Moves with Abbie PT – Female Personal Trainer Gloucestershire

Moving your body in any stage of life has so many benefits, and often even more so throughout all stages of pregnancy and beyond.

Exercising throughout pregnancy

The thought of exercising and movement throughout pregnancy can feel daunting, with not knowing potentially what to do or ensuring you are not going to do anything to hurt yourself or baby. However, under the right guidance, it can be one of the best things you can do to support you through each trimester, to keep you feeling good.

During pregnancy, there are a lot of changes going on in your body, such as:

• Reduced mobility – this includes in the diaphragm due to the ribcage widening
• Increased pressure on your abdominals and pelvic floor muscles
• Increased anterior pelvic tilt
• Weight gain – from baby, fluid retention, breasts
• And so much more

Gentle regular movement can be hugely beneficial as it can help to reduce the aches and pains your body may be experiencing from adapting to the above changes.

It can also support your body through these changes too. It is hugely beneficial in supporting your mental and emotional health throughout pregnancy, with the release of endorphins, it promotes that feel-good feeling, as well as a way to gently release any built up stress or anxiety.

Joining pre-natal exercise groups is a great place to start. Not only is it a huge confidence booster knowing you are exercising safely under the guidance of an exercise professional, it is also a brilliant way of meeting new mums-to-be, building friendships with them and also having others to confide in who are in exactly the same position as you, sharing ideas and support.

Exercising after giving birth

Being a Mum is a full time job, and often feels like there is little time left to look after you. But, finding time for you to gently move your body and exercise during your recovery is so important as it can safely rebuild your abdominals and pelvic floor muscles, gently build your strength and fitness levels, and most importantly support your mental and emotional health.

Once receiving the all clear from your healthcare support/midwife that you are able to safely start introducing exercise into your routine again, gifting time to allow you to move should be up there as a priority. That does not mean having to spend hours in the gym. It could be:

• 5-10 minutes of gentle movement on the mat when your baby is sleeping
• Going out for a walk by yourself, with family or friends
• Joining a postnatal fitness class – this is a great way to exercise in a supportive environment, socialising with others in a similar situation and a great way to build friendships.

Summary

Remember, with anything you do, you know your body better than anyone! Finding an activity you enjoy that doesn’t stress the body too far is a good place to start.

Throughout your pregnancy and postnatally, always listen to your body and the internal feedback it is giving; both good and maybe if something isn’t feeling right. If the latter, always contact your GP or healthcare specialist for further guidance and support.

If you are local to Gloucestershire and looking for a friendly and supportive exercise class, why not try my Bump Birth Baby Fitness at Raff PT studio. Set in a gorgeous studio, in a fun and non-judgmental environment, it is suitable for all trimesters of pregnancy, and post-natally too. Babies are always welcome to join (up until the stage of walking).

If you would like more information, please pop your name and email address below and I will get in contact with you!