If you’ve been working out, lifting weights, running, doing some aerobics classes and keeping in tip top shape following all of our weight loss tips, you don’t have to put all that aside when you find out you’re pregnant. In fact, this is a great time to continue with your fitness program with some minor modifications that will keep you and baby safe, while still giving yourself a great workout. Doctors highly recommend you continue your exercise routine through your pregnancy to help with all phases from the actual pregnancy to the delivery and even a faster recovery. Just make sure you check with your doctor on all exercises you’re planning on doing. Something that seems rather benign to you can actually put you and/or your baby at considerable risk. But, don’t let that scare you off, just make sure you check first.
One great way to stay in shape and help your overall well-being during pregnancy is by introducing some prenatal yoga poses from time to time. Look around your local area and maybe even at meetup.com for a parental yoga group. You’d be surprised what you find. Often, for free and within a 20 minute driving range from your home, you’ll find other moms-to-be who are enthusiastic about staying in shape. If you can’t find a group consider starting one on your own or just find a pregnancy yoga DVD and workout at home. If you do find a great prenatal yoga video, you could use this with a group of expectant moms at a local club house or even in your living room.
One of the best prenatal yoga dvd programs is put out by Shiva Rea. The reviews for this on Amazon.com are almost all 4 and 5 stars. It’s a great program that offers you yoga posses for all levels and trimesters of your pregnancy. This program includes a half hour of meditation and stretching using blocks and shares to add to your stability. Then it’s on to about 15 minutes of floor work with modifications noted for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. At the end Shiva brings your heart rate down and calms your spirit with four minutes of guided relaxation. You can’t go wrong with this video by Shiva Rea. There are a number of other prenatal yoga dvd’s available at Amazon with most of them getting 4 to 5 stars in the reviews.
If you’ve never done yoga and you’re body isn’t used to any type of physical strain, be careful jumping into this too aggressively and stick with the prenatal yoga poses. Make sure you take it slower than you normally would and don’t be in a rush to be a peak performer in yoga. Pregnancy is not the time to push your body beyond its limits as any minor injury can have you bed-ridden faster than you thought possible.