| Being pregnant does not mean you have to stop | | | | Exercises to avoid |
| exercising. In fact it's recommended that women | | | | Do not do any squats during your pregnancy, as they |
| exercise regularly during their pregnancy. Of course | | | | can cause the separation of the placenta from the |
| the range of recommended exercises is limited. You | | | | uterus. Any exercise that requires you to be on your |
| don't want to do anything that will put excessive strain | | | | back should be avoided after the first trimester, as this |
| on your belly or your back, as it could potentially hurt | | | | puts too much pressure on your organs and on your |
| your baby and you, but there are still plenty of | | | | growing baby. Also avoid any abdominal workouts. |
| exercises you can do. | | | | Recommended Exercises |
| Precautions to Keep in Mind | | | | 1. Walking - Walking is one of the best exercises |
| While exercising, a pregnant woman's heart rate | | | | anyone can do, and for pregnant women especially. It |
| should never exceed 130 beats per minute, as it is | | | | keeps you fit and it doesn't put too much strain on |
| dangerous for your baby when your body overheats. | | | | your knees and ankles. You can do it anywhere and |
| Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. | | | | without equipment. Just make sure you get a pair of |
| Remember to never over-exert yourself. When you're | | | | comfortable walking that provide plenty of support. |
| doing more work than you're supposed to, you have a | | | | 2. Sitting exercise machines - Any exercise you can |
| natural tendency to hold your breath, which is bad for | | | | perform on a sitting exercise machine is okay. These |
| your baby. If you've been doing weights and aerobics | | | | exercises include cable curls, leg extensions, seated leg |
| prior to your pregnancy, you can continue to do so in | | | | curls, etc. Use low weight amounts and high reps. |
| moderation. If you haven't been doing weights and | | | | 3. Swimming - Swimming allows you to exercise all |
| aerobics regularly before your pregnancy, it is not | | | | major muscle groups without the dangers of |
| recommended that you start now. | | | | over-exertion and muscle straining that's implicit in |
| Also, before you make any decisions as to what | | | | aerobics or weight training. |
| exercise regiment to follow during your pregnancy, | | | | 4. Yoga - Yoga exercises can keep your muscles |
| consult with your doctor to make sure you know what | | | | toned and your limbs and joints flexible, which is a |
| you should and shouldn't be doing, as your doctor might | | | | great way to prepare for the rigors of your third |
| have advice related to your specific health history. | | | | trimester. |