Getting Started with Exercise

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

I always start out with great intentions to exercise during pregnancy. The benefits for mom and baby are well documented. For me, the main problems are finding the time and getting motivated. In the beginning I am too tired to work out. Later in the pregnancy, I feel fat and clumsy. This doesn't help me get motivated to work out.

Consider the benefits of exercise to help you get motivated. Women who exercise regularly tend to gain less weight while pregnant. For some women, this is a good motivating factor. Exercising will also help with weight loss after the pregnancy, so it's a good habit to develop. Women who exercise also tend to have easier labors than women who don't work out.

The easiest way to get started is to make a commitment to exercise. Set aside time in your schedule for exercise. This can be early in the morning or after work. Write it in your daily planner or put it on your calendar. Scheduling the time and seeing it in writing may help you stick to it.

Find a friend to exercise with you. If a friend or neighbor is pregnant, make the commitment to exercise together. Join a gym or just agree to walk together every day. Having someone to work out with you is a great way to get motivated. When you work out with a friend, you are more likely to stick with it.

Choose an activity that you really enjoy. If you love the gym, join or renew your membership. However, if you hate the atmosphere of the gym, this option won't work for you. If you like walks and enjoy being outside, this will be a good choice for you. I like yoga, so this was my main source of exercise. Not only did it tone the muscles, but it relaxes me as well. The key is to find something you enjoy and stick with it.

Start off slowly. If you haven't walked in a long time, don't try to do five miles on the first day. Start off with a short walk at a slow pace. Gradually increase the pace and lengthen the time as you get back into the routine. The time you spend working out during your pregnancy will pay off with big benefits later. Once you have established a work out routine, you will be more likely to stick with it after the baby is born.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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