Active Living For The Expectant Mother
Whether you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, the question of exercising during your pregnancy is one that has probably come to mind. People use to believe that exercise would put too much stress on the baby. This has been found to be false though. Exercise is encouraged as long as there aren’t any complications in the pregnancy.
Did You Exercise Before Pregnancy?
Your pre-pregnancy fitness routine plays a role in exercising during pregnancy. If you were active before, you can continue exercising as normal during your pregnancy, modifying exercises as needed. If you are new to fitness, it is safe to begin an exercise program as long as you are following safety guidelines and monitoring intensity. It is recommended that pregnant women exercise for 20-30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week. This isn’t the time to work on peak fitness levels though. Overall health of the mother and baby should be the primary focus of exercise during pregnancy.
What Type of Exercise Should You Do?
A better question is, what do you like to do? Exercising during pregnancy should be a fun way for you to feel your best. Strength training, walking, and dancing are all great ways to stay active during your pregnancy. The most important thing to consider when picking a type of exercise is safety. You want to avoid any activities that increase your risk of falling, as well as anything that could cause trauma to the abdomen, such as contact sports. If you are new to exercising or aren’t sure about particular modifications during pregnancy, speak to one of our trainers to get set up on a plan today!
What Should You Avoid?
Your doctor will give you guidelines for exercise if there is a particular concern or condition. Typically, it is best to avoid exercises on your back after the first trimester because it can increase feelings of dizziness. It is also best to avoid any unstable activities that would put yourself and your baby at risk.
How Much is Too Much?
The best way to determine how much is too much is through your own perceived rate of exertion. How do you feel? You don’t need to exercise to the point of extreme exhaustion. If you can’t carry on a conversation, the intensity level might be too high. The minimum number of days needed to reap the benefits of exercise is three days per week. From there, you can exercise as much as you feel like you can handle.
The Best Results
Should you exercise during your pregnancy? Yes. Exercise is absolutely advised for the expectant mother. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program to learn about specific contraindications that may pertain to you. Talk to one of our trainers to learn more about getting started on a prenatal exercise program today!
Series
- Exercise and Pregnancy
- Benefits of Exercise For The Expectant Mother
- Benefits of Exercise For The Baby
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