| If you are pregnant, congratulations! Or, maybe you | | | | lifting the baby and the car seat. Choose safe |
| have someone special in your life who is pregnant. | | | | exercises, such as walking on landice treadmills, water |
| Kudos as well! | | | | exercises, low-impact aerobics, stationary bike (raise |
| Whatever the case, one of the most important things | | | | handle bars up), strength training and pregnancy yoga. |
| a woman can do during her pregnancy is to exercise. | | | | STRETCH - Focus on stretching your hips, low back, |
| So, if you're pregnant or known someone who is, here | | | | hamstrings and always roll your shoulders back. After |
| are some tips from several experts I've interviewed to | | | | the first trimester, do not perform exercises lying flat |
| know about prenatal fitness: | | | | on your back. |
| GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE - Talk with your | | | | EATING, DRINKING - Consume enough calories for a |
| doctor about prenatal fitness, make sure it's OK to | | | | healthy pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, which you |
| exercise and then come up with a workout plan. If at | | | | should be doing anyway. |
| all possible, work with a trainer certified in pre and | | | | HOW TO DRESS - Wear cool, comfortable clothing |
| post-natal fitness. | | | | and a supportive bra. |
| DON'T OVERDUE IT - When exercising during | | | | WHY EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY? - The |
| pregnancy, make sure to avoid overheating. A good | | | | benefits that women can receive from prenatal fitness |
| way to know if you're exercising too hard is the "talk | | | | include improved energy, mood, posture, muscle tone, |
| test" - make sure you can speak two sentences | | | | strength and endurance. |
| without getting short of breath. | | | | Exercise may even help the woman's ability to cope |
| DO NOT EXERCISE TO LOSE WEIGHT DURING | | | | with pain and duration of labor. As one female trainer |
| PREGNANCY. | | | | told me, "Giving birth is an athletic endeavor." |
| EXERCISES TO FOCUS ON - Your goal should be to | | | | And finally, if you exercise and stay as fit as possible |
| build core stability and work on balance to help the | | | | during your pregnancy, you'll thank yourself afterward. |
| body adjust to the changing center of gravity that | | | | It will be easier to get back in shape after the baby is |
| comes with a "baby bump." Also, work on upper body | | | | born. |
| strength to build up your arms to help with things like | | | | |