Fit for pregnancy
There is so much information about keeping fit during pregnancy, and even more for how to get back into shape once the little one arrives.
Whilst the majority of my clients come to me once they’ve found out that they’re pregnant or for postnatal restoration - which is great, don’t get me wrong! It’s so important to keep moving during your pregnancy - if you’re thinking about starting a family then investing time and energy into being your strongest, fittest and healthiest self before you get pregnant is a wise decision.
Here’s why…
To destress
Trying to get pregnant can be stressful – what with all of the cycle/ovulation tracking, the two-week wait, pregnancy tests and repeating the process month after month if you’re not one of the lucky ones who gets pregnant on the first try. In case you didn’t already know, exercise is a great stress reliever. Finding a way to move that you enjoy can be an outlet during these times and so can make a huge difference on your mindset.
To build a healthy routine
Being pregnant is difficult enough. In the first trimester in particular nausea and tiredness may mean you’re not up for training but if you’ve already established a routine and formed healthy habits then you will be more inclined to stick to them later down the line.
To help combat pregnancy aches and pains
You can build strong foundations for pregnancy. There will be a lot of changes during the 9 months it takes to grow your baby. Building strength and stamina can help you avoid, or at least limit, some of the common aches and pains that come with pregnancy.
To prepare for what’s to come
Linked to the above, pregnancy and motherhood requires strength. Carrying a growing baby bump, and thereafter a wriggly little baby is tough so start working on your strength now to stay ahead of the game.
To learn proper pelvic floor and core technique
You may think that you only need to work on your pelvic floor during pregnancy and after the birth but the honest truth is that ALL women should be working their pelvic floor irrelevant of where they are in their journey to motherhood. Learning how to lift weights and train properly, how to engage your core and when to relax or engage your pelvic floor is an essential skill.
To improve fertility
Being a healthy weight improves fertility and reduces the risks of complications during pregnancy. By making some changes – adopting a healthy diet and regularly exercising - you can improve your chance of falling pregnant and having a healthy baby. Losing weight is not easy, and it takes commitment and time to do it in a healthy way so starting sooner rather than later is a sensible idea. Even if you don’t need to lose weight, it’s good to focus time and effort on yourself and make sure you’re living a healthy life.
Above all, it’s important to build a body that can withstand pregnancy when it happens. If you’d like help in how to train for pregnancy, during or after pregnancy, then feel free to get in touch here.