From the article: Pregnancy Fitness and Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. From walking and yoga to aerobics and swimming - what you do directly effects the health of you and your baby. What do you see at the benefits of exercise? How do you fit it in? Any tips for workout clothes while expecting? Share Your Thoughts
Stroller Strides!
- I've been working with a mom and baby fitness group called Stroller Strides since since my, now 2 yr old, son was 6 months old. It's a diverse group with various fitness levels and the most amazing moms! The best part is that my son isn't stuck in a gym daycare! The workouts are as challenging as you want them to be. We have pregnant moms, moms of babies, moms of toddlers, etc. It has allowed me to lose the baby weight from my first pregnancy and stay fit during this pregnancy!
- —Guest Sara
Yoga and Walking
- Early in my pregnancy, there are plenty of days when I feel too sick to even get off the couch. I try to be patient and kind to myself those days and stay away from the preachy pregnancy books that make me feel guilty for my morning sickness! If I'm feeling good enough to make it to yoga, the stretching really does help my nausea. I recommend a meditative, calm yoga practice in a room of reasonable temperature (read: Iyengar or Vinyasa, not Bikram or other hot/power yoga) for those who can manage it through the morning sickness. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I continued my yoga practice throughout my pregnancy. It really helped with the sciatica that came on when I got bigger. I listened to my body and modified as needed. The meditation helped prepare me for labor and childbirth, too. Walking is another great way to exercise no matter where you are in your pregnancy. I was too short of breath to run (basically from conception), but I could always walk.
- —Guest Kate
Exercise is good but I am way to sick
- I think exercise is great and should be done daily. The benefits are great to you and your baby. I am just way to sick to even move. I try but can't yet hopefully soon I will start feeling better-- Anyone else feel this way?
- —Guest Lynn y
walking, dancing, and doing yoga
- Exercising is an important skill for my pregnancy and and labor itself. This is the reason why everyday I do my walking, dancing, and yoga. Exercising is one of the things that keep me going.
- —Guest martine taylor
Walk, Yoga and Climb
- Being a rock climber over the past 5-6 years, I was worried that my passion would need to be curtailed. Provided that you have climbed prior to pregnancy, there is no reason why you cannot continue enjoying the sport... low traverse bouldering (watching how you land) and climbing on top rope are perfectly safe. I imagine it'll be necessary to use a full-body harness in the not-so-distant future. Along with the climbing (2-3 times per week), I do yoga once a week and do 30 minutes of cycling in the gym as a warm up to exercise. I know every woman and pregnancy is different, but doing regular exercise certainly is beneficial. Find your routine and stick to it!
- —RedFi73
exercise in pregnancy - kick boxing
- I've been doing martial arts for 2 years - once pregnant I switched to kick boxing - I feel great, and baby is right on target for growth at 20 weeks. The sit ups are avoided - too hard with a big belly, but the program can be modified up until 9 months!
- —Guest Janet
Anything and Everything!
- Early in my pregnancy I worked out at Curves 4x/week, walked everyday for 60 minutes, and swam 2x/week. Since starting my third trimester, I have had to lay off on the gym because of the way the machine training made my body feel. I started doing aquafit 4x/week instead. I am now doing Aquafit 10x/week (2x/day, 5 days a week) and walking the hour. I have also been doing yoga for 30 minutes a day since 20 weeks. I feel fantastic, energetic, and happy all the time! I've lost 25 lbs during my pregnancy, and my doctor is very happy with how I am doing and how baby is growing!
- —deeirw
salsa and yoga
- I exercised everyday with my fit mama video but was alternating between yoga and salsa dance. I actually went into labour 30 mins after my salsa work out at 39 weeks. I had an easy labour and I know its thanks to God and then to my exercise programme.
- —Guest nkechi
Easy, Motivating Video
- I have a "Fit Mama" video that mixes simple dance moves and some yoga moves. It's about 40 minutes. I do it about 3 times a week now that it's so slippery outside. It's tough to get moving sometimes after work, but knowing that it'll be quick and that afterward my husband will rub my feet keeps me going.
- —Mommy_SAys
Dance Dance Dance!
- When I was pregnant for my son, I continued to dance to music in my home. It really felt good and put me in a good mood. I'm sure my son enjoyed the movements as well!
- —Guest Aimee
Walking
- I'm not a huge exerce person but I know that it's best for my baby and pregnancy. So I started walking everyday just around my neighborhood. The best thing is that I've met other women with babies or due near me and I feel great!
- —Robin
