I love being strong and able. I like being able to lift things without worrying about back pains. I’m not a fitness junkie, though, and I don’t workout religiously. I do try to put in some workout in my lifestyle and try to have a fit body.
Getting pregnant, though, kind of put all those stuff at the back seat. (I envy my lifestyle blogger friend, Dee, and our friend Jo, who recently been doing boxing and yoga and having all kinds of fun activities!) But the main focus, as my husband would like to remind me, is to keep the baby safe. This means relaxing your body for the baby and not stressing yourself out. We both agree, though, that remaining active and healthy physically is important, too. So I still do some exercises, and I try to exercise at least 3 times a week.
The first thing I looked up was an exercise app for pregnant women. I saw this Oh Baby! Fitness app and tried it for a few weeks. I ended up buying the app because it’s just awesome. 🙂 It has a weekly exercise for you to do. The workouts are very easy to do and there are reasons why you should do them during the whole pregnancy. It’s good for expectant moms who are not really used to doing heavy workouts or have not done any regular workout routine pre-pregnancy. I highly recommend Oh Baby! Fitness.
Now, if you’re not really into working out or if you don’t have the time to fit in a routine, at least do these 3 must exercises during your whole pregnancy. These exercise will help in your labor, and from what I’ve been hearing about giving birth, we sure could use all the help we can get.
1. Kegel Exercises
What is it GOOD for?
This exercise strengthens the muscles that support your uterus, bladder and bowels, and strengthens your vaginal muscles. This will help you give birth easily.
How to DO it?
Contract your pelvic floor muscles. It’s like trying to hold your pee. You have to contract your muscles for a few seconds, release, then do it again.
My Verdict?
At first I had a hard time doing this exercise. I would think that it’s very easy to do since there’s no equipment involved and I don’t really have to “move”. I just have to sit and kind of focus my mind. But I had a hard time. I find it easier to do kegel when I’m in a car traveling, or when I do it when I’m doing something else.
2. Squats
What is it GOOD for?
This exercise prepares you for labor. It strengthens your pelvic floor muscles and prevents back and pelvic pains. This will also give you a nice behind. 🙂
How to DO it?
Stand with your feet about 2 feet apart and making a V position. Raise your arms in front of you for balance. Bring down your buttocks as if you’re sitting on an imaginary chair. Keep your back straight.
My Verdict?
This is a bit difficult to do if you haven’t tried it before and if you have weak leg muscles. After doing squats you’ll feel your legs burn. That’s why I do this once or twice a week only.
3. Arm & Shoulder Workouts
What is it GOOD for?
This will become essential for carrying your baby. Having strong shoulders and arms will definitely make “wearing” and carrying your baby easier.
How to DO it
I do three exercises for my shoulders and arms. I do bicep curls, tricep curls and shoulder circles. I use a 3kg each dumbbell for the bicep and tricep curls.
My Verdict?
These exercises are easy enough to do. If it means getting to hold my baby longer and more often, then I’m going to do it. 🙂
Mommy
Great tips and ideas for exercising during pregnancy. Most doctors say that you can continue your traditional work out as long as you are high risk. Even moderate cardio is healthy and will help your labor go smoother.
Check out Heidi Powell (she is Chris’s wife, the fitness guru behind Extreme Weightloss Edition), she did some crazy things while pregnant with her baby girl a few months ago. Of course, she was doing things she normally did.
Thanks! I’ll look her up. 🙂 It still amazes me how strong a pregnant woman can be. I’ve always had this impression that pregnant women are delicate and should always be careful. At some extent, they are true but it doesn’t mean we should just sit around and do nothing all day. 🙂