Strength Training During Pregnancy? You Bet.

There was a time when mothers-to-be were told physical exertion was a bad thing. Today, we know that strength training during pregnancy can have wonderful benefits for both mom and baby.

Of course, any fitness regimen needs to be cleared with your OB first. But in general, healthy women with low-risk pregnancies will find these benefits – and more – with a safe, effective strength training routine that is appropriately scaled to accommodate that growing belly.

Strength training can help with physical discomforts – really!

Two of the most common complaints during pregnancy are lower back pain and leg cramps. When you’re strength training, especially with a professional personal trainer, the emphasis is on appropriate form, proper technique and mobility. This focus can help reduce – and even prevent – common pregnancy aches and pains.

Strength training can improve your energy

Between raging hormones, the physical stress of growing and carrying a tiny person, and carrying on with daily responsibilities, it’s easy to see how energy levels can plummet. Strength training challenges your muscles, gets your blood flowing and releases endorphins. This “feel-good” hormone elevates the mood and reduces stress (a big cause of fatigue).

Strength training can promote a faster, easier labor and delivery – and a speedier recovery, too

There’s no doubt that labor and childbirth are workouts of their own. Abdominal and pelvic muscles are pushed to their limits. Strength training is an important way to slowly and effectively strengthen the body in preparation for the big event. Strong abdominal and pelvic muscles can mean a speedier labor because contractions are more effective.

Strength training builds muscles that heal faster, thanks to increased blood circulation and an improved cellular response to trauma. This is a big benefit after delivery, as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

There’s also a mental benefit to strength training during pregnancy that can be beneficial during labor and delivery.

Speak to your doctor – and then call Framework

If strength training during pregnancy is of interest to you, speak with your doctor first. And then we invite you to contact Framework Personal Training here in Reno for a consultation.

While hiring a personal trainer is always a good idea, it’s especially wise during pregnancy. Ensuring that your workouts are safe and effective should be of the utmost importance, and that’s what you’ll get with a personal trainer from Framework.