When I was pregnant, my body seemed to change overnight. One morning, I’d wake up feeling pretty good, and the next, it felt like even rolling out of bed was hard work. Some days I had energy, other days I was out of breath just climbing the stairs. It was all a mix of emotions.
I started doing pregnancy Pilates in Toronto because I thought it would keep me moving without overdoing it. Yes, it helped with strength and flexibility, but what really stuck with me wasn’t the exercises; it was the breathing. I didn’t expect something as simple as how I inhaled and exhaled to make such a difference, but it did! Breathing through the movements calmed me down when I felt anxious, gave me more space in my body when everything felt cramped, and even made the workouts feel easier.
Breathing Practice in Pregnancy Pilates in Toronto Keeps You Calm
Pregnancy can be wonderful, but let’s be honest, it can also feel exhausting and overwhelming. One day you’re excited and planning everything, and the next you’re so tired that even simple tasks feel like too much. Your body is doing a huge job, and that alone can leave you feeling both grateful and completely drained. That’s why having something as simple as mindful breathing in Pilates can feel like a lifesaver.
When you pay attention to your breath in class, your body gets a signal to settle. A slow inhale tells your nervous system, “you’re safe, slow down”. Then the exhale works almost like a release valve, letting your muscles soften and drop some of the tension they’ve been holding. As you move in this way, the exercises stop feeling like a strain and become more controlled, almost like your body is finally on your side again.
How Breath Supports Your Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that doesn’t always get talked about, but it works all the time during pregnancy. These muscles support your uterus, bladder, and bowels, and they take on more weight as your baby grows. Every breath in pregnancy Pilates connects you to this part of your body.
- When you exhale:
The pelvic floor naturally lifts. This light lift gives the area strength and support. It can help with posture, ease some pressure on your lower back, and even lower the chances of small leaks when you sneeze, laugh, or cough.
- When you inhale:
The pelvic floor softens and relaxes. This release is just as important as the lift. It teaches your body not to hold tightness all the time and prepares the muscles to let go when they need to, which is especially helpful during birth and later recovery.
Making Room for Your Growing Belly
As your baby grows, things shift around inside. Your organs move up, your diaphragm doesn’t have as much room, and suddenly, taking a deep breath feels like work. Without noticing, you might start breathing just into your chest, which can leave you short of breath or even more tired.
Pregnancy Pilates in Toronto teaches a different way to breathe that feels so much better with a growing belly. Instead of puffing the chest, you learn to open the ribs out to the sides and back. In class, this is often called “lateral breathing,” and once you try it, it makes a big difference.
- You’ll notice your lungs fill more easily without pushing on your bump.
- Breathing feels smoother, and you don’t tire out as quickly.
- Your core feels supported, because you’re not straining or putting pressure on your belly.
Breathwork Helps With Overthinking
Be honest, how many times a day do you catch yourself worrying? “Am I eating enough? Will my body handle labor? Is this movement safe?” It’s normal for your mind to spin like this, especially with so many changes happening all at once.
However, focusing on your breath during pregnancy Pilates gives your mind a break. For those 45 minutes at studios like Body Cadence Pilates, your thoughts slow down. Each inhale and exhale becomes something steady to focus on, which helps quiet the constant noise of planning and second-guessing. You’re not spiraling through a to-do list, just breathing, moving, and listening to your body.
A Tool You’ll Actually Use in Labor
One of the best things about practicing breathwork during pregnancy, Pilates in Toronto, is that it’s not just for class. It shows up when it really matters. The same breathing patterns you practice now become the ones you can lean on during labor. Slow exhales can help you handle the strong moments. Deep, calm inhales give you focus and help you feel in control. Every time you practice breathing in Pilates, you’re warming up for the big day. By the time labor starts, those breaths feel familiar, and you already know how to lean on them.
So, what are you waiting for?
Sign up for classes at Body Cadence Pilates today.
