Below is an article I wrote for Deposit A Gift, you can read it right here on my Foss Fitness Blog or click HERE to read it from Deposit A Gift’s website!
It’s widely accepted that working out during pregnancy is beneficial for most healthy women. Countless moms-to-be are running, swimming or lifting weights, as not only can exercise help you stay in shape during pregnancy but it also brings added benefits such as:
- Increased energy levels
- Keeping weight gain within normal healthy ranges
- Decreases risk of gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Reduces recovery time after labor and delivery
- Improving fitness after giving birth
Baby Steps
As long as there no contraindications to exercise during pregnancy, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend becoming active and exercising at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week.
If it’s been a while since you’ve stepped foot into a gym, start out with as little as 5-minutes of exercise a day. Each week add on an additional 5-minutes of exercise until you have built up to 30 minutes of physical activity a day. If you’re a fitness fanatic it’s important to remember that this is a time to maintain your pre-pregnancy fitness levels, not sign up for your first marathon. Before you start a pre-natal exercise program it’s important to consult your physician to make sure the activities you participate in a re safe during pregnancy.
Getty Images
Best Cardio Exercises
There are many great exercises, even for beginners that can be performed safely during pregnancy:
- Walking is a safe exercise to perform throughout the entire pregnancy. It will help you stay aerobically strong without putting excess stress on your knees and ankles.
- Swimming provides moderate aerobic conditioning while exercising both the upper and lower body – To avoid overheating stay away from very warm pools.
- Cardiovascular Machines like treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes are great because they provide a good aerobic workout and keep your heart and lungs strong.
Be sure to warm-up and cool down after each workout and remember to maintain exercise at a moderate level, meaning you should always be able to carry out a conversation while exercising, never push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
Avoid outdoor activities when it’s hot and humid, and always drink lots of fluids-before, during and after exercising to make sure you stay hydrated.
Getty Images
Just remember, as long as you are feeling well – some exercise is always better than none. Even a 10-minute walk can help you stay in shape and prepare you for labor.
fossfitness.wordpress.com 
You must be logged in to post a comment.