It’s nothing new. When people exercise, there is a feeling of awareness, confidence, but most of all, happiness that follows. You’ve done great things for your body and self esteem and your energy is through the roof. You feel better about yourself which can have a domino effect on others around you.
So if this is all true, why don’t more people exercise on a daily basis? This is a question asked by professionals like myself over and over again. If people know the health advantages associated with regular exercise, why are we continuing to see an increase in obesity? Even our children are being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes at an alarming rate.
Though the above is true, I am also a realist. Even though many people are aware of the limitless benefits of exercise, there remains a large percentage who are not. So if the general population has an inactivity rate of 55%, the rate of women who exercise during pregnancy and postpartum is unfortunately, lower.
Now I am a mother and can completely relate to all the challenges and aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy and being a new mom. Excessive weight gain, swollen ankles, leaking breasts and sleep deprivation are not the ideal scenario when thinking about exercise, but can be your one supplement free way of managing those conditions. And just think about your baby.
I heard on the radio a while back that doctors think there may be a link between weight gain during pregnancy and childhood obesity. Now there’s no need to panic – just think about it this way. You’re pregnant and like every other woman out there, you want to deliver the healthiest baby on the planet (I know I did). So you start at the beginning. Regular exercise during pregnancy will help to maintain healthy weight gain. You will also considerably decrease the chances of developing Gestational diabetes, Pre-eclampsia, and high blood pressure.
Research has also shown that exercising mothers deliver leaner babies with a higher percentage of muscle mass. If you’re not convinced by now, just think about after the baby is born. By being physically active on a regular basis, you are setting the stage for health and wellness for your little one. You are a role model and your child looks up to you and as they grow, they will imitate learned behavior.
There is far too much inactivity in children in this day and age. Children are meant to run and climb and not come in to the house until after the street lights come on – at least that’s what I did. Didn’t you?
Printer-friendly version