| Most people start an exercise program to lose weight. | | | | forward to in the upcoming months will be much easier |
| Of course, this isn't the objective during pregnancy | | | | with a functionally strong body. In the mean time, |
| exercise but there are lots of other reasons to get | | | | gaining or maintaining strength during pregnancy is the |
| started on or continue on a regular exercise routine | | | | key to reducing aches and pains as your body |
| when you're pregnant. | | | | continues to change. |
| When you think of exercise, cardiovascular exercise is | | | | Pregnancy strength training will help:o Reduce back |
| what usually comes to mind. Walking, jogging, | | | | paino Increase your energy levelso Make labor and |
| swimming and many other activities that get your | | | | delivery easiero Keep you strong and injury freeo |
| heart rate up are all part of this category. And, it's an | | | | Combat postural changes during pregnancyo Make |
| important piece to the puzzle. | | | | post-partum weight loss MUCH easier and fastero |
| But - The other half of the formula for a well rounded | | | | Flatten your tummy after delivery |
| pre-natal exercise routine is strength training. This is the | | | | Studies now show that strength training during |
| one people often forget about. The running (i.e. cardio) | | | | pregnancy is not only safe and beneficial, but a must |
| craze of the 1970's is still in the forefront of people's | | | | for an overall healthy strong body. If you were a |
| mind when they think about good exercise, burning | | | | regular exerciser before your pregnancy, it is usually |
| calories and a healthy, lean body. | | | | safe to continue your routine, although some |
| The truth is, while cardio is great for your heart, it is | | | | modifications may be necessary. |
| strength training that will prepare you for the physical | | | | If you didn't have a consistent program in place, the |
| demands of being a mom. In addition, it is strength | | | | general rule of thumb is to wait until your 2nd trimester |
| training that will play a bigger role in getting your | | | | (when you'll be feeling much better) to ease yourself |
| pre-pregnancy body back, or making it even better | | | | into a routine. Either way, checks in with your doctor |
| than before! | | | | first to be sure you don't have any complications that |
| All of the lifting, bending and carrying you have to look | | | | could be affected by a pregnancy exercise routine. |