Pregnancy Workout DOs and DON'Ts

*Always make sure to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program!

Exercising while pregnant can be frustrating, but there are plenty of ways to keep moving.  As a general rule, most of the activities you were doing before can still be done well into your pregnancy, though you may need to modify them a bit.  With that in mind, here are some of the basic guidelines for pregnancy exercise:

DO - drink plenty of water

DO - take frequent breaks

DO - nourish yourself with whole foods

DO - exercise as often as you feel able

DO - keep yourself from overheating, especially in the first trimester

DO - avoid bouncing or jarring movements

DO - listen to your body!

DON'T - hold your breath while lifting weights

DON'T - do any exercises laying flat on your back past the first trimester

DON'T - push yourself to the point of being light-headed or past the point at which you can talk

DON'T - partake in activities that may put you at risk of injury

In the first trimester, I found that whenever I tried to lift weights I would almost puke.  Now that has gone away, only to be replaced with the feeling of having to pee within minutes of doing any kind of cardio!  It's frustrating at times, but if you listen to your body you will find something that works for you.

Good luck and stay fit!