Models Direct Guide to Exercising During Pregnancy

Exercising before and when you’re pregnant will help to keep your muscles supple, beneficial for when it comes to giving birth and it will help you regain your figure afterwards. Here, modelling agency Models Direct offers their tips for exercising safely when pregnant.

[UKPRwire, Tue Aug 31 2010] Giving birth could be one of the biggest strains that you put on your body so it helps if you’re physically prepared for it. Exercising before and when you’re pregnant will help to keep your muscles supple, beneficial for when it comes to giving birth and it will help you regain your figure afterwards. Here, modelling agency Models Direct offers their tips for exercising safely when pregnant.

Before you start putting together an exercise plan you should discuss what activities are appropriate for you with your midwife, especially if you didn’t do much before you became pregnant. There are some sports and activities that are not deemed safe for pregnant women including skiing, diving, horse riding, trampolining and intense team sports. More gentle activities are much better.

Models Direct recommends the following activities. Swimming is great as the water supports your ever-expanding bump while providing a workout for your muscles, heart and lungs. Yoga and pilates improve the suppleness of your muscles but just as importantly aid relaxation, teaches you breathing techniques and helps with concentration, all helpful skills for when it comes to labour! Stretching exercises are recommended for toning your body and helping posture although it’s important not to over-stretch in the late stages of pregnancy. Models Direct recommend walking which has the benefits of being free, it gets you out in the fresh air and it’s appropriate throughout the whole of your pregnancy.

• Start building up the exercise you do gradually and you definitely don’t want to do anything too intense. Symptoms are most prevalent in the first trimester of pregnancy so you may not feel up for doing much. Generally the second trimester is when you will have the most energy.

• Ensure that you stay well hydrated before, during and after exercising by drinking plenty of water.

• Avoid working out in hot, humid conditions.

• Choose safe and enjoyable exercises.

• Models Direct advise that you be aware of your body and remember that you’re unlikely to be able to work out to the same ??? as before you became pregnant. If you start feel faint, sick or exhausted stop what you’re doing. If you get any abdominal pains, consult a doctor to be on the safe side.

• You’re more likely to enjoy exercise and stay motivated if you’re doing it with a friend, even more so if it’s a likeminded pregnant friend! Have a look into antenatal fitness classes, this will also give you the chance to meet other expectant mums!



About Models Direct

Models Direct (http://www.modelsdirect.com) is a talent and model agency for female models, male models, teen models, child models and baby models for advertising, fashion, film, TV, promotional and photographic modelling work. We are a Government-regulated Model Employment Agency... not an online showcase, we're the real thing!

If you think you, or perhaps your partner, child, baby or pet, might be a suitable model for us to put forward for selection to appear in films, TV, fashion, promotions, advertisements and photographic modelling, please visit the website (http://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model) or call us on +44 (0)871 224 6000. Modelling can be great fun & often rewarding as a part time hobby.

You can also find out more by visiting the blog (http://modelsdirect.wordpress.com) or by following Models Direct on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/models_direct).