How to Stay Active During Pregnancy

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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If you like the Zumba class at the gym, then you’ll be happy to hear thatdance 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.