Effects of Pilates and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Postpartum Weight Loss and Body Composition

Effects of Pilates Versus Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercises on Weight Loss, Body Mass Index and Waist to Hip Ratio in Postpartum Period.

After childbirth, many women experience difficulty losing pregnancy-related weight, which can affect their health, self-esteem, and physical activity. Regular exercise, including Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, is considered a safe and natural method to improve fitness and support weight loss during the postpartum period. This study aims to compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise on body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio in postpartum women over 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Pilates group or an aerobic exercise group, with both groups exercising three times weekly for 45-60 minutes. The results will then be compared to determine which exercise method is more effective.

After childbirth, many women find it hard to lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy. This weight can affect their health, self-esteem, and ability to stay active. Regular exercise is a safe and natural way to help lose weight and improve fitness during the postpartum period. Two popular forms of exercise are Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises (like brisk walking or cycling).

This study aims to find out which type of exercise-Pilates or aerobic exercise- is more helpful for postpartum women in reducing body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio over a period of 8 weeks. To do this, women will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will do Pilates exercises, and the other group will do aerobic exercises. Both groups will exercise three times a week for about 45-60 minutes each session. At the end of 8 weeks, the results will be compared to see which type of exercise is more effective.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 20 to 40 years
• BMI > 25kg/m2 at baseline
• Medically cleared by a health professional to perform physical activity
• Women 6 to 24 weeks postpartum

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women with complications during delivery (Cesarean complications, perineal tears grade 3 or 4)
• Presence of chronic disorders (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, severe anemia)
• Neuromusculoskeletal disorders affecting physical activity
• Currently participating in another fitness program
• Postpartum depression or other psychological disorders that may affect adherence