EXPERT Q&A: PILATES AND PREGNANCY
Q: I am 20 weeks pregnant and starting to find my regular Pilates Mat class too challenging (and getting a back ache!). Is there a way to continue Pilates throughout pregnancy?
A: Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for creating long, lean muscles while maintaining flexibility. It is also very good at core strengthening. However, many of the movements in traditional Pilates can create or increase diastasis recti. Diastasis recti occurs from the forward forceful movement of the rectus abdominus (six pack) muscles. During pregnancy, the growing uterus causes this pressure and a separation in 95% of all pregnant women. In addition to the forces of pregnancy, any crunch or Pilates 100 type movement will create an additional forward forceful movement, worsening the condition a pregnant women is already prone to. This is because if the head and shoulders are both off the floor in a backlying position, it is physically impossible for most people to firmly hold the belly button to the spine. If the belly button is not held firmly to the spine, the abdominal muscles will jut forward forcefully during the exercise which creates or worsens the separation of the recti muscles. We like to bring Pilates vertical during pregnancy to avoid this. Attend a seminar or class or book a private session for more information on correct abdominal work and key modifications to Pilates for pregnancy.
Expert advice provided by Heidi Moon, spabebe founder, certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer and creator of the Core Rx technique.
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EXPERT Q&A: Navigating Nursery School Admissions in NYC
Q: My son is not even one year old and I am high on anxiety about the preschool admissions process. How and when should I get started?
A: It is not too early to get started. Yes, it is true that getting into your first choice nursery school in Manhattan just may be harder than getting your child into Harvard. Preschools just have not caught up to the Manhattan baby boom.
Feeling preschool pressure? You are not alone. Many New Yorkers are extremely stressed about the seemingly ridiculously intense process two year olds must undergo for preschool admissions. Although it seems silly, there is somewhat of a domino effect. The good news is that there is a place for everyone. Start now, and navigating the process will be much easier this fall. Here is a guide to getting you started:
1.) Know your options. Review the available guides to schools, such as the Parents League of New York (www.parentsleague.org) or through Independent Admissions Association of Greater New York's Web site - www.isaagny.org. Think about what would be a reasonable commute for you and your 2-3 year old, and start reviewing their websites or requesting information.
2.) Know the process. Many schools start very early. Some are lottery systems, other first-come, first-serve. Information on process is available from each school. Enlist the advice of friends or experts. If you have friends who have been through the process, they can be a great guide. There is also help available through expert consultants throughout the process, such as Smart City Kids (www.smartcitykids.com)
3.) Prepare yourself and your toddler. Often both the toddler and the parents are interviewed. Teaching independence and self-directedness will help prepare your toddler.
Once you have started the process, be sure to give yourself options and apply to a variety of schools. Investigate teacher qualifications and retention, and look for a positive, well-organized environment. Understand what you are looking for regarding parent involvement and find a match to your needs.
Expert Advice provided by Patti Wollman, a highly sought-after nursery school admissions consultant with Smart City Kids See Patti and spabebe founder Heidi Moon in the newly released film Nursery University.
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