Summer Workouts for Pregnant Women
Between the heat and changes in a woman’s body, being pregnant in the summer can be uncomfortable, especially if you are used to a certain workout routine. But there are many workouts that can help you beat the heat in the summer and stay in shape even if you are pregnant. All expecting mothers should always consult an OBGYN before beginning any workout routine. Here are a few of our favorite recommended workouts for pregnant women:
Indoor Swimming
Indoor swimming is a great exercise for women who are expecting. Swimming is low impact and easy on joints, which can minimize soreness or discomfort associated with pregnancy. Many gyms also have water aerobics classes that can be a fun, social and safe way for pregnant women to exercise comfortably in the summer.
Cardio Workouts
In addition to indoor swimming, there are many low-impact cardio exercises that can be performed at the gym. Brisk walking on a treadmill, cycling on a stationary bike or using an elliptical can help keep your heart rate up and stress levels down. Aerobic classes such as dancing or Zumba can also be a way for pregnant women to break a sweat in the summer without extreme risk of injury.
Yoga
While some yoga classes are heated and dynamic, many yoga studios offer classes that are slower paced and not heated, which can be ideal for pregnant women. Practices such as prenatal, yin and restorative yoga focus on gentle stretches and relaxation through static poses and control of the breath. These yoga practices are also good for back and spine alignment, which can help ease some of the discomforts of being pregnant. Your yoga instructor can work with you to make sure you stay safe in certain postures.
Pelvic Exercises
As your delivery date nears, it’s important to prepare your pelvic area for giving birth. Squats and pelvic thrusts can help reduce back pain and prepare your lower abdominal muscles for delivery. Squats and pelvic thrusts can be performed with a personal trainer or on your own at a gym or in the comfort of your home … and in the A/C!
Exercise and chiropractic treatment for expecting mothers
In addition to these pregnant-friendly summer exercises, we recommend chiropractic care during pregnancy to make the process as comfortable as possible. Live Well Chiropractic Center’s Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert specializes in chiropractic care for pregnant women from conception to post-delivery. She can also discuss workouts with you that can make your pregnancy easier in the summer.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim, email us at info@livewellcc.com or call us at 513-285-7682. If you have general questions about workout tips for pregnant women or how a chiropractor can help during your pregnancy, send us a message.
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