Can You Work Out When You’re Pregnant?
As long as it’s not a delicate pregnancy (wherein you need to be on complete bed rest) and the doctor gave you the go-signal, of course you can! Working out improves your mood; strengthens your muscles and boosts your endurance, which are important for giving birth; helps manage weight; and reduces the risk of diseases like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
The best cardio workouts for pregnant women include:
Walking.
Walking keeps you fit without jarring your knees and ankles. You can do it almost anywhere and is safe to do all throughout your pregnancy.
Running.
Yes, running while pregnant is okay. If you’re a veteran runner, you can still do the distance you’re used to, but at a slower pace. If you’re a newbie, go for shorter routes and 15 to 30-minute runs.
Swimming.
Not only is swimming a good workout for the arms and legs, the water makes you feel weightless even if you’re heavy and a couple of months on the way. Swimming is also great for pregnant women with lower back problems, too.
Dancing.
Just avoid jumps, skips, and other strenuous dance moves.
Recommended flexibility workouts include:
Yoga.
It helps maintain muscle tone without the pressure on your joints.
Weight training.
Assuming you maintain proper form, use just the recommended amount of weights, and you do slow, moderate movements, weight training strengthens the arm muscles – just what you need to carry your bundle of joy.
At the end of the day, always consult with your doctor, get the right nutrition, and remember to listen to your body; it knows when it’s time to stop and take a break. Don’t overdo it!
