Today I read an article about fitness during Pregnancy and I found that is was simple, yet useful information. You can find the whole article right here.
If you are in your first trimester and laughing at the thought of having enough energy to work out. I feel you pain, and you will eventually find more energy in a month or so. Listed below in the article are some great idea's on how to keep weight training. Please remember to use light weights as you want to tone; this isn't the time to be bulking up since it raises the intensity too high for you and the little one. If you have never worked out before the pregnancy I would suggest 30 minutes of walking 3 times a week to start yourself off slowly.
"Strength training is safe and one of the best ways to minimize aches and pains. Weight machines are ideal, especially for gym newbies, because they control your range of motion. "During pregnancy, your joints get looser, and it's easy to move outside of your normal range," says Jeffreys. However, if you're accustomed to doing free-weight exercises, you can continue.
Steer clear of any machine with a pad that presses against your belly, such as the seated row machine or abdominal machines. In addition, forgo any overhead lift since this kind of motion can increase the curve in your lower spine (aka hyperlordosis).
The strength routine below targets the muscles that are key to reducing discomfort during pregnancy. Do one or two sets of 8 to 12 reps for each except the plank. Choose a weight that allows you to perform the repetitions properly and comfortably. And after the first trimester, avoid any exercise done while lying on your back.
Upper/Middle Back
Best Machines: Seated cable row, lat pulldown
Pregnancy Benefit: As your breasts get bigger, your shoulders round forward. Strengthening the muscles between your shoulder blades helps counteract the slump.
Pregnancy Benefit: As your breasts get bigger, your shoulders round forward. Strengthening the muscles between your shoulder blades helps counteract the slump.
Chest
Best Machine: Seated chest-press
Pregnancy Benefit: It's important to create muscle balance in your upper body by working your pecs.
Pregnancy Benefit: It's important to create muscle balance in your upper body by working your pecs.
Arms/Shoulders
Best Machines: Biceps and triceps
Pregnancy Benefit: Strong arms. Soon you'll be schlepping a baby, a diaper bag--and the groceries.
Pregnancy Benefit: Strong arms. Soon you'll be schlepping a baby, a diaper bag--and the groceries.
Lower body
Best Machines: Leg extension and seated leg-curl
Pregnancy Benefit: Your quadriceps and hamstrings bear the weight of your pregnancy as your belly grows.
Pregnancy Benefit: Your quadriceps and hamstrings bear the weight of your pregnancy as your belly grows.
Core
Best Exercise: Plank
Pregnancy Benefit: Keeping your abs strong will help prevent pregnancy-induced back pain.
How to: Lower onto all fours so your wrists are directly under your shoulders. Lift your knees off the floor (don't arch your back) so your body forms a straight line. Hold for one to two breaths, working up to five breaths."
Pregnancy Benefit: Keeping your abs strong will help prevent pregnancy-induced back pain.
How to: Lower onto all fours so your wrists are directly under your shoulders. Lift your knees off the floor (don't arch your back) so your body forms a straight line. Hold for one to two breaths, working up to five breaths."
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