Fab Fit Feminine

Working out isn’t always about staying fit, but the stress relief and the great feeling after working out while pregnant are the best. There is a little stigma about pregnant women working out, but as long as you are doing it safely, you have nothing to worry about.  Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, Pilates, and pelvic floor and abdominal exercises can help improve stamina, flexibility, and mood. These activities can also help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and swelling. Staying active also improves cardiovascular health, which is important for both the mother and the developing baby. Finally, safe workouts prepare the body for labor, which leads to a smoother delivery. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy. Check out these workouts to try during your beautiful journey.

Try These Workouts:

Prenatal Pilates

Has anyone said Pilates isn’t ideal for pregnant women? Well, here is the truth about prenatal pilates:. Pilates is great for your body. The most important thing you must do is research your instructor to make sure they are a good fit for your pregnancy needs, and most of all, they need to be certified to guide you in prenatal or postnatal pilates. Having a certified instructor is very important, so they can modify your workouts and make sure no harm comes to you or the baby during your self-care time! I have talked to and worked with a certified Pilates coach, Leah Rodgers, at Selah Pilates & Wellness, located in Ocean Springs, MS! They teach various Pilates classes! I had a private class with Ms. Leah, and she showed me exercises that boost your posture and help strengthen your core. The result of pilates is that you become more self-aware of your body movements. It was a wonderful experience, and I recommend Pilates to all moms-to-be!

Prenatal Yoga

Yoga is known for the many amazing benefits the practice adds to your life. Beyond the physical aspects of strength, flexibility, and balance, yoga provides a sanctuary for mental and emotional wellness. The calming and centering nature of yoga helps alleviate stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of inner peace. As women, we navigate the demands of daily life all the time. Incorporating yoga into our fitness routine can be a powerful tool for managing stress levels. Moreover, yoga encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, promoting a positive body image and a deeper connection to oneself. Just because you are a mama doesn’t mean you should quit this mindful exercise. It adds positivity to your journey and relieves the physical and mental stresses of the nine months to come. Not to mention the bond you can create while doing prenatal yoga. Sitting down,quietly listening to sounds and movements around you like the little flutters in your belly! When the time comes for you to go into labor because you did prenatal yoga, your body will have increased strength, stamina, and breathing and relaxation techniques. 

Dance Class

For the mamas who can’t stop the beat, dance group classes are a great way to express yourself while having fun and staying fit! Dancing counts as aerobic exercise; from ballroom to zumba, dance is a great way to stay moving. Some mothers-to-be might not know this, but dancing helps with balance and coordination. Having a new cute bump might feel new, and you may be a little clumsy from this new weight.  Practicing some coordinating dance steps will help with your balance.  Plus, dancing helps give you big energy!  The changes in hormones affect your body by making you feel easily fatigued, lethargic, and unmotivated. Ultimately, dancing helps you to sleep better at night and feel more well-rested during the day.  Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new fitness regimen during pregnancy to ensure it aligns with individual health conditions.

Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises

We can’t forget these very important parts of our body! Pelvic floor exercises are great for all stages of our lives, even during pregnancy. Have you ever laughed and accidentally tinkled? Don’t feel embarrassed; it’s common during your baby-carrying days. Hormonal changes cause your muscles to soften and stretch more easily as you get closer to labor! Even if you are in your prime of age or health, pelvic floor exercises can help with stress incontinence in the future.

Also, don’t neglect your abdominal workouts! Your core is key; you use these muscles to push the baby out, and it also supports your spine. If you were hitting the abs hard at the gym before your pregnancy, it would alleviate pressure on your back and promote proper posture, fending off the lower back pain that’s so common during pregnancy. If you are just now strengthening your abdominal, there are safe workouts that will help you feel good in the process

Climbing Stairs

Have you thought about climbing stairs as a healthy workout routine? As a pregnant woman, it’s a great exercise to start, and it’s totally safe! Climbing stairs is a great, low impact exercise that works out your leg muscles and improves blood flow. Make sure you have the proper footwear and start releasing endorphins.

As a bonus, adding stair climbing to your regular routine can provide a natural energy boost, making it a convenient and accessible option for pregnant women looking to stay active  throughout their journey to motherhood. Remember to talk with your healthcare professional before adding new exercises to your routine during pregnancy.