Mommy Monday: Never too late to start!

Best case scenario, pregnancies are planned between you and your spouse which enables you to prepare for the miracle to come.



Being physically fit or at least be in the process of getting fit before conceiving is of course preferred. The stronger and healthier your body is while pregnant, the easier it is for your body to cope with the changes and labor. But don't feel discouraged if life threw you some curve balls and left you a bit behind. It is never too late to start on a fitness program, it just depends on what stage you are in your pregnancy that can determine what is best suited for your capabilities.

If you are at the stage of conception, this is a great time to find a trainer to get you started on the right track immediately. Extremely active and fit women never have fear for working out and you may notice that some if not most of them won't need to change up their routines too much except maybe a few modifications as the belly gets bigger and their movements are restricted. Exceptions would be if it is your first pregnancy or you have had complications in which your physician should be monitoring you.

If it is during the first trimester that you begin to start your training regime, you may not be able to perform as well. At this time, the body is adjusting to being pregnant, the fetus is grabbing all of the carbohydrates that it can, and your body is storing fat for the baby's needs at the end of the pregnancy and for nursing. After all that, there may not be much energy left for you. This isn't an excuse to skip your training sessions, but do take your time and rest whenever you feel the need.

Hopefully you aren't starting your fitness training during your second trimester, but if you are, your body has more or less adjusted to its new condition. That means fat storage has diminished leaving you with much more energy! Some women may be able to work out as hard or even harder than they did before they became pregnant, depending on their previous strength and fitness level. If you are just beginning, start easy and carefully!

Last trimester is a completely different story. With blood pooling, rapid breathing, big belly and loss of balance and stability, most exercising moms slow down about 30 - 45%. This is completely normal, no need to push yourself too hard anymore. I do not recommend starting a NEW fitness program now, listen to the body and do what feels good. Kegels (click here for my blog my kegels!), pacey walks, and some stretch exercises (click here for some examples) are great low intensity exercises to do if you are just starting here.

Your endurance level will pick up again postpartum - twelve to twenty weeks after delivery you will be able to work out much harder, particularly if you exercises throughout your pregnancy.

Until next time Mommys, if not TODAY, when?????
Health respect & happiness,
beki