Many exercisers log
hours of cardio in order to
burn major calories and
lose weight. While losing
weight shouldn’t be your
goal during pregnancy,
regular cardio exercise
has plenty of benefits for
both your body and your
baby. Treadmills, stair
climbers, and rowing machines are all fine during
pregnancy (including for
beginners). Adjust the
machines’ speed, incline,
and tension to a level
that’s comfortable for you
(starting out more slowly
still if you’re a novice),
stretch out carefully, and
take it slow. During the
third trimester, though, it’s
best to avoid jumping and
fast running; so you may
want to focus instead on
stretching, walks, and water workouts during pregnancy. You may also have to be more
conscious of avoiding falls and stumbles when you’re no longer able to see your feet.
If you’re new to exercise, start slowly with low-impact cardio like walking or swimming
and aim for about 30 minutes of activity three times per week, working up to more if you
feel up to it. Experienced exercisers can usually continue their regular routine through
early pregnancy, with the exception of a few activities, but check with your doctor to be
sure your favorite forms of exercise are safe. You’ll probably choose to eliminate taxing
or high-impact cardio like running as your pregnancy progresses and your body tells you
to slow down.
cardio