1 Trimester Beginner Pregnant Exerciser-a new twist

If you are a beginner pregnant exerciser, what should you do? Well the guidelines say you are able to start a walking program in your first TRIMESTER and then progress to a strength and cardio program by your second and third trimesters.

Beginner Pregnant Exerciser Trimester 1- Start slow for 5-10 minutes and you are able to increase this to a 30 minute walk. Your level of exertion should be moderate and be careful not to overheat. Dress in layers, wear a good bra and footwear and bring your water. Take breaks as needed. Stay close to home and walk with a buddy as well at first until you know how you are going to react to exercise. Some women get light headed due to hormones and changes in blood volume.

It is particularly important to keep your core body temperature down during the first trimester as this is when the neural tube (that eventually becomes the spine) is developing.

OK so this is nothing new- it's in the guidelines. I have a twist for the beginner pregnant exerciser. During your travels try walking sideways for approximately 1 minute on each side, this will help you work your lateral stabilizers needed for balance and reduce overuse of forward walking muscle groups. If you are confident with this you can attempt to perform some backwards walking as well- try to stand tall, draw in your belly, flex from your gluts to extend your hip to take a backwards step. This again will help reduce any overuse associated with forward walking only. If you are not comfortable with multi-directional moves please stick to forward walking.