Want to keep your pregnancy fitness program simple, yet effective? Just slip on your walking shoes. Walking during pregnancy is a great way to stay active and improve how you feel. Whether you're into yoga, swimming, low-impact exercises, or sitting on the couch, walking is a fitness staple that even the least motivated can adopt.
Benefits of Walking
Walking is a great cardiovascular exercise during pregnancy because you can reap the benefits of a safe cardio workout without jarring knees, hips, and ankles. It's an excellent way to tone muscles, get fresh air, keep your body regular, and help you sleep soundly at night. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says you can safely engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate activity during pregnancy.
Starting a Walking Program
Looking for some advice on how to begin a schedule and stick to it? If you're already an avid walker, keep up your program. If you're a beginner, start making walking a habit! Walk 20-30 minutes a day three days a week and work up to 30 - 60 minutes four to five days a week. The best way to build up to longer times is to simply add 5 minutes onto your walk each day until you reach your goal. You can maintain your program all the way through the third trimester as long as it is comfortable.
| Member Comments About this Article |
|
 |
"i,m 9 wks, i have always been a real walker doing 45mins most days of the wk - but have laxed back a bit with the early stages of pregnancy, as my last pregnancy ended with a miscarriage, but what does everyone say about me walking as i live around alot of hills so its all up and down hill when i walk, of which i feel fine enough to do but i,m a bit scared - look forward to your comments" -- MRSMRSMITH
|
 |
|
"@losing4baby: good for you! I hope all of your efforts made for an easy delivery as well. I do Pilates 4-5 days/wk and prenatal yoga when I can fit it in, and I'm lucky to live in a large new construction neighborhood where I can wander and see and the progress. I can walk miles without leaving the neighborhood, and yet the view constantly changes. Makes it so easy there is no excuse." -- MARANYNC
|
|
|
"If you have a smartphone, look for "Pedometer Ultimate". It's a free app and works great. I carry my cell phone when walking anyway. There's a small fee you can pay to upgrade for more features, but I've been fine with the free version. It not only tells you steps, but also tells you distance, speed, lap calories, and more. Like any app, it will take some juice, so don't leave it running when you aren't using it." -- ROGGEDANCE
|
|
|
|
Report Inappropriate Comment
|
|
