A complete cardiovascular and strength training workout for pregnant women of Portland
In pregnancy, you can improve your fitness level regardless of how fit you are! Whether you are just 4 weeks pregnant or 40 weeks pregnant, Leap’s exercise class, led by licensed physical therapists, is a great place to get fit or stay fit while pregnant!
The prenatal exercise class offered by Leap is composed of a 30 minute cardiovascular workout on a “fit” ball, and additionally includes 25 minutes of strength and toning. Abdominal and pelvic floor exercises, along with core strengthening are performed and encouraged.
Exercising on a fit ball provides “supported standing”, lowering the impact through joints, while increasing the heart rate, which allows for exercise at a moderate intensity level. Importantly through pregnancy, the fit ball also supports the pelvic floor and encourages core stability, both of which are important for pelvic floor health.
Rsearch findings on the benefits of prenatal exercise, include:
- Preventing excessive weight gain during pregnancy
- Shorter labor with less complications during and after for mother and baby
- Decrease risk of gestational diabetes
- Lower birth weight of term babies
- Quicker recovery after labor
- Speedier return to pre-pregnancy weight