Exercising during pregnancy has many benefits. Maybe you've received mixed messages somewhere though, and now you're unclear as to what you can and can't do when it comes to exercising during pregnancy.
Let me reassure you here with 5 absolutes relating to pregnancy exercise:
DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR - If you have a question about exercising during pregnancy the BEST person to ask is a qualified pregnancy exercise instructor. Prenatal exercise experts know what exercises are safe, what intensity level you should be training at, and how to modify exercises safely. Pregnancy exercise experts are THE most up-to-date individuals when it comes to current research and pregnancy exercise guidelines, so any questions just ask.
DON'T STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING - You might experience fatigue or feel the effects of morning sickness during pregnancy, but do try to keep moving when your energy levels allow it. If you were a regular exercise prior to pregnancy, modifications will be required, but all in all - it's safe and advisable to stay active for you and your unborn baby.
DON'T BE AFRAID OF RESISTANCE TRAINING - Staying active and doing cardio will help you maintain your fitness levels, but it's really important to strengthen your arms and legs with resistance or weight training too. Babies get heavy very quickly, so performing modified press ups, squats, and lunges will help you prepare your body for birth, motherhood and beyond.
MODIFY BACK-LYING EXERCISES - If you feel nauseous, anxious or stressed doing exercises where you're lying flat on your back, roll over onto your left side and take a break. Somewhere between 12 and 20 weeks of pregnancy most prenatal exercise instructors will modify back-lying exercises or avoid them altogether, so this is one time when you do need to listen to the experts.
DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT - Listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Every pregnancy is different and every pregnant person going through pregnancy is different too. If what you’re doing exercise-wise feels good, great! If it doesn’t, for whatever reason, stop and inform your instructor.
Love Sarah xx