728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.

A Healthier Pregnancy

Exercise Trends That
Make a Difference

By Teri Brown

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

video. Abdominal and core strength need to be addressed following delivery, and postural issues abound with the lifting, carrying and nursing of babies."

Although Bryan says Pilates is a perfect workout for women, she cautions that you should always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program or continuing with a program while pregnant.

Yoga: Stretch Those Muscles!
Another popular exercise with the fit and pregnant set is yoga. Sally Narkus, a senior prenatal teacher for the Devotion Yoga studio in Hoboken, N. J., believes yoga is perfect for moms-to-be because it keeps one physically fit while reducing stress.

"Yoga is the practice of integrating body, mind and spirit," says Narkus. "Pregnancy and labor are physically challenging, to say the least. Because our bodies are so responsive during pregnancy, this is the perfect time to really practice at the level that feels right without pushing beyond our edge."

Narkus says labor and mothering require women to find their voices and follow their intuition, just as the practice of yoga encourages. "It's no longer about letting others tell us what t do," says Narkus. "It becomes about gathering our own intelligent empowering energy and letting that lead us to make choices and decisions that are right for ourselves and our babies. We could all just go to the gym if we wanted to get physically stronger for pregnancy and labor. The practice of yoga takes us above and beyond our muscles and into the heart of what it means to birth and raise our precious little ones."

Yoga also can be wonderful for getting back into shape after Baby's arrival. "A rigorous Asana [yoga] practice is as challenging as any gym workout," says Narkus. "It's like boot camp for the body and spirit. So not only will you quickly regain your core strength, but you can wash away those potential postpartum blues."

Spinning: Cycle Your Way to Pregnancy Heath

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.