I’ve written in my book, Stay At Home Strong and elsewhere that pregnant women need to embrace exercise and strength training during and after their pregnancies. There are many possible benefits of strength training while pregnant, including:
- Better energy and sense of well-being.
- Faster post-partum recovery and increased fitness for labor and delivery.
- Reduced discomfort from having strong muscles (e.g., pelvic floor and back).
- Decreased likelihood of varicose veins from improved overall circulation.
- Decreased risk of excessive weight gain, which can lead to stretch marks.
- Less water retention.
- More rapid return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
The DB (or even a bodyweight) squat is fine during the first trimester. However, caution needs to be exercised beyond the first trimester as your center of gravity shifts and sense of balance changes.
The X-Band Walk Out will help strengthen the musculature around your hips and knees. These joints need to be as strong as possible throughout your pregnancy.