Does exercising sound too much like a chore? Weve got seven fantastic reasons why youll actually love it! But before that, lets find out why Sydney worked out before and after her pregnancy... 1. Boost your energy Pregnancy can sap your energy, but regular bouts of exercise will help you get through your daily tasks or cope with a demanding schedule: Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, so you dont tire as easily. With muscles that are strong and toned, you need less effort to engage in any activity, whether that means grocery shopping or sitting through meetings at the office. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you can safely take part in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise every day, as long as you dont have a medical condition or complication that your doctor or midwife has told you rules out exercise or limits your activity level. Before you hop on the treadmill or into the pool, make sure you follow these safety guidelines and see our tips on starting an exercise program. 2. Sleep better When youre carrying an extra 15 pounds (or more!) in front of you, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a real challenge. But exercise will help you work off any excess energy and tire you enough to lull you into a more restful sleep. (Get more tips for sleeping well during pregnancy.) 3. Reduce pregnancy discomfort Overall, regular exercise stretches and strengthens your muscles, which helps your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Stretches ease back pain, walking improves your circulation, and swimming can strengthen your abdominal muscles. Learn more about these and other exercises recommended throughout pregnancy. 4. Prepare for childbirth It makes perfect sense: The better shape youre in, the stronger youll be come labor and delivery time. Giving birth is akin to running a marathon, which requires stamina, determination, and focus. Though it hasnt been well researched, training for childbirth through exercise may ease labor and even shorten the time it takes to deliver your baby. 5. Reduce stress and lift your spirits Having a child is a life-changing, momentous experience that can leave you feeling simultaneously ecstatic, overwhelmed, and anxious. One study found that exercise boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood, putting you in better spirits. Learn how to tell the difference between true prenatal depression and normal pregnancy moodiness. 6. Improve your self-image Watching the scale inch its way up to numbers youve never seen before can be disheartening. Staying active helps you feel better about yourself and improves your odds of gaining a healthy amount of weight. 7. Get your body back faster after childbirth This alone is motivation enough for many women to embark on a pregnancy exercise regimen. When youve maintained your strength and muscle tone all through your pregnancy, your body will have an easier time bouncing back after you give birth. You’ll also gain less surplus weight if you exercise during your pregnancy.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 02:07:15 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015