If you're trying to stay in the fitness habit during your pregnancy, a well-chosen fitness routine that you can do in the comfort of your own home can make it much easier to keep your new commitments. It can also come in handy after you've had a baby, when it's not as easy to go for a fitness walk or to an exercise class with your baby in tow. You should try to formalize a great routine now and also use it after the baby is born. First, find a good spot in your house that may inspire you to work out whenever you have some free time. Maybe some place near the TV so you can catch up on your favorite shows and work out at the same time. You might also want to opt for an exercise video or even some home equipment like a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Although the latter can be a serious investment, the cost is often no more than that of a one-year gym membership, a swim card for the local pool, or a year's worth of drop-in aerobic classes. Plus, you won't have a built-in excuse not to exercise when the weather is bad or you can't find a sitter. Make sure that you keep plenty of water close by and keep your house relatively cool while working out. If you feel faint or dizzy, stop immediately and grab some water. Also make sure you have plenty of room to stretch and cool down. Flexibility and keeping your heart rate at a relatively low level are both very important. (During pregnancy, you should not rely on heart rate to judge how hard you're working. You should be using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale, also called the Modified Borg Scale.) The bottom line is that, wherever you are, you should be able to put together a good workout. Whether it's using a stair climber at your local gym or actually walking up the steps of your apartment building, you can get a safe and effective fitness routine. It's all a matter of being creative! For ideas on how to get started, check out these resources:
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Great Workouts at Home
Save Time During Your Busy Schedule
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