Are pregnant women getting enough exercise
Pick up a health magazine or parenting magazine and you are bound to find something on the topic of pregnant women exercising. As a personal trainer and reaching the end of my second pregnancy, I can attest to the health benefits of remaining physically active throughout the entire pregnancy. I hope teaching my last KettleBell class tomorrow (at 38 weeks) will send me into labor. FYI, KettleBell is not something you start as a novice exerciser during pregnancy.
In all cases, pregnant women should consult with their health care provider before initiating any exercise program or modifying a current program. Provided you receive the go ahead from your Doctor, there are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Some include the deterrence of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and chronic musculoskeletal complications (pelvic pain, back pain, lower-extremity weakness).
I did stop working out at seven months during my last pregnancy because I thought I had to and I felt very sluggish and bloated. This time I decided to keep working out until the end because what was the difference since I have a two year old. I can honestly say that I have felt an improvement in my mental well-being and have gained only 32 pounds. Anywhere between 25-35 pounds is considered a healthy weight gain if you start the pregnancy within a normal body mass index. You will need to gain more if you are underweight or less if you are overweight.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity per day. If you are used to working out at high intensity, you will need to relax. The most important thing is to pay attention to how you feel and listen to your body. Just moving and doing gentle activities can count towards your 30 minutes. Swimming, cycling class on a stationary bike, walking, nesting (cleaning your house) all count. So have fun and keep moving.
Check out the website www.acog.org for a complete list of guidelines for safely working out during pregnancy. For more information on an exercise program during your pregnancy, please contact us in our Collegeville, PA location, www.myhomefit.com, info@myhomefit.com, 610-482-4408.
In all cases, pregnant women should consult with their health care provider before initiating any exercise program or modifying a current program. Provided you receive the go ahead from your Doctor, there are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Some include the deterrence of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and chronic musculoskeletal complications (pelvic pain, back pain, lower-extremity weakness).
I did stop working out at seven months during my last pregnancy because I thought I had to and I felt very sluggish and bloated. This time I decided to keep working out until the end because what was the difference since I have a two year old. I can honestly say that I have felt an improvement in my mental well-being and have gained only 32 pounds. Anywhere between 25-35 pounds is considered a healthy weight gain if you start the pregnancy within a normal body mass index. You will need to gain more if you are underweight or less if you are overweight.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity per day. If you are used to working out at high intensity, you will need to relax. The most important thing is to pay attention to how you feel and listen to your body. Just moving and doing gentle activities can count towards your 30 minutes. Swimming, cycling class on a stationary bike, walking, nesting (cleaning your house) all count. So have fun and keep moving.
Check out the website www.acog.org for a complete list of guidelines for safely working out during pregnancy. For more information on an exercise program during your pregnancy, please contact us in our Collegeville, PA location, www.myhomefit.com, info@myhomefit.com, 610-482-4408.
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