Staying fit and healthy when you’re expectant is one of the best things you could do for yourself — and your baby as well. Exercise during pregnancy offers a handful of benefits; it will boost your mood, reduce pains and aches, as well as improving your sleep. Getting up and moving around will also prepare you for the weight gain that comes with the baby bump. So if you didn’t work out regularly before you got pregnant, this is a good time to get started. And if you’re not sure of what to do, there are plenty of safe options you could pick.
Brisk Walking
Walking is perhaps the best form of exercise for most people, especially those who can’t find time for more elaborate workouts. Not only is it quite easy, but you could also continue to do it right up to your delivery date. Furthermore, you don’t need a gym membership or any kind of equipment to participate. If you prefer hiking, always avoid uneven terrain, slippery conditions and extreme altitudes.
Running
If you have some previous experience, you could probably continue following a safe running routine during pregnancy. To stay safe, stick to level terrain, and avoid pushing yourself over the limit. The general rule of thumb here is to aim for half an hour of running, at least 3 days each week.
Indoor cycling
This is a good way to break a sweat without exerting too much pressure on your knees and ankles. With indoor cycling, you simply pedal at a moderate pace without the risk of falling. You could simply transition your cardio exercises to a stationary bike, or get into an indoor cycling class for a more elaborate ride.
Swimming
Aquatic activities may just be the perfect pregnancy exercises. In the water, one typically weighs a tenth of what they do on land. You thus feel lighter and more mobile. Swimming may also eliminate nausea, puffy ankles and sciatic pain.
Picking a pregnancy workout is quite simple; just choose what you can enjoy doing. To keep things interesting, consider switching to other forms of exercise after a while. For advice on safe workouts during pregnancy, you could consult your doctor for recommendations on what would be OK for you.