As with any health decisions you make during this time of your life, you will want to consult your doctor before you start any exercising during your pregnancy. If, however you and your doctor decide that an exercise program would be right for you, then from my personal experience I would highly recommend you proceed with one. Not only is it a good idea for you, but, if done correctly, it's beneficial to your baby as well. Studies have shown that women who stick to an exercise program during their pregnancy experience numerous benefits over those who don't. Statistically, women who exercise during pregnancy feel better and stay more active, gain less weight, are less likely to suffer backaches and constipation, sleep better, have easier deliveries and get back into shape faster.
What exercises are best for pregnant women? Low impact ones. Never do any exercises that excessively jar or bounce your body. No weight training exercises. And keep an eye on your heart rate. Get yourself an inexpensive pulse monitor and keep your heart rate below 140. Also, make sure you don't get over-heated while exercising. You are able to sweat, but your baby can not. One of my favorite exercises I did while pregnant was walking. When you walk you control how long you want to do it, how fast you go, and if you want to incorporate a hill or two along the way. Often times my husband would join me. This helped in a couple of ways. First, it was nice to have the company and second, if I felt out of breath or was having trouble talking while walking, I knew I was pushing too hard and would knock it down a notch. On hot days I would take my walks indoors at the mall. Remember, never get over-heated. And always listen to your body. If you feel tired and you want to stop. Then stop. Don't push yourself. If, you're not feeling well on certain days, then take those days off. Again, listen to your body.
What really worked for me was joining an inexpensive program that I found on-line, designed for pregnant women. Being part of a group helped so much. I followed a plan of nutrition and exercise, and I participated in a forum with other women who were pregnant at the same time I was. The results were a healthy, relaxed and surprisingly active pregnancy, and I was literally back in shape within two months of delivery.
And if your thinking I was in my early twenties and a professional athlete---you're wrong. I delivered twins just a few months shy of my 40th birthday and I was never one to exercise.
What exercises are best for pregnant women? Low impact ones. Never do any exercises that excessively jar or bounce your body. No weight training exercises. And keep an eye on your heart rate. Get yourself an inexpensive pulse monitor and keep your heart rate below 140. Also, make sure you don't get over-heated while exercising. You are able to sweat, but your baby can not. One of my favorite exercises I did while pregnant was walking. When you walk you control how long you want to do it, how fast you go, and if you want to incorporate a hill or two along the way. Often times my husband would join me. This helped in a couple of ways. First, it was nice to have the company and second, if I felt out of breath or was having trouble talking while walking, I knew I was pushing too hard and would knock it down a notch. On hot days I would take my walks indoors at the mall. Remember, never get over-heated. And always listen to your body. If you feel tired and you want to stop. Then stop. Don't push yourself. If, you're not feeling well on certain days, then take those days off. Again, listen to your body.
What really worked for me was joining an inexpensive program that I found on-line, designed for pregnant women. Being part of a group helped so much. I followed a plan of nutrition and exercise, and I participated in a forum with other women who were pregnant at the same time I was. The results were a healthy, relaxed and surprisingly active pregnancy, and I was literally back in shape within two months of delivery.
And if your thinking I was in my early twenties and a professional athlete---you're wrong. I delivered twins just a few months shy of my 40th birthday and I was never one to exercise.
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