Sarah Michelle Gellar leaving a pilates class. Photo: Bauer-Griffin

Many stars seem to bounce right back after having babies. And for the scores of celebs who do Pilates during their pregnancy, it's not surprising. Currently preggers, Jessica Alba and Sarah Michelle Geller both attend classes regularly. Other celeb moms who incorporated Pilates into their pregnancy fitness routines include Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Full disclosure here, I own a Pilates studio, and I've been working with pregnant clients since 1999. I, myself, did Pilates throughout my pregnancy. I'm biased, but I believe Pilates is hands down the best workout anyone can do while you're pregnant and here's why.

• Easy on the joints, but still a great workout. You might feel like your back is out of whack or your knees are wobbly, but Pilates will help you stay centered and balanced.
• Your abs stay strong. Did you know your abdominals can stretch up to 300 percent during your pregnancy? With Pilates, your abs will stay strong for as long as possible (eventually they will stretch and weaken, it's part of the process).

Pregnancy is hard enough with those weird cravings, bouts of nausea, stretching/burning abdominal skin, weight gain and months of uncomfortable sleeping. Without my twice-weekly water aerobics class during both pregnancies, I don't know how my body would have survived. After doing the silly, but effective Rocking Horse, Jumping Frog and a ton of basic water walking, I could move more freely, my legs didn't ache, I slept like the sleeping baby growing inside me. Except for my youngest ... she kicked nightly harder than Mr. Tae Bo, Billy Blanks.

Turns out exercise during pregnancy can also help a woman quit smoking. Two new studies reveal 25 percent of pregnant women who regularly exercised quit the habit before birth. A much healthier alternative than nicotine patches which could be a risk during pregnancy. Walking at a moderate pace was the main activity.

So if you're pregnant and desperately trying to snuff out the smokes, walk regularly. Don't forget about the pool either, it's absolute heaven.

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