If you were exercising regularly before you became pregnant, you should be able to maintain that program (for the most part) throughout your pregnancy. Exercise does not increase your risk for miscarriage.

If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during pregnancy, get approval from your physician, start slow and follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water while exercising. Staying hydrated is important.
• Listen to your body … your body will tell you what to do.
• Never exert to the point of breathlessness. Use RPE scales to determine exertion levels. Exercise should feel “somewhat hard”.
• Use weight training as a form of toning only. It’s normal to have to decrease the amount of weight you’ve been used to in order to stay comfortable.
• Avoid exercises that involve lying flat on your back during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Continue abdominal exercises in a seated position.
• Remember that your joints and ligaments are more lax during pregnancy and this may increase risk of injury. Choose exercises that are stable.

Fit for Life has implemented a Pre and Post Partum Exercise Program. Our trained experts can help you throughout your pregnancy and after. Call for more information.

Yes and No.

Exercise may increase your appetite to begin with, but this is perfectly natural. However, as your body adjusts to exercise and you begin working at higher intensities, you should experience a decrease in appetite.

Research shows that the more intense the exercise, the higher your body temperature and the more likely your appetite will be suppressed for several hours following exercise. Exercising at a low intensity and working out in cold temperatures will have less effect on hunger and post-exercise appetite.

Start slow and gradually increase your exercise intensity, be consistent and most importantly, BE PATIENT!! Give your body the time it needs to adjust and it will respond appropriately.

Sheila Rolling, Personal Fitness Trainer and Owner of Fit for Life - Fitness Club in Faribault, MN.