We’ve talked a bit about pregnancy exercises in the last couple of days. There’s a lot of things to consider when you want to exercise during your pregnancy including your pre-pregnancy fitness condition and whether your pregnancy is considered high risk or not. There are a lot of options for pregnant women including:
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Water Aerobics
- Dancing
- Biking
- Walking
It’s important to perform a combination of cardio, flexibility and strength training in your pregnancy exercises; but it’s equally important that you do so while avoiding bouncing. While walking is among the most heavily promoted, it is vitally important to listen to your body when it comes to exercising.
Early in the pregnancy, it is not uncommon to become dizzy. If you become dizzy while exercising, you should cease and take a breath. It is not worth the danger of falling, slipping or otherwise injuring yourself. Part of the problem is that your center of gravity is changing. Pay very close attention to these changes. They will grow worse during the third trimester and it will be very easy to lose your balance.
Also, as most women who have experienced pregnancy can attest to – your energy levels will vary from day to day. The growing baby puts pressure on your internal organs, including your lungs, which can dramatically reduce your ability to engage in excessive breathing exercises like uphill walking. If your body wants you to stop – you should stop.
The primary signs to watch for and thus decrease your levels of activity are:
- Dizziness
- Pounding Heart
- Back or Pelvic Pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
A good rule of thumb in most fitness programs is that you should be able to talk while you are exercising. If you can’t talk, you’re doing too much. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. They can give you recommendations for a target heart rate, exercises as well as monitor your progress. Good luck with your exercise and your pregnancy!