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Showing posts with the label Pregnancy Body

5 Ways to Physically Prepare Yourself for Pregnancy

If you've made the decision to embark on the journey of pregnancy, you probably have a million questions and concerns running through your head as you move into this phase of planning and trying. And as a busy, parent-to-be who values fitness and well-being, you may be wondering about how this is all going to affect and change you body.  I know for me, personally, it was the reason I got into this work. I spent 10 years in NYC as a professional modern dancer and the changes my body was going to go through during pregnancy was a big concern. That may sound vain, but my body was my business. I had spent my entire life training and strengthening it to be able to rehearse and perform. I wasn’t willing to risk injury or not being able to return to dancing in postpartum.  And here’s the most important thing I learned: PREVENTION IS KEY.   If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already trying, now is the time to start taking some proactive steps to physically prepare your body f
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Are You Exercising at the Right Time? How to Optimize Your Workout Based on Your Body's Circadian Rhythms

Are you a morning person, an afternoon warrior, or an evening exerciser? Regardless of when you prefer to break a sweat, it's important to consider our body's circadian rhythms when determining the best time and types of exercise to do. Morning Exercise: For those of you who love to wake up early and get moving,  (I'm up by 5:30am most mornings.  This is my absolute favorite time of day!)  morning exercise can be an energizing way to start your day. Cardiovascular exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, can help get your heart rate up and kickstart your metabolism. Plus, you'll feel more alert and focused throughout the day! If you prefer a gentler start to your morning, try a yoga routine to increase your flexibility, strength, and focus. Afternoon Exercise: If you're someone who finds that mid-day slump hitting hard, instead of reaching for a coffee, an afternoon workout can help you power through. Our body temperature is at its highest during the afterno
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Eliminating Environmental Toxins During Pregnancy

If you are expecting, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby healthy - and that includes creating a safe and healthy environment at home. Unfortunately, many of the products we use every day can contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can be dangerous during pregnancy.  Luckily, a few simple changes can make a big difference.  Here are some tips for eliminating environmental toxins in your home: Choose natural cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your baby. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products made with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. They're just as effective and much safer for you and your baby. Use air purifiers. Indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air, thanks to things like furniture, carpets, and household cleaners. Use an air purifier to remove pollutants like dust, pet dander, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. Avoid synthe
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How to Find a Pregnancy Fitness Trainer

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming - especially when it comes to fitness. You want to stay active for both you and your baby, but you also want to make sure you're doing it safely. That's where a pregnancy fitness specialist or trainer comes in! But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind: Look for a trainer who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. When it comes to prenatal exercise, not all personal trainers are created equal. You want to find someone who understands the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and how to modify exercises to keep you and your baby safe. Look for a trainer who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness to ensure you're getting the best possible care. Check for certifications and accreditation in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. Anyone can call themselves a personal trainer, but you want to make sure you're working with
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6 Strength Training Exercises For Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be tough on your body, but staying active is important for both you and your baby. While exercises like yoga, walking and swimming are great for your overall health, don't forget about the importance of strength training! Building muscle can help prepare your body for the physical demands of labor and delivery, and can even help prevent common pregnancy-related injuries like pelvic floor dysfunction and low back pain.  Here are 6 safe and effective strength training exercises to try during pregnancy: Squats Squats are a classic exercise for building lower body strength, and they're perfect for preparing your body for childbirth. Make sure to keep your back straight and avoid going too deep to prevent injury. Lunges Lunges are another great exercise for building lower body strength, and they can also help improve your balance. Make sure to keep your knee directly over your ankle to prevent injury. Deadlifts Deadlifts are a fantastic exercise for building overall
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Benefits of Working Out During Pregnancy

As you know, working out during pregnancy can offer a variety of benefits for both you and your baby.  But it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the pregnancy fitness "rules" and recommendations out there.  Not to mention, if you aren't feeling well, it's hard to find the motivation to get started.    Here are a few key benefits of prenatal exercise to remind you why moving your body through the next few months is so good: Improved cardiovascular health: Regular exercise can help to improve the mother's cardiovascular health, which can in turn provide a healthier environment for the baby. This can include lower blood pressure and reduced risk of gestational diabetes. Increased energy: Prenatal exercise can help to increase the mother's energy levels, allowing her to more easily handle the physical demands of pregnancy. This can also help to reduce feelings of fatigue and improve overall mood. Reduced stress: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and
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DEBUNKING 140BPM DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy and postpartum can be an exciting and challenging time for your body. You may be looking for safe and effective workout options that will help you maintain your fitness and health during this period. However, there are many misconceptions and outdated advice out there that can make it difficult to know what is safe and effective. One such outdated advice is the recommended heart rate for exercise during pregnancy. The old advice used to be 140 beats per minute, but recent studies have shown that it may not be the best approach. Following this advice may lead to over-restriction of physical activity and limit the benefits that exercise can provide during pregnancy and postpartum.   So, what's the alternative? The answer is the talk test. This method is a simple and fun way to monitor your heart rate during exercise. All you have to do is chat with your workout buddy while exercising and make sure that you are not huffing and puffing so hard that you can't hold a conver
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Don't Underestimate the Power of a Walk!

Walking. It's the EASIEST and one of the safest ways to get movement into your day whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, newly postpartum or well into parenting. It's simple, low-impact and offers a wide range of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here's what you'll gain! Improved cardiovascular health Increased strength and endurance: It builds strength and endurance in your legs, core, and upper body, which can make everyday activities easier and improve your overall fitness level. Reduced stress and anxiety: Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Weight management: It helps burn calories and increases your metabolism. Improved bone density: It helps prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fractures. Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Improved sleep: Walking and hiking can improv
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When Pregnancy and Postpartum "Set backs" Are Actually "Set ups"

    "Don't be fooled.  What feels like a set back is often a set up.  Don't miss an opportunity to grow."    People often see what happening to their bodies during pregnancy and postpartum as a "set back".  They can't wait to get through it and "get their old body back."  But what if I told you it was actually a "set up" and you could come out of this journey with a better body than you started with? I have the extreme privilege of coaching bodies (your bodies!) through a time when they are working hardships.  Clients come to me to prevent and/or overcome pregnancy related injuries like diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, extreme exhaustion, lower back pain, sciatica...the list goes on.  But it's also a time when the hormone relaxin is working and allowing for growth and expansion.  It's a time when you are becoming the worlds most powerful vessel for growing another life!   This is a rema
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