Grab Best Fitness Blog Feed...By Karli Taylor
There was a time when we thought of pregnancy as a “condition” that gave women a free pass from exercise. We once thought that working out while pregnant was unhealthy and dangerous for the baby. As we learn more about the effects that exercise has on the human body, we now know that these beliefs were not backed by science. Despite the differences in your body during pregnancy, exercise is still important to maintain your health and wellness. Not only is it ok to exercise, studies have suggested that exercise during pregnancy will help with an easier and shorter labor and birth, fewer cesarean surgeries, a quicker recovery postpartum, a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight, and an overall a healthier feeling pregnancy!
That being said, if you did not exercise before your pregnancy, it is not the best time to start an exercise program. If you had been sedentary for over a year prior to becoming pregnant, limit your exercise routing to walking and light stretching. Your doctor will tell you if you have any specific limitations when it comes to your own personal exercise routine, but there are some general guidelines for everyone to follow.
- Most importantly- listen to your body. Simple things will be harder than you think, so take it slowly.
- Wear a heart rate monitor and keep your heart rate below 70% of you max to stay on the safe side.
- Do not exercise while lying on your back
- Avoid intense stretching
If you follow all of these guidelines, you will find that exercising during pregnancy will improve your mood, your sleeping patterns and even your digestion. You will suffer from fewer aches and pains than someone who does not work out, AND your body will more easily return to normal after delivery.
Visit one of our Best Fitness Clubs to learn even more about this topic. We have locations in Albany,NY, Tonawanda, NY, Schenectady, NY, Erie, PA, Nashua, NH, Chelmsford, MA, and Drum Hill, MA.
