Maintaining Women's Fitness Through Pregnancy

tart -->have been doing up until now but to jump into
When it comes to fitness, men and women oftensomething with which you're not familiar - at this
approach it in much the same way - combiningvulnerable time - is not advisable. If you are normally a
cardiovascular exercise with weight training and coresedentary person - but wish to incorporate some
work. For men, who often wish to build more musclephysical fitness into your life during your pregnancy -
than their female counterparts, weight training mayyou may want to begin with a walking regime. Walking
take a more prevalent role in their fitness routine. Forcan get your heart pumping and you can do it at your
women, who often wish to burn fat and create leanown pace - without putting undue stress on your joints.
muscle, core work such as Pilates or yoga may takeFor those who have been active in women's fitness
a front seat. But the one way that women's fitnessup until this point, and are having a healthy pregnancy,
differs from men's fitness is the accommodation foryou can safely continue your exercise regime with a
pregnancy during a workout.few moderations. Work with your doctor at all times to
There are plenty of women who choose to continueensure that you are in good enough health to continue
their exercise regime after discovering they arethis program and to help you determine what is
pregnant. And while exercise during a healthyenough - or too much - for your body.
pregnancy is allowed - and encouraged - it should beDoctors will generally recommend low-impact exercise
modified to allow for the changes happening in theduring pregnancy; in addition to walking, there is
woman's body. Women's fitness in this regard shouldswimming, and stretching exercises such as Pilates or
be measured and thoughtful and always conductedmodified yoga. The lifting of heavy weights is generally
under a doctor's care.not advisable during pregnancy; nor is high impact
First and foremost, you should not begin an exerciseexercise that puts stress on joints, abdominal muscles,
regime during pregnancy if you have not already beenand back muscles.
active. It is one thing to continue with a routine that you