| Most women can and should exercise when | | | | Swimming - This is the number one exercise and |
| pregnant. Unless your pregnancy is high risk or | | | | the safest exercise when it comes to pregnancy. |
| your doctor has ordered you to stay in bed, | | | | Swimming alleviates the heaviness you feel from |
| there is no reason in fact you can't exercise while | | | | weight gain associated with pregnancy. It also |
| pregnant. | | | | provides you with optimal cardiovascular benefits |
| Studies show that there are numerous benefits | | | | and helps you feel light and refreshed. |
| to exercising while pregnant. You can improve | | | | Yoga - Yoga can help you maintain your muscle |
| your energy levels, get your blood pumping to | | | | tone and stretch out tight ligaments during |
| your legs and improve your circulation, and | | | | pregnancy. Be sure you investigate a pre-natal |
| improve your chances for a speedy recovery. | | | | yoga class if at all possible. |
| Another reason to exercise? Moms who worked | | | | Weight Training - Weight training is a great way |
| out while pregnant generally had shorter and | | | | to maintain and build muscle during your |
| easier labors. | | | | pregnancy. Just keep in mind you should avoid |
| So what kinds of exercises are good to do when | | | | heavy weights and weight bearing exercises that |
| pregnant? | | | | require you to lie on your back. |
| Well let's start with those you should avoid. You | | | | To be safe you should always consult with your |
| should avoid embarking on any stringent exercise | | | | doctor or physician before beginning any exercise |
| program you are unfamiliar with. Avoid running | | | | program. Most pregnant women are fine to work |
| and other jarring activities unless you are a very | | | | out particularly if they've been active before. |
| experienced runner. Even then you should consult | | | | If you are just starting a program be sure to |
| with your physician. | | | | take it easy initially. You should also commit to |
| Here are some generally good and safe exercises | | | | exercising regularly. Generally 30 minutes of |
| that are recommended during pregnancy: | | | | exercise 4-7 days per week is recommended. |
| Walking - This is the best overall exercise for | | | | One last point... be sure to keep hydrated and |
| pregnant mothers anywhere. It is low impact but | | | | avoid over-heating which can be dangerous for |
| still gets your heart rate up and your blood | | | | you and your baby. Avoid getting your heart rate |
| pumping. Walking is usually safe throughout the | | | | much over 140 and stop any exercise if you |
| entire pregnancy. | | | | start to feel dizzy or lightheaded. |
| Jogging - Jogging can be done safely if you are an | | | | Also don't forget the importance of warming up |
| experienced jogger. You should reduce your | | | | before any and all activity. You'll reduce the |
| jogging regimen however the further along you | | | | likelihood of injury. Warm up after activities will |
| are in your pregnancy. If you are not able to | | | | also help your heart rate return to normal. |
| have a conversation when jogging, then you are | | | | Good luck and have fun! |
| working out too hard. | | | | |