Hey there! So with just 10 (!) weeks left until I get to meet my little man, I’m realizing how there are definitely some things I’m going to miss about being pregnant. Like the fact that I totally have an excuse to take it a bit easier in my workouts. I’m always the one in class taking the advanced option and pushing a little harder. I’ve been totally enjoying pushups on my knees, taking out the jumps and resting in child’s pose.
I love prenatal classes that are designed specifically for expectant mamas because I never really feel like I have to take a break, they are kind of built into the class. One of my favorite forms of exercise during pregnancy has been barre classes. I’ve always loved barre classes but I never considered not just how great these workouts can be for pregnancy but also how beneficial they are! Check out some of the benefits:*
Improved posture– barre classes focus a lot on maintaining proper alignment and posture (similar to ballet classes) and moves are designed to improve posture by strengthening postural muscles like the upper back and core.
Maintaining balance-the weight of a growing baby throws most women off balance at least a little. Barre classes help maintain your ability to balance with the safe support of the barre.
Maintaining muscle tone– while weight gain in pregnancy is inevitable, there is no reason to lose muscle tone. Barre classes are a safe and effective way to maintain the muscle tone you worked so hard pre-pregnancy to build. Plus, you’ll need strong arms to carry around that baby and all the gear!
Strengthening the pelvic floor– these are the muscles that will help you push during labor and delivery. They need to be strong for obvious reasons. Barre classes help strengthen these muscles through standing thigh and seat work as well as core work.
Boost circulation– Just like most things during pregnancy, circulation can get a bit sluggish leading to swollen hands and feet. Barre classes help boost circulation and reduce instances of swelling and that heavy feeling.
So with all these amazing benefits of barre classes during pregnancy, I thought I would share my latest barre video based on 20+ years of ballet experience myself and over seven months of carrying a little one! Hope you enjoy!
Readers, do you choose workouts based on their specific benefits? If you could do only one form of exercise for the rest of your life, what would it be?
* I attended a workshop at Physique 57 outlining modifications and benefits of prenatal barre classes. Some of the information in this post is from that class and some is based on my own experience and research.
Holly
September 9, 2014We can ALL always use a reminder on how to improve our posture, balance and of course muscle tone. I always appreciate your Barre clips and try to remember your tips to get ready for a stressful or very busy day.
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Thanks Holly!
Kim
September 9, 2014I’m glad that you are giving yourself permission to ease up on some workouts!! You will be back at stuff hard core before you know it.
IfI had to choose just one exercise it would definitely be running.
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Thanks Kim! I know I’ll be itching to get back to it after the baby is born!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat
September 9, 2014This looks like a great workout! I’m definitely with you on the Barre workouts during pregnancy. They’re low impact, but definitely work your muscles. They’re some of my favorites!
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Totally agree Holly! I think they are so beneficial!
Carly @ Fine Fit Day
September 9, 201410 weeks! I can’t believe it, he’ll be here so soon! 🙂 I love your workout videos and I’m sure Barre is perfect for pregnancy.
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Thanks Carly! 🙂 I can’t believe how fast time has gone by! I feel like the last time I saw you I was barely showing and now the babes is unmistakable!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama
September 9, 2014Welcome to the dirty 30s! I don’t know why I call it the dirty thirties lol maybe because once you start nesting which will be quite soon, everything will be clean and organized better than ever!! Great point about circulation, I couldn’t sit too long at the end of the pregnancy without some appendage falling asleep.
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Oh my gosh! My feet have been so swollen it is so gross!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
September 10, 2014I can definitely see why barre has been a favorite of yours during pregnancy! It’s a great lower impact form of exercise to you toned and still give you a good burn.
Can’t wait for the little one to arrive!! Getting down to the wire lady! 🙂
FitBritt
September 17, 2014Thanks Nicole! I’m getting so excited/nervous!
Stephanie
September 10, 2014I discovered barre during my second pregnancy. I think it is *ideal* exercise for pregnancy, for all the reasons you mentioned! It’s also a great for recovery from childbirth. And, should a little person wander underfoot, barefoot makes it safer for everyone. 🙂
FitBritt
September 17, 2014I totally agree Stephanie!