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Good Health from Day One

Keeping Active Before, During
and After Pregnancy

By Gina Roberts-Grey

Adjusting to the new routine of motherhood can make squeezing in time to exercise feel like a dreaded chore. "It is important for women to realize that activity comes in many forms," says Braud. Keeping the many benefits of staying active in mind, try to incorporate creative exercise breaks in your day.

Stretch your tired muscles while your baby is playing safely on a blanket next to you, or lose yourself in the audio version of a favorite book while you and your baby do crunches. If you were used to walking, biking or hiking four days per week before having a baby, allow yourself time to take your baby or dog for a walk two to three days a week. "As soon as we found out we were expecting our first child, we purchased a seat for him to ride on the back of our bicycles," says Rob Gryzbowski, a father of two from Warners, N.Y.

Walking after dinner or on the weekend with your spouse keeps the spotlight shining on your fitness goal and also provides the socialization that many look forward to when working out. Rolling a ball on the lawn or floor with your baby, playing hopscotch with a toddler and dancing to your preschooler's favorite songs all offer fun bursts of activity into your day while you and your family stay active.

Want to see more?

• Child's Play: Combining Fitness and Fun
• Mama's Got Biceps: Building Muscle With Strength Training
• Room to Room Fitness: Exercise Your Way
  Around the House
• Talk about it!