Imagine being pregnant and at 3 a.m., you’re wide-awake for the fourth, maybe fifth time that night from a pregnancy-related discomfort. Pregnant women endure many discomforts during pregnancy from shortness of breath and swollen ankles to the sleepless nights.
But prenatal stretching may be the answer to getting relief and a better night’s sleep – it’s a simple, yet, overlooked solution.
Exercising While Pregnant
For most women, there are major benefits to staying active and stretching during pregnancy. As a first step, it’s important to check with your doctor for clearance on your fitness routine, and then to continue touching base with them throughout your pregnancy to make sure you’re staying safe and anticipating any issues.
Exercise will help you maintain your physical health and well-being while your body undergoes the changes and challenges that come with preparing for childbirth. Studies show that daily exercise, especially low-impact physical activity like stretching may actually help you reduce some of the symptoms of nausea, fatigue and discomfort.
Here are some reasons to stay committed to working out during your pregnancy. Exercise can help you:
• Maintain your muscular strength, cardio fitness and flexibility
• Ease and prevent the aches and pains of pregnancy
• Improve your posture and coordination, body awareness and balance
• Reduce stress
Mind-Body Benefits of Stretching
Stretching gives you that perfect blend of moderate-intensity exercises and feel-good poses that can help you stay fit and strong during your pregnancy. As your body changes, certain areas may become tighter and you’ll need to modify or skip some exercises.
At Reach, we’ll start off with a one-on-one evaluation to ensure we’re creating a stretch therapy plan that’s tailored to exactly what your body needs.
We find that several of our pregnant clients need special attention on their pectorals, hamstrings, hip adductors and flexors, lower back and the back of the neck because these areas tend to become extremely tight during pregnancy.
It’s important not to stretch to the point of pain and our Certified Stretch Therapists will be there with you every stretch of the way making sure you’re receiving a healthy, beneficial stretch.
Some of the mind-body benefits of stretching:
• The mind-body connection is a two-way street. Just as stretching helps to align and center the spine, so it also helps you to become more mentally centered and calm.
• Increases your ability to cope effectively with emotional stress.
• Helps you psychologically prepare for childbirth and the transition of adding a new baby into the family.
• Establishes the habit of setting aside time for self-renewal.
Our membership-based, spa-like locations offer a complimentary first session; private stretching rooms; personalized therapies utilizing technology and performance; plus, perks such as advanced hydration, hot towel treatments and neck stretches.
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