Stay fit for your family!

Pregnancy and Exercise

The BP Wellness Center staff can help you set up a safe exercise program for any stage of pregnancy.  However, you must be a member of the wellness center to participate in any wellness center services.  Membership information can be accessed by clicking the membership tab. If you would like to set up an appointment with a trainer, click on the staff tab for contact information.

The group exercise classes at the wellness center are suitable for any participant.  It is always a good idea to inform the instructor that you are pregnant.  He or she can give modifications for exercises that may not be appropriate during pregnancy.  Yoga is especially popular among pre/postnatal women.  To access the group exercise schedule, click on the class tab.

If you would like to create your own pregnancy routine or just want to learn more about safe exercise during pregnancy, the following links provide useful information.

It is strongly recommended that you obtain permission from your doctor before beginning any exercise program. 

The benefits of exercising during pregnancy for mom 

The benefits of exercise for the baby – Mom is not the only one to benefit from exercising during pregnancy.  New studies show the baby reaps cardiovascular benefits while in the womb. 

The how’s and why’s of exercise’s beneficial effects on mom and baby – A good article that sums up why exercise is so great for mom and baby and what makes up a good exercise routine. 

A guide to exercising during pregnancy – This article from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes a guide to when pregnant women should avoid exercise and exercises for the beginner exerciser. 

Abdominal exercises you can do in the third trimester and postpartum 

Exercising while pregnant with multiples – Is it safe?  This article has some good guidelines to follow if you are expecting twins or beyond. 

Exercise options during pregnancy – Includes links to strength training workouts, different cardiovascular activities and stretching exercises. 

How much exercise is too much? – Read this article to find out. 

Exercise do’s and don’ts for pregnant women 

Yoga During Pregnancy – A helpful how-to guide and some poses you may need to avoid. 

Working During Pregnancy (Do’s and Don’ts) – A guide from the Mayo Clinic on how to continue to work safely during pregnancy

If you are looking for exercises you can do at home while pregnant (and in the postnatal stage), these DVDs give you some options.   

Helpful Books on Exercising during Your Pregnancy (Each title is linked to amazon.com where the books can be purchased):

Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James F. Clapp, III – This is THE book to have for information on exercise during pregnancy.  Dr. Clapp has done most of the research on pregnancy and exercise and this book has information on exercise in every stage including preconception and postpartum. 

Runner’s World Guide to Running and Pregnancy by Chris Lundgren – A great book to have if you are a runner and want to continue to run during your pregnancy. 

Fit and Pregnant:  The Pregnant Woman’s Guide to Exercise by Joan Marie Butler – A good resource for general exercise during pregnancy. 

Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery by Julie Tupler & Andrea Thompson – Includes exercises specifically geared to get you ready for labor and to combat common aches and pains during pregnancy.