lundi 27 août 2012

Pregnancy and Strength Training - A Guide to Safe and Effective Training

By Michelle Watsons


It is common for doctors to advise women to stay active during pregnancy. When you stay active, not only do you stay as fit as possible, you can also help improve your baby's health. Not only, that, but you'll find it easier to return to your normal weight and level of fitness when your pregnancy is complete. If you include weight training as part of your prenatal exercise program, you can gain even more benefits. Here are some tips to help you safely weight train during pregnancy.

Consider working out with a group in your area that focuses on prenatal fitness rather than working out alone. Try looking for an informal group that meets for regular exercise sessions or sees if there is a prenatal exercise class at your local fitness club. There are many advantages to utilizing this approach. Working out with a group of people going through the same experience as you can help you stay motivated. This also provides a safe exercise environment, especially if it's led by someone familiar with prenatal fitness and its limitations. It's likely that you can find an exercise group in your area that specializes in this type of workout.

It is very beneficial to exercise when pregnant but there are movements and positions that you should avoid. Exercises that require you to bend from the hips and lifting weights over your head should be avoided. Don't do over head presses, for example, if you're lifting weights while pregnant. Exercises that target the abdominal region should also be avoided. Exercises where you're lying flat on your stomach or back are also good ones to avoid. Many exercises that can be done while standing or sitting are safe to do during pregnancy, although it may sound like you can't do anything.

Another important factor you should consider is that you can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes if you work out during your pregnancy. Exercise is effective at controlling blood sugar levels, along with a healthy diet, and it can also prevent you gaining too much fat as a result of your pregnancy. You should do everything you can to prevent the development of gestational diabetes as it increases the risk of you later falling prey to type two diabetes. The fact that you can lower the risk of gestational diabetes should be powerful enough to motivate you to work out while pregnant, even if there are plenty of other benefits to doing so.

Weight training and other exercises such as using a cycling bike during pregnancy offer many benefits which are becoming more widely accepted. It is essential, however, to modify your workout in a way that reduces your strain and doesn't put your baby at risk. This still gives you plenty of options for exercises and movements. While these guidelines can help you, always listen to your doctor and to your own body.




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