I have had the pleasure of working with many clients over the 19 years I have been in the fitness industry, many of which have experienced one or several of their pregnancies with me. I am amazed at what the human body can endure during this time, and it can endure a lot! I am known for my unique style of teaching and intense technique, and let’s just say, its not a passive approach to fitness. The women in my class who are pregnant prove to me every day how fit you can be while pregnant. My class is an intense Fusion Workout, which incorporates steps, free weights, ballet barres, jump ropes, mats, medicine balls, high impact, kick boxing, treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, hoola hoops, yoga, pilates, and meditation. I am so proud of my clients who get through these workouts during their pregnancies and take such good care of themselves. I get the opportunity to work with many different bodies and goals and needs and limitations, it makes every day rewarding. There is so much trust that must go into a relationship like this during this time as well as such beautiful rewards, a happy, healthy mother and child. If you do choose to take a class or work with a trainer, please interview them and make sure they are credentialed and well trained in pre/post natal fitness. Please consult with your physician and obgyn before you begin a fitness program.
The biggest question I am asked is, “Can I workout if I am pregnancy?” The answer is YES! Not only can you workout during pregnancy, but you should. I have worked with many doulas and obgyn’s and they have all thanked me for making their job easier because my clients are so well conditioned and prepared.
To workout or not to workout is definitely dependant upon any limitations you might come across in your pregnancy, but if you and your doctor agree that everything is fine, then go for it! Most of my clients have worked with me through their entire pregnancy, many to the day of delivery. The time before and after pregnancy is extremely important as well as during. Don’t wait until you are pregnant to start taking care of yourself, start now! Here are some reasons to keep your body as fit as ever, especially when you are working out for two.
Women who exercise during pregnancy tend to…
-have shorter deliveries and less complicated labor
-have larger placentas, which offers the baby more nutrients
-have better posture and less lower back pain
-experience psychological benefits, exercise helps lessen depression and increase endorphins
-have less episiotomies and cesarean sections
-experience less constipation
-process more oxygen with each breathe, illuminating the feeling of shortness of breathe
-have better coordination and balance
-have improved circulation, which helps to prevent varicose veins
-have increased endurance, which is also important in delivery and recovery, not to mention raising the little one
There is one more reason many of my clients workout while pregnant or if planning a pregnancy, they want to look good and feel good. I suggest embracing the experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look great in the process. I have had many clients that were in their 3rd trimester and you wouldn’t know they were pregnant unless you saw their belly. All it takes is a little discipline, some sweat, and a support system. You can take ‘baby steps’, so to speak, you don’t have to run a marathon or get your black belt before your baby is born, just move and breathe. Go for walks, hike, swim, try a pregnancy yoga class, a dance class, my class, anything you feel comfortable with. I urge you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while embarking on this precious time and remember to take care of yourself not just during, but before and after. Remember, it isn’t just for you, its for your family. Eat well, sleep well and sweat well.
Dove would like to offer a free class to moms on Sunday, May 9th 10:00-11:30 am Happy Mother’s Day!
Dove is available for private consultations as well as her famous Boot Camp Fusion Workouts at her private fitness boutique in Studio City.