Pregnancy Fitness 101Exercise Demos Back To Top -> Can I keep running? If you are already a runner, you can continue a running program while pregnant, but with special modifications to intensity, frequency, and speed. Your goals for running while pregnant should be to maintain fitness, not to train. You'll need to reduce your mileage as you progress in the second and third trimesters. Be sure to recognize your limits and stop if you have signs of dizziness, faintness, or shortness of breath while exercising. If you weren't running regularly before pregnancy, you shouldn't start now. Also read: Running During Pregnancy 'We Love Running--and BabyFit' Back To Top -> I'm too tired to exercise. Feeling fatigued while pregnant is normal. Make relaxation a priority, getting in rest whenever you can. However, too much rest can increase fatigue, while exercising can give you more energy. Exercise slowly, not to the point of exhaustion. Try to break up your exercises into 2-3 short sessions a day if that helps you make it happen. Also read: Exercise Tips for Fatigue and Morning Sickness Is Your Exercise Program Wearing You Out? Back To Top -> Is tennis safe? Tennis is OK if you played before you were pregnant. Keep the pace moderate. Playing doubles is a great way to do this. As you get bigger, you may have more problems with balance, so be careful, especially with sudden stops. Also read: Safe Sports During Pregnancy Back To Top -> Are sit-ups OK? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that no exercise after the fourth month should be done in the supine position (lying on your back). After the fourth month of pregnancy, if a mom-to-be is on her back, there is a risk that the uterus may compress the vena cava, which could decrease cardiac output, reducing maternal blood pressure. Also read: Round Out Your Fitness Routine with a Stability Ball Back To Top -> What's good for aching legs? No two women handle pregnancy in the same way--this holds true when it comes to remedies for aching legs. For a lot of women, rubbing lotion on their legs and then propping them up with pillows works well. Some women have also suggested that a swim is a wonderful pain reliever for an achy back and legs. A comfortable pair of shoes as well as staying off your feet during periods throughout the day will probably help the majority of women. Continued › |
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