Are You On The PDL?

This morning a student in my kickboxing class asked me a couple of questions about being pregnant and exercising.  Her doctor told her that since she was pregnant, she should no longer take cardio kickboxing or Pilates classes.  She wanted her to take it easy.  (HA - take it easy!  This is her fourth child)  After her appointment she felt frustrated and confused on what she can and can't do.  So she asked me...

Being pregnant is not being injured.  Women have been delivering babies as long as humans have been on this planet (obviously).  Leading up to the birth of the baby, very few of them had the option to “take it easy”.  That being said, I understand that there are several contraindications and complications for some women to be more cautious during physical activities.  Nevertheless, for the rest of us, exercise is fine and even encouraged!

Being a Strong and Fit Mom is the platform of my entire business.  My passion in life is to help moms get fit and maintain their strength throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

• Active moms are more toned, physically fit and gain less overall weight and body fat than sedentary moms
• Exercise actually has a ‘fetoprotective’ role during a normal pregnancy (meaning that it is good for the your growing baby)
• A Fit and Strong mom has more control over weight gain, typically has better posture and less aches & pains
• Moms who regularly exercise are better prepared for the length and the needed stamina of labor and delivery
• The work you do to prepare your body for pregnancy, will also help you regain your pre-pregnancy body back faster!!!

I am the proud mom of two beautiful boys.  During my first pregnancy I exercised somewhat but didn’t know how to adjust to my changing body.  Eventually I just stopped and let my pregnancy take over because I thought the aches and pains were telling me to stop.  When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I was told I needed to stop teaching cardio kickboxing and go easy during bootcamp.  I was very frustrated and confused too.  I was pregnant, not injured?!  So I did my research and found out that I was right - I CAN do all of the things I was doing!  I just needed to be in tune with my body and listen to it.  I maintained my fitness levels, my core and total body strength and my relaxed state of mind.  I knew that being a mom did not mean letting go of who I am - a Strong and Fit Woman.  I deserved an hour a day to focus on my mind & body and ultimately my baby and family as well.

The old myth that pregnancy is a “delicate condition” is long gone.  Current research continues to support that women can and should safely exercise and maintain their fitness levels throughout their pregnancy.  Aerobic exercise and strength training can help a mom prepare for the birth of her baby and the life as a mom.  In fact, the only exercises that the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) recommends avoiding during pregnancy are skiing, scuba diving and contact sports like basketball and soccer, not all aerobic activity.  If you enjoy running, keep running; if you enjoy aerobics, keep going...just keep active! 

Whether this is your first or your sixth baby, your decision to take care of your body is a valuable and important one for the overall health of both you and your baby. 

Be sure to keep an open line of communication with your doctor or midwife - let them know your activity levels leading to your pregnancy, your ability to listen to your body and your need to feel fit and strong!

Listen to your body and remember a Strong and Fit Mom is a Happy and Healthy Mom!