If you want to stay healthy and feel your best throughout your pregnancy, you have to maintain a regular exercise routine. Not only can regular exercise help to decrease some of the common pregnancy discomforts some women feel, but it can also help to improve your posture, fight fatigue, relieve stress and build the stamina you will need for labour and delivery.
It is a good idea to continue your activity in moderation during your pregnancy, especially if you were physically active prior to getting pregnant. It is important that you don’t push it though and only participate in exercises that are most comfortable to you currently. As long as you aren’t experiencing any complications, it is safe to exercise, just make sure to check with your doctor prior to making any big decisions.
Safe Ways To Exercise during Pregnancy
Stay Active by Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit during your pregnancy. In fact, you can pretty much walk anywhere. Treadmills, malls and a nice leisurely walk through your neighbour hood are all positive ways to get in some exercise. Just make sure you don’t over do it, wear supportive shoes and stay hydrated.
Stretch Out
No matter what exercise routine you choose to use during your pregnancy, stretching is a wonderful way of keeping your body in shape and reducing the chance of injuring yourself during your workout. Pick a place that’s out of the way of the traffic in your house, a quiet spot, where you can do some basic stretches to limber up before going about your day.
Swimming or Water Aerobics
Water allows for some buoyancy and reduces the amount of stress on your body while exercising. Taking the time for a nice swim or participating in a water aerobics class helps work out your large muscle groups and it feels great being in the water.
Yoga
Yoga combines stretches while working certain muscle groups. Depending on your expertise level, you can find a regimen that fits your level and is safe for your and the baby while staying fit. Some of the benefits include increasing muscle strength, increasing limberness and calming your mind while partaking.
Spinning
Stationary biking, or Spinning, has great benefits and is safe during pregnancy. It helps burn calories while allowing you to forego the hills and traffic you may come across while actually biking. You also don’t need to worry about falling off and injuring yourself or your little one.
Regardless of the exercise routine you choose to use during your pregnancy, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor prior to starting a new one. The safest way of exercising during pregnancy is to keep in mind the limitations you have and to make sure your doctor gives his/her approval before starting your exercise regimen.
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!