Stay Fit During Pregnancy

So you want to exercise and stay fit and toned during pregnancy? What a great idea! But before you get started it is important to speak with your healthcare provider and get the ok before you start on any program.

Before beginning a workout, warm up gently.

Perform easy stretches and be prepared to rest often for a few minutes at a time. Light cardio is the key to a healthy circulatory system which is so important during these crucial months.

Hydration is also an important thing which you must make sure you don’t let slide during pregnancy and particularly if you are exercising. You need a sufficient amount of fluid through the whole day; that means small sips over a longer time frame, rather than large intake at a given time. Eating should follow the same pattern - four to five small meals per day is preferable to three larger ones.

Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity forward, stressing the spine and back muscles. To ease that aching back, swimming is one of the best forms of exercises. It also gives a very low stress but active cardio workout. Also, some gyms offer special pregnancy swimming classes, made just for you, so go ahead… sign yourself up.

Yoga is also a favorite exercise for many pregnant women. It helps achieve peace of mind and provides gentle movements that give the needed stretching, while building good leg and arm strength. It also protects the back from too much pressure.

With a good program, you’ll reduce cramps, improve circulation and increase energy. You’ll lower your resting heart rate and keep fit.

When my best friend was pregnant, I gave her Yoga tapes for her pregnancy. Each night she would pop one in and her husband would sit down with her and together they would do yoga to relax. The calming movements didn’t stress her and it also gave the couple some time to just relax with each other, not to mention she got up feeling a whole lot better than she sat down. It really did help her to sleep better at night after spending a bit of time doing the relaxing Yoga movements.

Before beginning any exercise regimen it’s crucial that you talk with your physician regarding exercising. It’s great to get more than one opinion, but your OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) can help you devise a program that is great for you and your baby because each and every pregnancy, just like each and every woman, is different.

Happy exercising!