Apart from keeping you healthy and doing something for yourself and your baby, staying active during your pregnancy will lift your mood and contribute to your overall sense of well-being. If you have the energy and your doctor’s permission to exercise, read on for some ideas to keep your body moving.
Find an exercise buddy. Ask a friend to sign up with you for a local prenatal Pilates or yoga class to keep each other motivated. And if you go alone, fitness classes can be a great place to meet other moms-to-be. Is free-form activity more your thing? Set up a regular time each week to meet up with a girlfriend to exercise. Accountability often makes it easier to follow through.
Walk. Whether it’s a stroll or a long hike, walking can leave you feeling energized and relaxed. Aim for daily walks if you can. If you’re feeling tired but still have the urge for some light activity, try cutting down on your walking time or taking frequent rests. Consider walking on paved paths in public parks rather than narrow forest trails with uneven terrain to keep safe.
Get into the water. Since exercising in water is easy on joints and muscles, swimming is an ideal option during pregnancy. Find a pool or another appropriate place to swim, and if you feel like challenging yourself, use light weights to increase the intensity of the workout. Suit up and enjoy the feeling of lightness and support.
Take a yoga class. Prenatal yoga classes offer an excellent way to practice breathing techniques and stretch tight muscles. If you attend a regular yoga class, make sure you inform the instructor of your pregnancy so that they can offer modifications. Lying flat on the stomach or back, especially later on in the pregnancy, is considered dangerous so please bear this in mind.
Try biking. Investing in a stationary bike is a good idea for moms-to-be. Not only do you stay in your cozy home, but you stay out of the sun and off busy roads. Catch up on a show, listen to music, or simply zone out while you pedal. You can set a good pace and feel good about keeping in shape. You never know, you might start a habit that continues postpartum!
Staying active during pregnancy is a gift to you and your baby. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s safe, within your reach, and fun. This will inspire you to stick with it.—RG
