What Should a Pregnancy Exercise Program Consist Of?

:webmd.com

2012/10/12

635

For total fitness, a pregnancy exercise program should strengthen and condition your muscles.

Always begin by warming up for five minutes and stretching for five minutes. Include at least fifteen minutes of cardiovascular activity. Measure your heart rate at times of peak activity. Follow aerobic activity with five to ten minutes of gradually slower exercise that ends with gentle stretching.

Here are some basic exercise guidelines for pregnant women:

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes as well as a good support bra.
Choose shoes that are designed for the type of exercise you do. Proper shoes are your best protection against injury.
Exercise on a flat, level surface to prevent injury.
Consume enough calories to meet the needs of your pregnancy (300 more calories per day than before you were pregnant) as well as your exercise program.
Finish eating at least one hour before exercising.
Drink water before, during, and after your workout.
After doing floor exercises, get up slowly and gradually to prevent dizziness.
Never exercise to the point of exhaustion. If you cannot talk normally while exercising, you are probably over-exerting yourself and should slow down your activity.