When you get pregnant you may wonder if it is ok to exercise at the same intensity that you exercised prior to pregnancy. The answer in most cases is YES! First and foremost ask your doctor and listen to your body. Meaning never work out to the point of feeling dizzy, out of breath, or faint. If you are new to exercise start of slow with exercises such as walking or prenatal yoga. Keep in mind that the more fit you are during your pregnancy the quicker your body will bounce back!
Everyone knows that exercise is good for them, but it can be hard to get motivated to do it. A good tip is to find music that you enjoy working out too. Make sure you find an upbeat rhythm that changes up so it doesn’t become boring. I also recommend that the music has singing, because just a beat can get monotonous. I teach a stroller class in San Diego called “Fit Mommas” and use really fun upbeat “dance” music. The other day my batteries ran out and it was so much harder to teach! I also noticed that the moms didn’t work out as hard. If you find a good fast beat you will push yourself to get a good workout…plus it will be fun!
About.com review of Sara Holliday’s Total Body Toning states “This is a great choice for women who want to get into shape after having a baby. The workout is short, but manages to target everything from cardio endurance to upper and lower body strength. The fact that it requires no equipment and stays low-impact will appeal to women who want to get back to exercise without a fuss.”
Fantastic prenatal yoga routine, January 5, 2007 Reviewer: C.L.M. (ID United States) from Amazon.com of Sara Holliday’s Prenatal Yoga Second Trimester DVD- “I began practicing yoga several months before the conception of my first child and have been a faithful yoga follower ever since. I was disappointed during my first pregnancy when I switched from my intense power yoga routine at about 4 months into my pregnancy to the Shiva Rea prenatal yoga routine. There was no comparison. I was not challenged and lost most of the strength I had acquired in the months before. I’m 4 1/2 months into my second pregnancy now and was looking for something more challenging; something that would help me retain and build the strength I need to carry and deliver this baby while being safe and comfortable. I popped Sara’s routine into the DVD player last night for the first time and was surprised that my muscles were even fatigued after some of the poses! It was a short enough routine that my 2 year old was able to entertain herself (mostly by watching me) while I practiced. It immediately relieved the back pain I’ve been starting to have and made me feel more energetic, flexible, and stronger than I have in weeks. If you are looking to stay fit during your pregnancy, I highly recommend trying this workout. “
As your pregnant belly expands it’s common to feel pain and discomfort, particularly in the low back and into the butt. I highly recommend a body pillow for sleeping at night. The body pillows that are designed for specifically for pregnancy are so comfortable! They are made to support your belly and raise your leg and arm to just the right height to decrease swelling and improve circulation. I loved my pillow so much, it was hard to give it up after having my baby! 
Most moms don’t really like exercising but do it because they know they will look and feel better after they exercise. Did you know that the main way to maintain your exercise regimen is to workout with others you can connect with? Think about Oprah…she states that she hates exercising, but she does it because 1. she has a personal trainer, Bob Greene who she loves and connects with 2. because she doesn’t want to gain weight. So the key is to find a group or a friend, a trainer, class, or coaching program where you connect with others. Connecting with others will keep you motivated to workout, and you will reap the benefits in body, mind, and spirit!
“I’m too tired.” “I have so much to do before baby comes.” Sound familiar? When you’re pregnant it’s easy to find an excuse not to exercise. Then after the baby…”I’m don’t have time”. “I’m too tired” (yes, that happens especially after baby!). So in both cases what I highly recommend is to schedule exercise into your planner or calendar. If you have it scheduled into your day you will be more likely to do it. Remember, after your exercise you will feel so much bette… so schedule it today!
Being a mom of two boys, a 8 mo. old and a 3 yr. old, I know that it can be challening to get your workout in. But I have the solutions…make your workout a game for your child! Just yesterday I put my 8 mo. old in a baby back pack carrier, and went outside with my 3 yr. old. I told him I was going to exercise and he asked if he could workout out with me! He followed along while I “taught” him some kicks and squats. After 5 minutes he was done with that, so we walked to our neighbors down the street and climbed up and down their stairs. I challenged him to walk up the stairs 5 times, and he said, “no 10!” Children love games, so make your exercise into a game and they will join you. It’s cute, fun, and you get to do your workout and be a great role model for your child!
Mom Gadget’s review states “Having the Postnatal Total body Toning Workout DVD is like having your own personal trainer and therapist come into your home every day to tend to the needs of mommy for a half an hour. I may not be postnatal- well, I am- by 13 years, but I find this workout one that I don’t mind doing and wouldn’t mind doing daily. Simply because it doesn’t require a great deal of time to look and feel great!”
One of my favorite parts to teach in prenatal yoga is relaxation. Relaxation is so key because it will reduce stress and anxiety and prepare you for a good night’s sleep. Try this simple relaxation exercise. When you are ready for bed, lay comfortably on your left side. You can place a pillow or two between your legs, and one pillow under your head. Close your eyes and start at your feet. Take a breath (breathe in through your nose and out through your nose) into your feet, a breath into your calves…and work your way all the way up to the tip of your head. Then do one more complete breath spreading the relaxation over your entire body. Now drift off into a deep sleep.
