As anyone who has been to a well-equipped health club knows, Pilates has exploded in the wellness industry in the past ten years. Only 1.7 million Americans had tried Pilates in 2000, but in 2006 that number had risen to 10.7 million and is estimated at over 14.5 million today. Nearly 30% of participants reported trying it for the first time in 2006. These numbers will only continue to grow. Americans also had about 4.3 million births in 2006. As many women have learned the hard way, abdominal muscles can stretch up to 300% during pregnancy! The impact that has on your body is amazing and can best be managed with a Pilates regimen, a system of over 650 exercises that uses an “abdominal connection” in every single exercise. For the new mom, Pilates is often recommend as the “quick” way to firm up those tummy muscles and help shed those pregnancy pounds. But did you know that Pilates can help that mom long before her new family member arrives? It can firm and tone her abdominals throughout her pregnancy, helping to ensure that her return to her pre-baby shape is as quick, easy and successful as possible. But, more importantly, with this book, her Pilates practice will be safe! The Nine Month Workout: Pilates is the first book ever to provide women with a series of Pilates exercises that follows the guidelines of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). In fact, its author, Lisa Johnson is the first and only Pilates instructor ever admitted to the ACOG as an educational affiliate. | 
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