1. Breathe It In
Aerobic exercise is essential for pregnant women because it encourages your body to process and use oxygen. That's so important for you and your child. You build muscle tone and increase your stamina. Always check with your doctor first about pregnant exercise to make sure it's okay.
2. Boogie With Your Baby
Dancing is a great prenatal exercise because it's fun, improves your flexibility and tones your muscles. Fast-paced dancing is best for aerobic exercise, whereas you can maintain your muscle tone and stretch through ballet. For best results, dance for 20 minutes at least three times a week. When you're in your first trimester, make sure you warm up to prepare your muscles and joints. If you can't carry on a conversation, slow down the dancing. As your pregnancy advances into the second and third trimester, your center of gravity changes. You should stay away from any dancing that jolts you around too much or causes stress to your joints or ligaments.
3. Let the Water Carry You
Grab those fins and go for a swim. It's a low impact, smooth exercise that works all your muscles simultaenously. You feel weightless so it's easier to move your body. The best best is to do the breaststroke because it doesn't require as much exertion as other strokes. Swimming is an aerobic pregnant exercise, it improves your muscle tone, builds endurance and improves your circulation. You'll burn calories, sleep better and feel less tired during your pregnancy. Make sure you start slowly and warm up before swimming. If at any point you feel like you're overdoing it, stop. Doctors say it's also important to stay well hydrated while swimming. Drink a cup of water before you swim, once every 20 minutes and again after you're done.
4. Build That Stamina
Ever think about how difficult it will be to give birth? Beautiful, but hard. You'll need stamina to get through labor and delivery. That's why some exercises for pregnant woman focus on weight training. Not only does it increase your stamina, but your muscles will become stronger and more toned. You should try to use the resistance training machines like those in a gym instead of loose barbells. That's because you may drop the barbells and hurt yourself. Use slow, controlled movements as you weight train and increase the petitions as your decrease the weight.
5. These Boots Were Made for Walking
Walking is a fantastic aerobic exercise for pregnant women. It keeps you in shape but is easy on your joints. You can walk through your entire pregnancy, too, so you don't have to worry about how far along you are. If you were a couch potato before you got pregnant, start out by walking slowly. Build up to a brisk 20 to 30 minute walk. Wear decent walking shoes with support for your arches and ankles. Drink water while you walk to stay hydrated. Once you near your delivery date, you may want to walk on a track because it's easier on your body. Plus, you'll have your car nearby if anything was to happen.
