Work it out mama!

Before i got pregnant I used to go to the fitness and health center three times a week. My goal was to do 1 hour cardio exercises and finish all the weight lifting exercises on my program for every session. Plus i would do 1 hour Body Jam group lesson a week which i really enjoy since i like to dance. To relax after the hard work I would take a soothing Turkish steam bath and drink my hot green tea in the lounge afterwards while enjoying the soft music in the background. Aahhhh. But that was 4 months ago.

Then I became pregnant - and that plainfully explains everything. I used to go to the gym directly from work and pack some pasta salad and bread which would be my dinner and eat it at the lounge and off I go to start my exercise program. But now i need to eat decent food especially in the evening since that's the only time of the day that i can take my time and cook whatever i want to eat. Plus i was always exhausted after coming from work in the first months of my pregnancy so whenever i get home i would just like to cook, eat and lounge in the sofa with sweetie (thanks sweetie for doing the dishes!). But now that im on the second trimester of my pregnancy I could feel my energy coming back. I could even now do some chores in the evening after coming from work how about that! So i thought now is the time to go back to my exercise routine. I made an appointment with my health coach at the fitness center to change my program and when he asked why do i want to change my program I pointed to my obvious tummy and he got what i mean. Now i am doing my cardio exercises still, which is good for my endurance though I have to keep track of my heart rate. My weight lifting program has been changed of course and I am now only doing weight-lifting focused on my arms and shoulders since I'll be needing strong upper body to carry our boy, push the stroller and carry the diaper bag and all the exercises focused on the middle body has been removed from my program. But why do i want to keep on exercising you may ask? Well I've consulted my gynecologist about it and she thinks it's good that i continue exercising. I've also read many articles in the internet and in books that exercising regularly is beneficial for the mother and the baby. Here are some benefits according to Kidshealth.org:

Benefits of Exercising During Pregnancy

No doubt about it, exercise is a big plus for both you and your baby (if complications don't limit your ability to exercise throughout your pregnancy). It can help you:

• feel better. At a time when you wonder if this strange body can possibly be yours, exercise can increase your sense of control and boost your energy level. Not only does it make you feel better by releasing endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals in your brain), appropriate exercise can:
  • relieve backaches and improve your posture by strengthening and toning muscles in your back, butt, and thighs
  • reduce constipation by accelerating movement in your intestine
  • prevent wear and tear on your joints (which become loosened during pregnancy due to normal hormonal changes) by activating the lubricating fluid in your joints
  • help you sleep better by relieving the stress and anxiety that might make you restless at night
• look better. Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow.
• prepare you and your body for birth. Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery. Gaining control over your breathing can help you manage pain. And in the event of a lengthy labor, increased endurance can be a real help.
• regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly. You'll gain less fat weight during your pregnancy if you continue to exercise (assuming you exercised before becoming pregnant). But don't expect or try to lose weight by exercising while you're pregnant. For most women, the goal is to maintain their fitness level throughout pregnancy.

Please take note that it's better to first consult your gynecologist before you start any exercise regimen and always listen to your body when it signals that you had enough. Otherwise, go work it out mama!