Can you go to the gym whilst pregnant?
There has always been this scare about pregnant women going to the gym. Anything that can put your child’s well-being at possible remote risk, it’s a definite no. However, it is time to put an end to that myth that wants women to be sceptical about exercise during pregnancy.
Going to the gym while pregnant is absolutely safe and in fact, encouraged.
About nutrition
While exercise during pregnancy is encouraged, let’s not forget a big, basic factor. Healthy nutrition. Maintaining health on every level is essential so what I do with a pregnant client is to have her inform me of everything she eats.
That way, I can advise her on the best possible solution when it comes to nutrition because the most important factor is to know what to eat.
This is crucial because that way you can ward off problems like diabetes and high blood pressure which can play a negative role during pregnancy.
In terms of exercises
- Light cycling is good to get the blood flowing and to loosen up the back
- Squats with or without weights.
Without weights, what I usually do is get clients to pull their arms slightly behind them so their chest muscles stretch and their postural muscles at the back of the shoulders retract.
- Squats
Squats focus on the lower back, being super engaged to improve the strength of the lower back and also use really slow reps on the way down for maximum effectiveness.
A very important exercise during pregnancy is sets of single-leg balancing exercises and single leg and arm balancing movements.
Do keep your body healthy when pregnant as it will make you stronger mentally and physically for your pregnancy and you will recover and get into greater shape after giving birth.