Fit Mama! Enjoy a Fit Pregnancy With These 3 Moves.
Author: Shannon Miller
Things are sure to change when you find out that you’re expecting:
- how you dress,
- how you eat,
- your social activities – to name a few.
The good news is that different doesn’t mean bad – it just means…well…different. Consider exercise and staying in shape. If these things were important to you before you got pregnant, they should remain important to you – and probably doubly so now!
You may not be able to engage in all of the exercises and activities that you engaged in pre-pregnancy, but you can certainly stay fit by engaging in other exercises. It’s healthy for you and for your baby.
Here are three of my go-to moves from my Fit Pregnancy DVD to help you stay on (a healthy) track during your pregnancy…
1. Multitasking Lunge
Save time by working your arms and legs all in one move. During the forward lunge make sure that your knee stays in back of your heel to avoid placing stress on your knee. Hold the lunge while you add a biceps curl, lateral raise or over head push. Do 10-20 lunges depending on your ability and where you are in your pregnancy.
2. Plank Hold
Yes, you can still work your core during your pregnancy!
Position your hands on the wall just below your chest (use washcloths under your palms if you have any wrist injuries). Hold this plank pose for 15 to 30 seconds. To increase your workout add 10-12 pushups!
3. Standing Hip Opener
Stretching is an important part of any workout. However, as you pregnancy progresses, your body begins preparing itself for childbirth by releasing hormones that cause your joints to soften and become wider. For this reason, it is important to avoid twisting and overstretching. This simple hip opener is a perfect move to prepare you for labor and ease lower back pain.
Stand on a stable surface and hold on to a study wall, chair or counter for balance. Gentle raise your left knee toward your left shoulder. Hold for 3-5 seconds; then repeat on other side. Do 3-5 repetitions on each leg.