By Eric Hollis, Personal Trainer

Q: I am pregnant and would like to keep exercising. What type of exercise would be best ? A. Exercise can be very beneficial in alleviating some of the troubles associated with pregnancy, such as backaches, swelling and fatigue, as long as you follow your physician’s guidelines. It can also make for an easier delivery.

So before starting, it’s imperative that you talk with your doctor to get consent and evaluation.

If you weren’t exercising before you got pregnant, find a low-impact routine and keep your workouts short (no more than 30 minutes ). If you were a regular exerciser before, it’s probably OK to continue, with your doctor’s consent.

As far as particular exercises to do when pregnant, the swimming pool is hard to beat, since your weight is partially supported in the water. If you don’t have access to a pool, walking is a safe, low-impact activity that you can do as frequently as your doctor allows. Just remember to take the time to warm up gradually and do some gentle stretching before your workout. In particular when stretching, concentrate on the lower back, hips, neck and shoulders.

Exercises to avoid include the obvious activities or exercises that carry a relatively high risk for losing your balance or falling, such as cycling. You’ll also probably want to modify your activities as your pregnancy progresses, so continue to get your doctor’s input regarding your routine.

For instance, after the first trimester, some women experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea when lying flat on their backs and have to modify their activities accordingly. Listen to your body. Stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, bleeding or leaking, numbness, back or hip pain, difficulty walking, swelling or contractions. Remember: Check and continue to check with your doctor. Don’t assume it’s OK to start or continue exercising just because you feel great.

Eric holds a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University and Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Harding University. Eric is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Personal Trainer.

Readers can contact him at hollisjohne@yahoo. com