Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life; growing a little human inside you is magical. But besides the glowing skin and shiny hair pregnancy takes its toll on your body including fatigue, weight gain and nausea. The important thing to remember during this time is that you are growing a little person inside you so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Some experts have said that the best time to get fit for a pregnancy is before you are pregnant; this will help you maintain a regular exercise routine which will help you improve your posture and decrease common discomforts like backache and fatigue. Studies also show exercise can prevent gestational diabetes, relieve stress and build your stamina which is needed for labour and taking care of your newborn.
Helpful tips
A few things to keep in mind before you get started, just remember to always consult with your GP or midwife before starting an exercise program
- Avoid any strenuous exercise especially in hot weather (so skip the hot yoga for now)
- Most exercises are safe as long as you are cautious; the safest exercises include swimming, brisk walking, indoor cycling, elliptical machine and low impact aerobics
- Be aware of your surroundings; stand by a door or window for a cool breeze or find a gym with air conditioning to stay cool
- Do your pelvic floor exercises (trust us, you will thank us later)
- If you attend an exercise class, make sure the qualified instructor knows how many weeks pregnant you are
- Embrace your blossoming figure, this is not the time to go on a diet
- Always listen to your body, if you feel tired or dizzy stop and rest
- Drink plenty of water
- The NHS recommends 30 minutes of daily activity, but do what you can
Keep it up and once your little bundle of joy arrives it should be easier to get back into your skinny jeans. Just remember to keep drinking lots of water, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Keep it up!
Keep up the good work, it will help in a lot of ways:
Help boost your mood by increasing the levels of feel-good endorphins in your brain. Read our blog ‘You’re only a workout away from a good mood!’ to find out how.·
- It can help you lose the baby weight, as long as you eat sensibly
- Boost your energy levels, improve your strength and stamina, which comes in handy when you are looking after a newborn.
- Help you cope with aches and pains.
We can help
We offer over a variety of classes suitable during and after pregnancy including Indoor Cycling, Yoga, and Aqua Aerobics. Or just take a dip in our 25m Swimming Pool. You can also speak to our knowledgeable Fitness Instructors in the Fitness Suite that can customise a program just for you.
Join other parents in the pool during Parent and Baby Swim (3m-2yrs) with toys and games for little one to enjoy. Speak to reception to book on.
Whichever activity you decide to take on – we wish you well with your pregnancy and look forward to meeting baby.
