| If you have a little one (or ones) whizzing around your | | | | conversation. Believe me, you'll want those |
| home...and you're pregnant...exercising may feel like the | | | | well-established relationships long before the teen |
| last thing you want to tackle. | | | | years set in and now is the time to build them. |
| But if you've been down this road before you already | | | | You get the idea here, don't you? The name of the |
| know how important it is to exercise during your | | | | game is to MOVE...jump, wiggle, walk, dance, stretch |
| pregnancy. (Remember...ALWAYS check with your | | | | and any other movement that is comfortable and safe |
| doctor before starting an exercise program.) The | | | | for you while pregnant. |
| benefits of exercise to your health, your body and | | | | Beneficial exercise during pregnancy need not be |
| your state of mind are just too great to ignore. | | | | tedious, boring or tiresome. In fact, exercise like that is |
| What you may not have considered is what a | | | | destined to be stopped as soon as possible! If you're |
| fantastic opportunity you have to use this season in | | | | sports minded, you can... |
| your life to develop a fitness habit with your entire | | | | -- swim together. Your pregnant body will feel |
| family. It can be tough to jump on the treadmill or work | | | | lightweight in the water and there are many excellent |
| out at the gym each day with a small child in tow, but | | | | "Mommy and Me" type swim classes that can be |
| it's not so tough to... | | | | done with your older child. |
| -- play tag in the yard. | | | | -- practice ball catching and throwing, or dribbling a |
| -- dance to music in the living room. | | | | basketball or soccer ball. You'll need to go slower and |
| -- carefully roll a ball around on the floor, gently | | | | so will your child, but it's still great exercise plus |
| stretching your muscles as you do. | | | | wonderful fun. |
| -- discover the joys of chasing after a bouncy ball | | | | -- try badminton. Even a preschooler can practice |
| outdoors. | | | | (watch that racket!) and it's very easy to connect with |
| -- kick the leaves around in your yard. | | | | the birdie. You'll find yourself moving a lot, even just to |
| -- pretend to be birds flying all around. | | | | retrieve the birdie. |
| All while including your other child or even your whole | | | | This is a win-win for everyone in your family. When |
| family. | | | | you exercise during pregnancy, you not only benefit |
| Any of these activities can be aerobic if done | | | | you and your unborn baby, but you can use this special |
| consistently. Even better than that, these activities can | | | | time to get your family on a firm fitness path that can |
| cause hysterical laughter. Imagine that. Your family | | | | continue the rest of your lives together. |
| getting the idea that fitness is fun! | | | | Encouraging your family in the ways of health and |
| If you have older children, walking around the | | | | wellness is priceless. Put on those tennies and get |
| neighborhood or a track is a great way to stimulate | | | | started today! |