Your body is going through some big changes when you are pregnant, and that means you are going to have to engage in a few different routines to adjust and keep your body healthy. A great way to immensely benefit your body and your baby during (and after) pregnancy is by maintaining a regular exercise regimen while you are pregnant. There are multiple benefits of exercising during your pregnancy, and we are going to tell you about them here.

Who can work out during pregnancy?

It is especially easy for women to make the transition to exercising while pregnant if they have previously maintained a workout regimen. It is important to not overdo it and to keep your exercise levels to that of your previous levels, and not exceeding. Try and practice lower impact workouts as opposed to high impact workouts.

If you haven’t engaged in working out regularly before falling pregnant, you can still start up your workout program now safely, but keep to what is comfortable to you and your body and don’t take on new high-impact or exceedingly strenuous workouts. You should also always make sure to check with your health care provider before engaging in your exercise routines if you are unsure about the safety for you and your baby or if you suffer from any particular medical conditions.

The benefits of exercising during your pregnancy

While exercise is always important to maintain, it can be especially beneficially during your pregnancy. Working out during this time will not only help you while you are pregnant, but will make a huge difference in your post-pregnancy recovery. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you get from 20 to 30 minutes of exercise of moderate intensity daily. So, what are the benefits of exercising while pregnant?

1. It will help you sleep better
   Working out while you are pregnant will help your body use up any excess mental energy that could keep you awake at night. It helps you maintain healthier hormone levels as well.
2. It will boost your energy levels
   Multiple studies have shown that exercising regularly help boost natural energy levels, this can be especially helpful for women who are undergoing pregnancy. Exercise helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system and hormone levels, which all play a role in energy levels. Even a ten-minute brisk walk can help.
3. It will lower your risks for certain complications
   There are studies that show that exercising during pregnancy can help lower one’s risk of certain pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
4. It will help reduce any pregnancy discomfort
   When your muscles are stronger, your body is often more aligned and stable, and you will be less likely to suffer from as many aches and pains. Stretches and yoga also have great benefits for muscle aches, while brisk walks will help with your blood circulation and take some stress off of your muscles.
5. It will help your body prepare for giving birth
   If your body is stronger and your stamina is higher, it will have immense benefits when it comes to enduring childbirth.
6. It will help you in your recovery post birth
   If you have maintained your muscle and heart health during pregnancy, you will be able to snap back after your pregnancy much easier. You will also lessen your chances of putting on more baby weight while you are pregnant if you are regularly exercising.
7. It will help you improve your self-image
   Being pregnant can be difficult for a woman in that she sometimes feels like she is losing her body. Working out regularly will help maintain the shape of your body as well as your hormones and endorphins to keep you feeling happier and healthier about your self-image during this huge bodily change.
8. It will help reduce bodily swelling
   While exercising helps your blood circulation, it can help prevent swelling of your body, such as your legs and feet.
9. It could help prevent morning sickness
   Sometimes it can be difficult to get up and go to your nearby Arlington gym if you are feeling nauseous. However, many women have reported to feel less queasy if they are regularly exercising during pregnancy.
10. It will help reduce stress
    Pregnancy can induce stress on a woman, physically and mentally. Working out will help keep your hormone levels in better balance and keep you in a better mood.

Here at Fitness Nation, we understand the importance of maintaining a happy and healthy you during your pregnancy. If you are happier and healthier, your baby will be too. Come join us on your journey and experience support, motivation, and a great and upbeat atmosphere at our fitness center in Arlington. If you have questions or would like to join, contact us or come by today!