Sleepless Nights, Fluctuating Energy Levels, Intense Food Cravings, Nausea, Cramping, Constipation. No, I’m not referring to the manifestations of a contest prep diet (although strikingly similar in comparison), I’m referring to just a few of the many well known side effects of pregnancy.
First, I would like to state for the record that I myself do not claim to know what it’s like to be pregnant. I’ve never been pregnant nor have I impregnated anyone (that I know of anyways……). Therefore I cannot relate or compare any of my own experiences of pain, fatigue, morning sickness, etc, to that of a pregnant woman. Alas, when it comes to giving advice, opinions and tips with regards to pregnancy, I have only one……. EXERCISE!!!!!!
When the Teacher Becomes the Student
As I mentioned above, I have little to no experience when it comes to being pregnant. I do however have lots of experience when it comes to working with pregnant women in the gym. I’ve trained many prenatal and postnatal women over the course of my career. And in this career that has spanned for over a decade, I’ve learned quite a bit of tips and tricks from my many pregnant female clients. Some of which I would like to share with you today.
Tip #1 – Don’t “Take it Easy”
The number one piece of advice that I’ve been given by my pregnant clients over the years, is to continue to exercise as regularly and intensely as you possibly can over the course of your pregnancy. In the past, the recommendation by many doctors was for women to not exercise and to actually rest as much as possible. Well times have changed. And even though rest is important, regular exercise is just as important. The women that I have trained over the years have attributed the success and ease of their pregnancy, to being physically fit and active throughout their entire term.
Tip #2 – Don’t Eat Whatever You Like
Most people who are active and fit understand the importance of following a healthy and nutritious diet plan. They know that they should avoid or at least limit trans fats, simple sugars and other chemically induced processed foods. Yet, why is it that so many of us (whether we are pregnant or not) tend to award ourselves or justify giving into our sweet and salty temptations because we are “stressed out” “hormonal”, and/or “too busy”? Sure, a slice of pizza or a couple of cookies every so often, is not going to kill you or harm your baby if you are expecting. However giving in to every single craving that you have can only lead to disastrous results, and if you are in fact “eating for two” then these choices are strongly selfish of you to make, especially when the second person has no say.
Tip # 3 – Do What’s Best For You and Your Baby
The general consensus amongst all of my female clients who have given birth, is to remain active and fit after you’ve delivered your baby. Ofcourse everyone is different and some people will require more time to recover then others from the initial labour. In my experience though, the more physically fit a woman is, the faster she recovers from her pregnancy. True to form, I recently had one of my clients return to the gym 4 days after delivery! I also had another client a few months ago train up to the day her water broke! And I’m happy to report that both mothers and babies are happy and healthy.
One Man’s Opinion
I know, I know. What gives me, a man, the right to tell any woman what to do with her body? I mean, if a woman decides to pay little to no attention to her health while she is pregnant, who am I to say anything? And I’m a firm believer in not offering unsolicited advice. I do however care for the general health and well being of both my clients and their children. And children do not ask to be brought into this world. Therefore I think it’s both the mother AND the father’s duty to be as responsible with their health and selfless with any short term gratifications, to ensure that their baby is given the best chance and opportunity to have the highest possible quality of life.
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance