Exercising for You and Your Baby

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When it comes to pre- and post-natal exercise, you might have questions about myths versus facts, what are safe exercises and what are the benefits. If you’re pregnant or just had your baby, it’s extremely important to continue your exercise routine for you and your baby’s health and well-being.

Pre-Natal Exercise
Many women think they shouldn’t exercise while pregnant, but that’s a common myth. Whether or not you’re fit going into your pregnancy, you should workout.

There are a few important factors when it comes to pregnant workouts:

• Stay hydrated.

• Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day.

• Be aware of your environment and be careful, especially outside. This includes uneven jogging trails, holes in the ground or other possible safety issues. Later in your pregnancy, your body releases a hormone to loosen your joints, therefore your stability is not at its best.

• Practice drawn-out stretching after you workout.

Most importantly, listen to your body. Only do exercises that you are comfortable doing. If a move or position is bothering you, don’t do it.

Benefits of Pre-Natal Exercise
There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant. Here are a few benefits of exercising during pregnancy:

• Helps keep your blood pressure in check.

• Helps to regulate your sleep patterns.

• Helps alleviate back pain before and after pregnancy.

• Helps to keep your weight gain on track.

Post-Natal Exercise

After the weight-gain of carrying a baby, many women feel the urge to get right back into the gym after giving birth. More than likely, your physician won’t allow you to practice strenuous exercise until at least three to four weeks after giving birth. With that said, take walks around the block with your stroller or meeting other moms to do the same.

Pregnancy often disturbs your balance. To gain back stability, start your exercise routines while balancing on one foot. This helps re-strengthen the abdominal wall, helping to improve balance.

If you’re pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant or have just welcomed your baby, have no worries about visiting the gym.

If possible, find a professional fitness trainer than can help get you get back into your workout routine. It never hurts to have an extra hand for balance or some great advice on the best exercises for your body type.

For more information about Cooper Fitness Center, click here or call 972.233.4832.