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Fitness Training Advice for Pregnant Women…

09/01/2017

Fitness Training Advice for Pregnant Women

Why Physical Training is Important

Physical training during pregnancy is essential for strength development and can be beneficial during the latter stages of pregnancy and the initial months after childbirth. Specialised workouts can not only provide the agility needed to lift newborn babies and toddlers in and out of strollers but can also reduce weight gain and provide a long list of other benefits. Exercising during pregnancy will reduce blood pressure, mood swings, will make sleeping at night easier and help strengthen back muscles needed to carry the baby in the 3rd trimester. Furthermore, exercising during pregnancy has been linked to lower rates of postpartum depression.

Not All Training is Created Equally

Part of planning a safe and effective workout routine means understanding the effects of pregnancy on the body. For this reason, there are a number of exercises that should be avoided. During those nine months, a woman’s anatomy is in a highly delicate state, and the wrong movements can cause unnecessary discomfort. Exercises, such as crunches, put unwanted strain on the middle part of the body (particularly the abdomen and pelvis). Also, any movements that are too explosive or inspire improper breathing can be extremely counterproductive.

Core Exercises Matter 

Exercises that are generally encouraged are those that not only help improve posture and strengthen back muscles but also enhance core muscles. The misconception surrounding core muscles can be blamed, at least partially, on their association with bodybuilding. In fact, dissolving the myths about exercises for mothers-to-be is one advantage that makes a personal trainer invaluable. Core exercises, like squats, help strengthen leg muscles, but they also help maintain the body’s alignment. It’s important to note that exercises are often modified to be more advantageous for pregnant women, and routines often target specific periods during those nine months.

Symptoms that that occur during and after pregnancy can leave new mothers feeling overwhelmed, but studies show those who train before labor experience increased energy, improved circulation, reduced back pain, etc. They also lower blood pressure and make labor easier while reducing the risk of needing a C-section. In order to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, exercises should be performed under the supervision of a trained professional.

Benefits of One to One Training when Pregnant 

Physical training during pregnancy is something many people haven’t considered, but it has become increasingly popular over the years. One of the biggest concerns, however, is finding exercises that are safe for mothers and their unborn babies during one of the most precarious times of their lives. That’s why working with a professional personal trainer is a great way to ensure workouts are done properly. As an added benefit, training with a spotter, someone who can assist you or request emergency services should anything go wrong, is always a very sensible idea.