Choosing the right pregnancy workouts can help a mother enjoy a fitter pregnancy. However, different workouts will have to be performed at different stages of the pregnancy and in addition; there are also some exercises that have to be performed during the postnatal period. These workouts include doing weights and pushups as well as performing Pilates.


Appropriate Stretching

In order to stretch the sides of the torso and chest as well as the lower back, it is important to sit tall with legs crossed. Use a pillow to be more comfortable and then inhale while raising the right arm. Then, lean towards the left and let out a deep breath while also stretching the right side of the body. Repeat this workout for the other side of the torso. A second useful exercise requires clasping the hands behind the head; next, lean back a bit and open up the chest area. While doing this, be sure to breathe in deeply and then fold the body forward and keep the back flat; move the hands from the back of the head and place them on the floor to get some support. Performing five such reps a day can do wonders for a pregnancy.


Strengthening the Hips & Legs

It is important for expectant mothers to strengthen their hips and legs; this helps in bearing the baby’s weight more easily. A simple workout that helps in strengthening the hips and legs requires that the mother to hold 3 pound dumbbells. Standing with feet spread to shoulder width apart, turn your toes out slightly and bend the knees to 90 degrees. Then, pull in the abs and move the hands in front of the hips with palms facing downward.

Inhale and then let out the breath while also straightening the legs and at the same time, raise both the arms above head level and create a V shape. Follow this by squeezing the shoulder blades as close together as possible and contract the abs at the same time. Then, inhale while lowering the arms. Five reps are recommended for best results, and gradually this can be increased to fifteen reps.


Running Tips

Most pregnant mothers tend to pay more attention to eating healthy foods and consuming plenty of water. Few will consider it necessary to do some running during a pregnancy. That is a pity because running during the pregnancy can provide many benefits. All it requires is to run on a trail for an hour, once a week. This will provide great results, though be sure not to run too strenuously. It would be foolish to run till exhaustion or breathlessness overcomes you. The right way to run is to exert the body only as much as is necessary and the aim must be to exert the body to levels where it is still possible to speak in short sentences.

Other pregnancy workouts that are worth checking out include doing mid-body exercises to help reduce the ache of carpal tunnel syndrome. Cycling is another useful workout that can benefit an expectant mothers mind and body.