If your health club membership is collecting dust in your purse, take it out, brush it off and use it with confidence. Being pregnant is no longer an excuse to avoid the gym – even if you haven't exercised regularly before.

In fact, according to Brooke Correia of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association in Boston, Mass., 17 percent of clubs belonging to the association offer prenatal programming and 15 percent offer postnatal programming. "Special programs aside, I think most club operators would encourage pregnant members to follow their doctors' advice as it pertains to exercise," says Correia. "If they are permitted to engage in an exercise routine, health clubs offer such a wide variety of exercise options, it's easy for women to exercise throughout pregnancy."

If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, a regular activity program can enhance your quality of life. There are many benefits to be obtained from regular activity, says Healthworks Fitness Centers' Regional Fitness Director Maria Shea from Boston, Mass., who cites several of them:

• Improved aerobic and muscular fitness.
• Facilitation of recovery from labor.
• Enhanced psychological well-being.
• Establishment of permanent healthy behaviors.
• More rapid return to pre-pregnancy weight, strength and flexibility.
• Less weight gain.
• Reduced back pain.
• Social activity – opportunity to meet other new moms.

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