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• Exercises to help diastasis recti

We can help them from the start - in utero.

It's nothing new. When people exercise, there is a feeling of awareness, confidence, but most of all, happiness that follows. You've done great things for your body and self-esteem and your energy level is shooting through the roof. You feel better about yourself, which can have a domino effect on others around you. So, if this is all true, why don't more people exercise on a daily basis? This is a question asked by professionals like myself over and over again. If people know the health advantages associated with regular exercise, why do we continue to see an increase in obesity? Even our children are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate.

Though the above is true, I am also a realist. Even though many people are aware of the limitless benefits of exercise, there remains a large percentage who are not. So, if the general population has an inactivity rate of 55 per cent, the rate of women who exercise during pregnancy and post-partum is unfortunately, lower.

Now, I am a mother and can completely relate to all the challenges and aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy and being a new mom. Exercise is the last thing on your mind when you're faced with excessive weight gain, swollen ankles, leaking breasts and sleep deprivation. But, it's exercise alone that can help stem these effects of pregnancy.

I heard a recent program on the radio that said some experts think there may be a link between weight gain during pregnancy and childhood obesity. As a soon-to-be mom, your main focus is to deliver the healthiest baby on the planet. So, start with yourself.

Regular exercise during pregnancy will help to maintain healthy weight gain. You will also considerably decrease the chances of developing gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and even high blood pressure. Research has also shown that exercising mothers deliver leaner babies with a higher percentage of muscle mass.

If you're still not convinced, just think about after the baby is born. By being physically active on a regular basis, you are setting the stage for health and wellness for your little one. You are a role model and your child looks up to you and as they grow, they will imitate learned behaviour. There is far too much inactivity in children in this day and age. Children are meant to run and climb and not come in to the house until after the street lights come on - at least that's what I did. Didn't you?

 

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is the mother of two girls and lives in the Beach. She is a certified personal trainer and holds certifications in pre- and post-natal fitness, nutrition and wellness and resist-a-ball. You can reach her at www.coreexpectations.com or by calling 647-897-5220.