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Pregnancy & Exercise

Pregnant Woman

benefits of exercise during and after pregnancy

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you can benefit from 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise every day, as long as complications and/or doctor's orders don't rule out exercise or limit your activity level.  Exercise can help you:

  • Feel better - Exercise can give you more energy and you'll be in a better mood thanks to the serotonin level boost. Exercise can also give you a greater sense of control, reduce your risk of constipation, provide backache relief, improve your posture and reduce some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy.
  • Look better - Greater blood flow adds to that healthy pregnancy glow.
  • Improve your self esteem - Exercise can enhance your self-image and improve your sense of well-being.
  • Improve your health - The health benefits of exercise can include improved aerobic capacity and blood pressure, improved response to carbohydrates and decreased blood glucose according to researchers at Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth (NMCP), VA.
  • Sleep better - Exercise can help reduce anxiety and provide some stress relief making it easier to have a good night's sleep.
  • Prepare your mind and your body for birth - Breathing techniques learned in classes like yoga can help you manage the pain of labor and stronger pelvic muscles make it easier to push
  • Have a shorter labor - The jury is still out on this one, but because you are used to the focus, determination and stamina needed for exercise, it may at least feel shorter.
  • Recover more quickly - Staying active during pregnancy helps improves your odds of gaining a healthy amount of weight and you'll have an easier time bouncing back.
  • Enhance Health During Breastfeeding - Cardio and strength training may help new moms boost bone density. Temporary bone loss can be caused by calcium depletion during breastfeeding, says a recently published study by the American College of Sports Medicine.

AFPA Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist

Sound good?  Kristen Davis, a NIFS Health Fitness Specialist, became an American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA) certified Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist after being approached by pregnant women at NIFS.  This is a highly specialized field and there are only a few people in the Indianapolis area certified to train Pre/Post Natal women.  Women who exercised prior to conception, as well as women without an exercise plan in place will benefit from a one-on-one exercise session with Kristen. Any new mother anxious to rebound from giving birth will also benefit from specialized exercises.  Kristen recognizes this need and has the knowledge, experience and motivational skills to help you and your baby be healthy.

Kristen believes you can achieve your goals through education, dedication and motivation.  She will educate you on the safe and proper ways to exercise before, during and after pregnancy and is devoted to helping you through a healthy pregnancy, a shorter labor and a quicker postpartum recovery.   The dedication to living new healthy lifestyle can be challenging.  Working one-on-one with you, Kristen will help you take manageable, attainable steps to being the healthiest mom possible.

TESTIMONIAL

"I really enjoyed the workouts that Kristen set up for me during my pregnancy.  Each trimester my workout routine changed which helped me target and strengthen the areas where my body was changing the most.  The exercises that Kristen showed me were great because on days that I was not able to make it into the gym, I could do them at home with confidence.  I always felt more relaxed and energized after them.  I truly believe that working out throughout my pregnancy helped me to have a healthy and easy pregnancy.  I felt strong and well prepared for labor and delivery.  I also feel that my recovery has progressed a lot faster." 

– Kristen Boyd

Pregnancy Guide to BODYPUMP

If you are a pregant BODYPUMP participant, click here for the BODYPUMP Pregnancy Guide.

CONTACT

To reach Kristen, call 317.274.3432 ext. 226 or email.

Click here to learn more about Kristen.