When you're pregnant, you want to stay as fit as possible, but you may wonder if it's safe to exercise. There are numerous benefits to exercising during pregnancy as long as your doctor gives the OK, Dr. Jeffrey Marcus, an OB/GYN with North Atlanta Women's Specialists, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Exercise helps control weight gain, as well as helping you better tolerate labor, push more efficiently and feel healthier, Marcus said. Make sure to start slowly if you're not used to exercising, and even if you are, don't exert yourself so much that you can't have a conversation with someone beside you, he said.
The following fitness classes for pregnant women in metro Atlanta will help your health while letting you get to know other moms-to-be:
My Cherished Life
465 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta. 404-492-9959. mycherishedlife.com.
The Cherished Mama Prenatal Yoga class is designed to help tone and firm your pregnant body while making you feel relaxed and more connected to your baby. Catch a class at (sacred) thread and Solstice Urban Retreat.
Fit4Baby Prenatal Roswell/Alpharetta
Various locations. 404-409-2202. roswell.fit4mom.com/#/today.
Fit4Baby is an hour-long class that works on cardio, strength, flexibility and balance. Modifications are provided for all stages of pregnancy, and a doctor's authorization is required to participate.
Decatur Yoga
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-377-4899. decaturhotyoga.com.
Basic Hatha Yoga is practiced in prenatal classes that aim to prepare your body for labor and birth, as well as create a supportive environment of other moms-to-be. Breathing will also be emphasized and will be connected to feelings of relaxation and mindfulness.
Strength in Moms
Various locations. 404-449-5283. strengthinmoms.com.
If you have some friends who are also pregnant, get a small group together for a personal training class from Strength in Moms. A trainer will create a package that's specific to your goals and will come to your metro Atlanta home to teach a class. Katie Scharf, owner of Strength in Moms, started the company as a result of her own experiences. During her first pregnancy, she had trouble adjusting to exercising with the changes in her body. It took her a year to feel like herself again after giving birth. During her second pregnancy, she was able to stay fit and relaxed and now helps other moms do the same.
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