Guest Blog: StrideFit’s fortnightly fitness blast

An article by Chelle    No Comments

Welcome to the first fitness blast written especially for Brighton Mums (and Dads too, don’t think you can get out of it that easily!).

In this regularly series of articles I’ll be sharing with you some cracking tips and techniques for exercising and keeping in shape which will help you get motivated to get out there, stay fit and build confidence in what you can achieve.

Along the way I hope to dispel a few unhelpful myths behind what exercise you can and can’t do during and after pregnancy and highlight some important things to always keep in mind.

Blast 1: Striding fit

As you might guess by the title the first fitness burst is all about something that comes naturally to most of us: Walking.

Now some of you are probably saying “is that really your first tip for keeping fit?” Well yes it is, let me explain…

For both those with bump and those getting back to fitness post-pregnancy (and beyond), getting out there for regular walking sessions is a great ‘step’ to fitness. Walking can be as challenging as you want to make it and, by inviting friends and family to get involved, doesn’t have to be boring. Plus, as walking is one of the most functional exercises we are ever likely to do (by functional we mean the exercise most likely to perform in everyday life), getting a good sesh under our belts 3-4 times a week can help improve the way we operate day to day.

What’s in it for me?

Still not sold? Well here are some of the benefits walking can deliver plus some helpful pointers for those with bump or post pregnancy who’re thinking of getting out there:

Walking with bump?

What are the benefits

• Low impact. Striding out regularly is one of the best ways of staying fit during pregnancy and keeping strong ahead of birth. Walking is low impact on the joints - more specifically connective tissues like ligaments which relax with pregnancy hormones such as relaxin - which means there is a lower risk of injury than exercises like jogging and aerobics.
• Maintaining healthy weight. Regular exercise during pregnancy will help to reduce excessive weight gain and, better still, aid more rapid weight loss after birth.
• Regulating temperature. Exercising aerobically can also help regulate core body temperature, which is an important factor in foetal development.
• Strength for labour. A fit strong body will help during labour; the real true marathon test of stamina.

Some helpful tips and pointers:

• Maintain fitness, don’t push it. The goal of exercising during pregnancy should never be too push yourself to wildly improve fitness, but instead to maintain current fitness levels. Therefore when striding out try to pace yourself and hold back from getting too breathless. Use the talk test principle and think: “could I hold conversation when walking this speed?”. If not, slow down. Or, if using a heart rate monitor, try not to exceed 135 beats per minute.
• Don’t exercise on an empty stomach. Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank for your walk – such as foods high in slow release carbs like cereals and rice (not sugary foods). This will avoid blood sugar levels from getting too low. Equally a walking session immediately after a big meal may probably lead to a stitch, so you may want to wait a little to digest.
• Listen to your body. Importantly make sure you look after yourself. Always exercise within your comfortable limits and make sure you’ve had enough rest. As pregnancy progresses listen to your body and how you feel, if you feel tired then take a rest!