (+65) 6235 3938

Pilates Bodyworks

Perfect for city-bound working mamas, Pilates Bodyworks offers group prenatal pilates classes at their Raffles Place location… and at 6:30pm on a Friday evening, it’s perfect for a bit of “me” time before the weekend. A combination of mat and reformer work, their classes use low impact exercises to restore flexibility and improve strength in the core, back and pelvic floor muscles.

Fave takeaway: They send you an SMS confirmation the day before your class — great for those baby brain moments!

1 Finlayson Green #12-01, Singapore 049246
Tel: (+65) 6538 8922

 Image sourced via shutterstock

Power Moves

Nestled away in the lush surrounds of Bishan Park and Dempsey Hill, Power Moves has a number of prenatal pilates classes to choose from, with 5 classes per week offered across their two locations. Perfect for mamas who like a bit of get up and go in their exercise routine, classes are an interesting mix of reformer, mat and ball exercises that help tone and strengthen the mid-section.

Fave takeaway: It felt like such a treat heading to Dempsey for my workout, with all the trees and greenery around.

Dempsey Hill: Dempsey 6ix and 7even, 6 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249683
Tel: (+65) 6472 2221

Bishan Park: Aramsa The Garden Spa, Bishan Park II, Singapore 569931
Tel: (+65) 6455 2221

And if you can’t make it to the studio…

Donna O’Shea Fitness

Too busy to get to the studio? Donna offers one-on-one private pilates and personal training sessions at your home, condo gym or even your park of choice — all you need is a shady space to unfurl your exercise mat! With a focus on improving strength and stamina through gentle (and safe!) exercises, Donna’s sessions will help you get strong enough to meet the demands of pregnancy with ease.

Fave takeaway: She comes to you. Need I say more?

Tel: (+65) 9231 1528
www.donnaosheafitness.com