Can I Start An Pregnancy Exercise Program During My Second Trimester?

I've been planning on starting an exercise program but for what ever reason I haven't pulled the trigger. Now I'm pregnant and in my second trimester.
Can I start now?

We have all have been there. Saying, "I really need to start exercising more." But of course life happens and things tend to get in the way. Sometimes pregnancy is that thing and you feel you need to put off the exercise program until after delivery. Well good news ladies, even in your second trimester you and your baby can reap the benefits of exercise during pregnancy! If this is your second or third pregnancy and you promised yourself you would stay in shape this time, don't fret you can still do it!
Here are a few core principles of a pregnancy exercise program:

• Focus on your body! Yes all exercise programs should do this but more so during pregnancy. When your mind is in tune with your body you will be safe, you get a break from the day to day stuff, and your ability to handle stress improves.
  
  
• Start slow and be consistent! You won't be setting any fitness records during pregnancy so don't make that your goal. Increase and maintain strength for increased energy and efficiency in your daily living.
  
  
• Comfortable exertion! You can receive the endorphin rush and be comfortable all at the same time. Just because your not sweating bullets doesn't mean you won't feel great after the workout.
  
  
• You can improve rather quickly. Your strength will increase right away due to your nervous system communicating with your muscular system more efficiently. Improved strength and endurance will make life much easier.
  

So how would I go about starting a pregnancy exercise program during my second trimester?

• First check with your doctor. Make sure your pregnancy is going smoothly and there are no complication. Tell him/her you wish to begin a pregnancy exercise program and he/she will give you the green light.
  
  
• Seek out a fitness professional trained in the area of pregnancy fitness. You don't have to hire a personal trainer 2 or 3 days a week but you should educate yourself on the proper exercises and protocols for exercise during pregnancy. Our Guidelines can be the first step.
  
  
• Set aside time in your day to do your workout. Make it a priority and think of it as an appointment you cannot miss. It really comes down to your commitment.
  
  
• Begin slowly. If you have been completely sedentary start with a leisurely walk at the same time every day. If you are under the supervision of a pregnancy fitness professional, they will start you off at the right level and ease you into it. It is a marathon, not a sprint!
  
  
• Be confident knowing you are doing it for yourself and your baby! The gift of health and a healthy lifestyle is the gift that keeps on giving.
  

I know this information isn't ground breaking or something you haven't heard before but the fact of the matter is most people in this country do not meet the minimum requirements of exercise. This contributes to Coronary Heart Disease being the number killer in the U.S. Also as you may have heard childhood obesity is on the rise so it is up to us to change our behaviors and strive for optimal health.
All the best in your quest for health and fitness during pregnancy and beyond!

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