Pregnancy exercise – and DVD give-away
June 17, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Women's Health
So – you’re pregnant. You’re used to exercise and now you’re not sure what you can and can’t do. Or, you’re pregnant and you want to start exercising. What to do?
First – you need to be sure that you can exercise. Most women are very healthy throughout their pregnancies and have no problems at all with keeping active. However, some women do have problems and certain activities are not recommended for fear of aggravating problems.
So, once you’ve gotten the go-ahead, what type of exercises should you do? If you don’t already have an exercise plan, there are several work outs that have been developed for pregnancy.
Exercise TV has several videos that can help you stretch and keep your muscles in shape throughout pregnancy and after. Click on the TV screen to see a choice of exercises:
Now, to keep with the theme, Fitness expert Tracey Mallett, who you can see in the videos available at Exercise TV, has given me 2 DVDs to give away. One is called Pregnancy System, 3 in 1, and the other is called Total Body Calorie Blast, a 6-minute Quick Blast Method. Tracey also a contributor to Fitness Magazine, Shape, HMC magazine.com, Ocean Magazine, Cooking Light, Diet and Fitness, ePregnancy, Quick and Simple, and is the fitness expert for “The Hot Mom’s Hand Book.”
According to Amazon.com, those who bought the pregnancy DVD were quite pleased with it and they also write: Fit Pregnancy June 2006: Voted one of the best pre-natal DVDs, Tracey’s playful, personal teaching style helps you feel comfortable and enjoy the workout. If you would like to buy this DVD, there’s a link at the bottom of this post that brings you straight to Amazon.com, where you can make your purchase.
The second DVD, not meant for pregnancy, Total Body Calorie Blast also has very good reviews on Amazon.
Now, the fun part: the give-away!
To be eligible to win these 2 DVDs together, please leave a comment about how you plan on keeping fit during pregnancy or a comment about any *other* post on this blog. Let me know which post you liked (or didn’t) and why. If you leave a comment about fitness, I shall gather them all up into one post for later on, giving you (and your website, if you wish) credit.
All people who post eligible comments will be put into a randomized draw for the DVDs. The contest runs from today until 11:59 PM EST on July 1st. Please be sure you leave a legitimate email for me to reach you in case you are the winner. No-one sees your emails except me.
Images: iStock.com, Exercise TV, Amazon.ca
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I love to walk so I will continue too.
I plan on working out as regular at the gym
Pregnancy doesn’t mean taking a break from exercising, just taking it easier. If I didn’t continue to work out daily, I’d be miserable. Even if it’s just a walk, it’ll be something.
How funny since I just asked about this. I can do low impact workouts and have to stay hydrated. I can ride the bike at the gym or use the eeliptical. Probably will stay off the treadmill because of my knees and ankles.
friend could use this.
I think the important thing during pregnancy is not believing that you are helpless. So many of my friends determined they weren’t going to do a thing during pregnancy, but its important to do as much exercise during that time as before, even if its adjusted to suit your needs differently. Even walking helps tremendously.
My daught swims on the YMCA swim team. I work out when she has practice, which is everyday. So no excuses. I’m there might as well workout too.
Jennifer
Going for walks is the easiest and most relaxing exercise when you are pregnant. Just grab your ipod and walk.
If I ever become pregnant, I believe I’ll be a big walker
I swim during my entire pregnancy!
having to walk 1 mile to and from work makes it easier
Well, while being a mom of a toddler and pregnant, I of course am kept on my toes. But I also use taking my daughter to the park and walking or going to the mall and walking laps to stay in shape while pregnant.
just eat right and exercise
I walk and eat healthy foods like fruit, veggies and low fat meat.
By eating a healthy diet and do yoga.
Walking the dogs in the morning and Kegels throughout the day!
I have a very energized toddler, so we run around a lot. Or I chase her going, “Give me that back!” Whatever.
With the nice weather, we’ll be hitting up the park down the street, and probably go swimming a few times at my aunt’s as soon as my maternity swim bottoms arrive.
I do have some hip pain issues, so I just take it easy when my body tells me to. I relax on the couch with a heating pad around my hip.
I love that people try to stay fit during pregnancy, I always stopped exercising and then got out of shape but if I ever get pregnant again I will stay in shape. i would love to win for my friend who just got pregnant after lots of years of trying
I’m currently prego and not really working out, it kills my back to be on my feet for long.
I’ve been doing prenatal yoga and pilates. I also enjoy walking. I’m nearing the end (seven weeks left) and I’ve only gained 15 lbs. My last pregnancy, I gained 30 lbs. So, exercising makes a world of difference.
I absolutely love my pregnancy yoga!!!! It helps me keep my uterine muscles strong, and my abs too! Not to mention that having 2 older kids and a full time job is stressful, this yoga helps me to calm my nerves!!! Love it!!
Going for walks is the easiest and most relaxing exercise when you are pregnant. Just grab your ipod and walk.
Lots of walking and a bit of yoga!
I plan to keep walking, and working out at Curves!
For the guys out there…make sure you keep up your regular exercise routine too (I bike and take karate), but also make sure you increase (if you’re not already doing these) the laundry basket lifting, shopping bag hoisting, and other daily esssentials that may not seem like exercise but really are!
Walking daily and swimming. I love swimming.
Well, I am at 26 weeks and I kept a gentle running schedule thus far. I have also maintained a weight lifting routine, switching heavy weights for lighter ones and doing more reps. I have been trying to walk regularly, bike a little and swim.
I think this has really helped me have more energy and not suffer (too much) from the preggo related aches…
I’ve been walking with my husband. He helps me to keep going!
Walking and low impact work outs.
I love walking. Using my tony little Gizelle, my oxycycle, my resistance bands, and my weight bars
There’s a great paved walking trail at a park in town- I plan on going a few times a week to stay fit
I have been using the wii fit but I need some variety. Thanks for the chance.
I totally need to get in shape for college! I’ve always wanted an exercise video!
We just purchased an eliptical from MC Sports. I hope to find some energy soon to hop on that thing and get back into some exercising. Until then, I’ll take little “I” out for walks. Can’t wait for 2nd trimester!!!
love to win
I need all the motivation I can get with this twin pregnancy to exercise a little more.
I do a lot of walking and yoga
I love taking evening walks with my husband.
swimming with water aerobics and walking with range of motion were my favorite exercises; thanks
I will continue my daily fitness routine but in moderation-walking, low impact aerobics, etc.
walking is the best exercise for me
Walking is what I like to do most
I like going swimming and doing pilates. Eventually get back to my running schedule.
During pregnancy, I still exercise daily but I just don’t exert myself as much or for as long. Even if I only feel like going for a walk, it’s still good for me.
Swimming and Yoga!
I blogged your contest on Prizeatron
http://www.prizeatron.com
I love to walk.
Expecting a baby. Would be perfect!!
I think it’s great that more and more people are starting to stress the importance of staying fit while your pregnant. It’s great for you AND for your baby!
I would love to add this to my little collection!
Oh, I also wanted to add that I plan to keep fit by continuing to jog as I normally do as long as it’s comfortable. I’ve also heard that doing squats is a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor prior to pregnancy, which is very important!