Water aerobics during pregnancy
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Lisa Stone
Is it okay to exercise in the pool during pregnancy? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, talks about how to make it safe and effective.
Your question
Is water aerobics a safe (but effective) form of exercise for me during pregnancy? I am not high risk. - Sara, Minot ND
The expert answers
Sara,
Water aerobics is terrific throughout pregnancy, especially as the weather heats up! The water allows you to stay much cooler than you would be on land, and the buoyancy is a great relief to tired or achy muscles and joints.
You still need to follow a few guidelines when exercising in the pool. First of all, remember that you still sweat, even when you're in the water, so you need to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts. Always keep a water bottle nearby so you can take a good swig every 10 minutes or so.
Secondly, be sure to wear a bathing suit with a supportive top (or wear a jog bra underneath your swimsuit). You might also want to wear an abdominal support as your pregnancy progresses -- as your belly and breasts get larger, they'll also be more pendulous, and movement through the water can get uncomfortable. Thirdly, slow your movements as necessary so that you aren't exercising to exhaustion. The water offers a lot of resistance, and trying to move your growing body through it can be very tiring!
Good luck with everything! Here's to a healthy, fit pregnancy!
Lisa :)
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