Fitness Program Active Pregnancy - How can you remain fit while you are pregnant?

Goal : To maintain a healthy heart for you and your baby. This program is only for continuing exercises for women who are fit pre-pregnancy- never start a program like this when you're pregnant and unfit. This is a time to keep up some light safe maintenance exercise for a happy, healthy pregnancy, but not to start anything new.

Active Pregnancy Program Details:

5 workouts a week for as many weeks as you like during your pregnancy. Unlike the other programs this is a suggestion, not a prescription. When you're pregnant, the most important thing you can do is listen to your body and work within its limits. Keep safety in mind:

• Make sure you consult your doctor or physician before embarking on any fitness program. If you have any symptoms of discomfort then consult your doctor.

• Start gently- use light weights and low reps.

• Preferably powerwalk rather than jog.

• When you are pregnant it is not recommended that you lift weights above shoulder height. Pull-ups are therefore omitted from the upper body workout.

• There will become a point in your pregnancy where press-ups on the floor become difficult, at which point graduate to a bench.

• Listen to your body- only do the exercises that feel comfortable.

Now, take a print out of following tables for each week uptill week 4. There are three empty columns against each day for you to fill in. So, start scribbling all over it - you'll find ticking off workouts and filling in food logs is one of the easilest way to boost your motivation. To know in detail about what all details you can fill in these columns, refer the article for using fitness diary pages.

Week One

Don't think because you're pregnant that you have to be sedentary. I've trained women right up until they've given birth- one client had a session on the day she gave birth! Pregnancy actually gives women a lot of energy in certain months, and you can use this for fitness. Just do what feels comfortable.

Week Two

Remember that you're not eating for two- it's more like one and a bit!

Week Three

Use pregnancy as your motivation this week- being fit makes things easier. When you've had your baby. Not only do you get back in shape quicker, but you'll have more energy for your baby. And When you're in labour you'll find it easier to push.

Week Four

Remember that people find pregnant women beautiful and blossoming. You don't have to feel that you are fat and overweight, there is such a thing as fit pregnancy!