This article was inspired by our review of the Shiva Rea’s Pregnancy Yoga DVD. Look for a full review at a later date, but to sum it up we were very impressed by this program. (Update: Here is the full review of this and other Prenatal Workout DVDs!)
You normally lead a very active lifestyle, but now that you’re pregnant, you’ve begun to wonder if squats and crunches are safe for you and your baby. Or if you’ll still be able to jog or lift weights. Or go to your yoga class. It’s a common adage that pregnancy demands relaxation and pampering, but do you really have to toss your workout routine out the window for the next nine months? The answer is: yes, and no.
During pregnancy, you may not be able to perform many of the exercises you are used to, especially if they are high impact or put a lot of stress on your body. However, most doctors (check with yours) approve about thirty minutes of exercise 3-4 times per week for pregnant women (barring any risk factors or personal issues). So what activities are approved?
- Yoga is one of the best ways to stay in shape during pregnancy. It can be beneficial both physically and mentally. Yoga will increase your strength and flexibility and reduce aches and pains (which will be many and varied as your pregnancy progresses). It is also said to help your body prepare for labor. In addition, it teaches you to relax, much like meditation, reducing your stress level. This can only be good for you and your child.
- Walking is a great cardio exercise when you’re expecting. It allows you to stay moderately active with very low impact, and it’s a great social activity, as well.
- If you like the Zumba class at the gym, then you’ll be happy to hear that dance is another great way to get your cardio while you’re pregnant. You’ll want to be sure the program you pick is not too stressful (especially late in pregnancy), so try to avoid anything vigorous, especially jumping.
- Aerobics, like dance, are usually okay. Again, low impact is the key. Luckily, there are plenty of aerobic exercises available for pregnant women. Just look online for DVDs or check with your local gym.
- Swimming is another exercise that is both safe and effective for the mother-to-be (in fact, most experts agree that it is the best way to stay in shape when expecting). It is like a super-workout as it provides both resistance (like weight training) and cardio, while alleviating some of the stress of gravity for awhile.
Guest post by Sarah Harris, of Zen College Life, the premier directory for online degrees. Find out more information about a psychology degree.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Although my forte is boxing style fitness for women i will always change to swimming and walking fitness for my pregnant clients. Some women insist on maintaining a super fit lifestyle but once you’re carrying a bub a woman’s body just can’t handle it. I will have to pick up this DVD and see what i can learn from it. Thanks for your suggestion.
I took up yoga as a suggestion during my last pregnancy, and couldn’t imagine the impact on my life it would have. I’ve done yoga ever since (5 years) daily, as it is not only good for the body, but the mind.
Great post Sarah
It’s important to remind ourselves to sat active all the time. My favorite is swimming ,
I swim five days a week at the local YWCA and I would be lost without it
Thanks for the reminder
Susan
Yoga is alternative way to be heat now, and until this time more people do it!
nice post. I am gonna add your blog to my favourites. good job.
Thanks a lot for sharing! Very nice Information! Please post more of it! Greetings, Neal!
My gf was too scared of infections to go swimming while pregnant and definitely couldn’t run – she picked up walking and keeps it going now walking that trolley around town constantly!
keep up the good work
I worked out through most of all of my pregnancies and it sure paid off. I have five children now and am in better shape than most of the girls I worked with who had less children. I think Yoga during pregnancy is a great alternative to other stringent exercises which would otherwise be ok. At the time I was pregnant, I never thought of that, nor was it as popular that I could remember.
I have a couple potential granchildren situations and will favorite your site for them to refer to. I think it is great to encourage expecting mothers to workout and especially in this fashion.
Thanks my wife is having a boy, she has romitoid arthritis and needs to keep moving while shes off the meds.
My fiancee trained throughout her pregnancy with our mini, and felt all the better for it. It’s a case of remembering that pregnancy isn’t an excuse to pile on weight!
I attend a weekly total conditioning class at my gym. The class is known to be the most challenging course offered, and we always have at least one pregnant female in attendance. Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to completely alter your daily workout. The women in our class do the exact same workout I do, but simply modify the movements for less intensity. The best part is – after delivery their bodies quickly mold back because they had been training throughout!
Being a guy I can’t speak from experience but I can say that my wife was very diligent to exercise and keep moving even during her pregnancies. It is important for both the mom and the new baby! Thanks.
Bookmarked this amazing page, will appear back for much more. Thanks for display incredibly fantastic informations. I found just the material I already looked all over the place and just could not locate. What a perfect website, so keep up the great perform! – Rachel
Being a woman considering pregnancy in the near future and also someone who is very dedicated to my fitness, i find your tips useful. You always think you should slow down or ease up a little when pregnant for obvious reasons and yoga is not something i have tried up until now! Thanks Suzanne
Walking is the way I chose to stay active. You can do it where ever you are and you can bring a friend to keep you company. A good pair of shoes is important to lessen the impact even further.
Great suggestions
very nice, I am very attracted with your post, hope to find some more interesting posts. thanks!!!
Thanks a lot for sharing! Very nice Information! Please post more of it! Greetings!