Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body. One thing that can help to alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy is regular exercise.
Medical experts will tell you that in a normal pregnancy, exercise is safe and even recommended. Obviously, any exercise program should be approved by a woman’s doctor.
The first rule of thumb when it comes to exercise during pregnancy is that if a woman was physically active before pregnancy, and there are no other health issues, it is generally safe for her to remain active during pregnancy.
When it comes to the martial arts, the same is true. If a woman is active in the martial arts, such as Kung Fu, there is no reason for her not to continue training provided her doctor has given her the go-ahead. If you are involved in the martial arts and want to continue throughout your pregnancy, here are some things to keep in mind:
- If you have never participated in the martial arts, pregnancy is not the time to begin.
- Don’t worry about breathing loudly. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Instead, congratulate yourself for taking good care of yourself despite carrying some extra weight!
- Make sure you always keep well hydrated.
- Avoid high-impact training and always keep your heart rate below 140 beats per minute.
- Never ever spar while pregnant. Avoid throws, takedowns and sit-ups, as well.
- Keep one foot on the ground at all times.
- Never use excessive force while pregnant. Concentrate instead on form, including things like foot placement.
- Despite being more flexible make sure you don’t overdo it. Pregnancy causes your joints to loosen and this can lead to dislocation.
- Adjust your training schedule keeping in mind that you will understandably tire more easily. It is unrealistic to believe that you will train as long or as hard as you did before you became pregnant.
- Always listen to your body. If it feels like you are doing too much, stop immediately.
If medical issues prevent you from practicing martial arts during your pregnancy, don’t despair. Remember, even if you can’t train your body, you can still train your mind. Practice meditation and other aspects of the martial arts that don’t require physical activity. The martial arts are all about the mind and the body. Take this special time in your life to focus on your mind knowing that before long you will be back to your regular routine.