Moms-to-be get a workout

Recently, I had an opportunity to work with 8 very pregnant women and one with an infant about 8 weeks old.  These ladies attend a regular exercise class but their teacher was out sick, so I got the call to substitute.  At first I was a little worried because I didn't know their level of fitness nor did I know what their instructor did with them, etc.  I got a few tips from the students, told them to listen to their body, watch their heart rate and not do anything that didn't feel right to them.  Otherwise, they all appeared to be a great health, some were only a few months into their pregnancy and at least two looked like they were ready to pop.  One young mom of now, three, joined the class as well.  She had her baby in the carrier looped around her shoulder.  Nothing was stopping her from exercising, and the baby, she was awake the entire time.

We went to work with a light aerobics routine, stretching, warming up, etc.  They seemed to be having fun with my Latin music.  I took that as cue to up the beat and do more of the same.  We spent 15 minutes doing the mambo, grapevine combinations, knee lifts and kicks, etc. then we stopped for a water break.  They were having a great time and loving the class too.  Next we spent about 15 minutes with light weights and a rubber tubing working shoulders, biceps, triceps, chest and back.  At the end of that session they said--"wow, that's what I came for today, to get a good workout!"  I was so proud and so happy to hear those words.  After another session of aerobics we went to work on legs with the body bar for balance and support.  We did squats, power squats, Sumo squats, calf raises and lunges.   Again, this was a hit!   We finished the class with a cool down, stretch and a few minutes of relaxation. 

I have been pregnant and exercised, four times to be exact.  But you never know how others feel or if they've exercised before pregnancy etc. which is why I was a little hesitant.  In the end, they all loved the class and felt like they got a really great workout.  The compliments do boost my confidence and little stroking of the ego, of course, but my real boost comes just from knowing that I made someone happy just by doing my job.  I was a part of their goal to continue to live a healthy lifestyle with their babies. 

They were motivated, energetic and fun.  What an inspiring class.  I think I'll have to rethink the words "I'm tired" next time I try to use that as an excuse to skip the gym.  The tiny baby girl--she was happy the entire time her mom was doing the grapevine and working her arms--strength she'll soon need to balance the baby in her arms.

Stay well,

(Photo by Dra sick Love)

Comments

[heather dugan]

What a great confidence booster for those women!
I ran through my three pregnancies and am convinced that maintaining my fitness routine increased stamina and decreased "bounce back" time. I also have three kids who love running sports; perhaps they got used to that motion before they were even born...?

[heather dugan]

What a great confidence booster for those women!
I ran through my three pregnancies and am convinced that maintaining my fitness routine increased stamina and decreased "bounce back" time. I also have three kids who love running sports; perhaps they got used to that motion before they were even born...?

[Alexander]

Great job with the Mommy-To-Be class!
It seems like the expectant mothers really enjoyed and benefited from your expertise as both a fitness professional and mother of four children who has been there done that.
There are many documented benefits of exercise during pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Better sleep, improved posture, reduction of back aches and constipation... just to name a few.
Keep up the great work. :)

[Fitarella]

Love it! It is so awesome to get that kind of feedback from your class, especially from a bunch of preggers!

As I was reading the story I kept waiting for you to say "and then they all went in to labor at the same time!" ;-)

[spindiva]

Fitarella: Funny thing is that one girl was done or is due any day now and when we were doing the squats I was picturing a water break, thankfully she went home to have her baby.

Alexander: Thanks!I think my deliveries have always been so "easy" because I have always exercised. Just my opinion, it might also be genetics, who knows, but I suffered from gestational diabetes during one preganancy and only one incident. After I increased my exercise I never again had a problem and with the other babies never even an incident--except of course the morning sickness..ugh!

Heather: I think it's awesome that you were able to run through the pregnancy. I told the ladies they could do push ups while pregnant and they looked at my like I had two heads...hey I did push ups until my belly was too big to go down...what's the problem.

This is such a refreshing conversation about exercise. It is such an easy medicine to get. Thanks for visiting.

[Black Belt Mama]

I used to do a baby yoga workout thing at home with my girls when they were babies. It was so awesome. Your site looks great Spin Diva! You're building awesome content!

[Tamara]

This is great!
I'm going to pass this along to my pregnant patients. AND, I want a yoga update from you.
Peace.
Tamara

[antioxidants]

It's really healthy to love your job and especially knowing that you're making people happy.

I love this site and I've included in my blog roll. If you'd like to change the anchor text, please let me know.