Effective Strength Training During Pregnancy

Training During Pregnancy: Reduce the Risk of Complications and Optimise Your Health

Exercising when you're pregnant has many positive effects on your health. It can help reduce anxiety and fatigue, while boosting self-esteem and quality of life. Exercise also has a positive impact on blood sugar and heart rate. Did you know that training during pregnancy can even reduce the risk of certain complications?

Stay Active and Feel Good - Safe and Effective Training for Pregnant Women

If you keep up with your training during pregnancy, it's much easier to get back into it a few weeks after giving birth. Movement enhances the body's ability to regain its strength and function post-pregnancy and delivery. A good mindset to have when you're pregnant is to focus on maintaining your body and your fitness routine, rather than aiming for personal bests. I did strength training throughout my last pregnancy and was at the gym the day before my baby was born. I had a little goal of going straight from the gym to the maternity ward, but it didn't quite work out that way – which was probably for the best! Of course, it's crucial to listen to your own body and how you feel each day. Don't let anyone else influence how you should train. If you feel nauseous and tired, stick to low-intensity strength exercises. If you're feeling energetic and strong, take the opportunity to do something a bit more high-intensity and heavy. Let your daily form decide. The most important thing is to do something rather than nothing. All movement counts!

All types of exercise count!

I often hear from pregnant women and new mothers who want to start exercising that they feel a sense of fear and uncertainty about movement during or after pregnancy. It's really important to remember that movement helps the body to heal and offers so many positive benefits. If you feel unsure, consider getting help from a personal trainer. A PT can help you find exercises that are right for you and create a training plan based on your individual circumstances.

Article written by Rebecca Toll: @stronger_by_rebecca