Weight Training Safely and Effectively When You Are Pregnant

By Edward Cargill


It is common for doctors to advise women to stay active during pregnancy. Maintaining activity will not only help you stay as fit as possible but can also improve your baby's health. You will also find it easier to return to your normal weight after the baby is born. Including weight training in your prenatal exercise program gives you even more benefits. Use the following tips to safely include weight training in your exercise routine while pregnant.

It can help to work out with a group that focuses on prenatal fitness rather than working out alone. Check your local fitness club for classes or you may find an informal group who meets for exercise sessions on a regular basis like having a bike tour. The advantages to this approach are numerous. Working out with a group of people that are going through the same experience as you can be a great source of motivation. When led by someone familiar with the special limitations of prenatal exercise, this approach also offers a safe environment for exercising. Exercise groups that specialize in this type of workout should be available in your area.

You will need to avoid certain movements and positions even if exercise can be very beneficial during pregnancy. For one thing, you shouldn't do exercises that make you bend from the hips, or lifting weights or any heavy objects over your head. Overhead presses should be avoided, for example, if you're lifting weights while pregnant. You should also avoid doing exercises that target the abdominal region. Exercises where you're lying flat on your stomach or back are also good ones to avoid. While it may sound like you can't do anything, there are actually several exercises that are safe to do while pregnant that are done while standing or sitting.

Engaging in cardio and weight training while you are pregnant will also reduce the chances of you developing gestational diabetes. Along with a healthy diet, exercise can help to control your blood sugar and prevent you from gaining excessive fat during your pregnancy. Since gestational diabetes increases the risk of the onset of Type 2 diabetes, it is something you should do everything in your power to avoid. There are many good reasons to exercise during your pregnancy, but reducing your risk of gestational diabetes is a factor you should also keep in mind.

It is becoming more widely accepted that exercising during pregnancy, including weight training, has many benefits. But it is essential to modify your workout so you don't strain yourself or 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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