Exercising during pregnancy can provide multiple benefits including preventing type 2 diabetes, minimising weight gain and preparing you for labour and delivery. The NHS states “the more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain.”
Boosts your energy levelPregnancy can deplete your energy and make daily tasks seem more difficult than usual. Understandably, you may feel unmotivated to exercise if you are nauseated and fatigued. However, engaging in physical activity can boost your energy levels up. Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, making you less exhausted and better able to deal with stress. It can also improve your mood thanks to exercise increasing serotonin the brain chemical.
Improves sleepSleep can become somewhat of a task during pregnancy, which is why exercising can come in handy as it can wear you out and provide a more restful sleep. Sleep is also key to maintaining energy, which can be difficult when pregnant so ensure you are getting at least eight hours a night.
Decreased risk of developing Gestational DiabetesExercise can prevent Gestational Diabetes and possible later-onset Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk states “Gestational Diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to the insulin it produces during pregnancy. This happens as a result of the increased insulin demands imposed by pregnancy. Your blood glucose levels run higher than they normally would.” Physical activity can also help to lower blood glucose levels if you have developed Gestational Diabetes.
Gain less weightYou are less likely to put on excess weight if you exercise throughout your pregnancy and can regain your pre-pregnancy body quicker. Aerobic exercises can be recommended during pregnancy as they use a large number of group muscles and can reduce excessive weight gain. Aerobic exercises include walking, stationary cycling and aquatic exercise. Studies have also shown that women who keep fit during pregnancy are more relaxed.
Reduces discomfortRegular physical activity strengthens muscles, enabling your body to better cope with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Exercise can reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling.
Can help make labour easierResearch has shown that women who exercise at moderate to high levels during pregnancy have labours that are one third shorter than women who don’t exercise. Strong muscles and a healthy heart can ease labour and delivery as labour requires stamina and determination. It can also help your body bounce back quicker after you give birth.
Incorpore offers a discounted gym network that not only benefits the employee but also human resources and rewards teams by giving them the opportunity to engage more with their staff and build better relationships. Offering discounted gym memberships and wellbeing services can boost productivity and help reduce staff absenteeism as regular exercise reduces proneness to illnesses. Thus, saving your business money in reduced productivity and missed opportunities. Incorpore offer two gym solution products: GymFlex and My Gym Discounts.
Along with a discounted gym network, Incorpore also offer discounts on health, sport and fitness products through My Active Discounts. Our newest product which is coming soon is Your Wellness Hub, a dedicated site offering discounted goods and services to support your wellbeing strategy. Your Wellness Hub offers flexible, bespoke & tailorable wellbeing solutions to support healthy behavioural changes within your workplace including health calendars, wellbeing workshops, health assessments, team events and health products such as sit and stand desks.
