Pre Natal Fitness Toronto
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada encourage women to exercise while pregnant. Being sedentary is much riskier to your pregnancy than being moderately active.
Women who gain and keep excessive weight during pregnancy can also pass it along to their newborn babies. Those who remain active experience fewer aches and are less likely to need a Cesarean or have poor bladder control, according to doctors.
The benefits of prenatal fitness exercise for weight loss and physical activity during pregnancy don’t just end there. Strength training increases your metabolism and will help with weight loss after pregnancy. Pelvic floor and core training exercises can also greatly reduce or eliminate pelvic floor dysfunction and the pain associated with it.
Other benefits include:
May help prevent or treat symptoms of gestational diabetes. A recent study shows it may lower the risk by 27%.
Your labor may be shorter than average. A landmark study showed that among well-conditioned women who delivered vaginally, those who had continued training throughout their pregnancy experienced active labor for 4 hours and 24 minutes. This compared with 6 hours and 22 minutes for those who were sedentary. Over 2 hours less!
Increases energy and improves quality of sleep.
Help prevent back pain. Two-thirds of women during pregnancy experience back pain. Core training will also help with posture.
Increases digestion and may lessen bouts of nausea.
Improves overall mood and may help lessen the effects of postpartum depression (PPD).
Is exercise safe during pregnancy?
If it was safe for you to exercise before pregnancy than in most cases it will be safe during as well. Complications most often only occur with extreme forms of exercise. We recommend light to moderate strength and flexibility training. Mindful movement and yoga training also incorporate a lot of helpful exercises. Consult with your doctor first about a light to a moderate exercise program.
Are you looking for a personal trainer that specializes in prenatal fitness? Nicole Markowitz is a Busy Bee mobile personal trainer and previously worked as the head coordinator and trainer at the MNjcc Tummies to Mummies program. She holds several pre and postnatal certifications and has several years of experience helping mommas to be. She’s also a part-time certified art therapist. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Busy Bee Fitness Experts Toronto. View our previous post on how to keep a fit body in the cold winter months.
