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I’m a pregnant fitness trainer — the best exercises for easier childbirth, bladder control and preventing ab separation

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I’m a pregnant fitness trainer — the best exercises for easier childbirth, bladder control and preventing ab separation

They say that maintaining a healthy diet, getting lots of sleep and practicing breathing exercises can all make giving birth go a little smoother.

And while that may be good advice, Alissa Mosca, 33, a USA Weightlifting coach and a Planet Fitness trainer who is six months pregnant with her first child, says there are plenty of traditional exercises that can make bearing children a little easier to — well, bear.

“Exercises that engage your core, open the hips and activate the pelvic floor are all great for supporting childbirth,” Mosca told The Post.

Pregnant fitness trainer Alissa Mosca shares which exercises are safe and beneficial to do with a baby bump. Courtesy of Planet Fitness

Squat low

That means everyone’s favorite exercise — squats.

“Squats are an amazing exercise to continue throughout pregnancy,” she said, recommending bodyweight squats or using dumbbells or kettlebells for the versatility and range of motion.

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“However, to get the full benefit, a full depth squat does need to be achieved,” she said. “This helps to open the hips, activate the adductor muscles and provide control over the pelvic floor.”

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that provide crucial support to your bladder, womb and bowel.

Having a strong pelvic floor means you’ll be more prepared to push when the time comes — and it’ll provide some cushion for your growing baby while preventing incontinence issues.

“Hip thrusts and glute bridges are two other great exercises to engage the pelvic floor.” Getty Images

Hip thrusts and glute bridges

That’s why two more exercises are also important exercises for expectant moms.

“Hip thrusts and glute bridges are two other great exercises to engage the pelvic floor,” Mosca said. “This helps to control the bladder as well, as it often gets more difficult to hold it the further along someone is or even through the night.”

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Plank it out

For moms worried about the dreaded diastasis recti — which is when the abs stretch and separate due to pressure that your expanding uterus places on your abdominal muscles — Mosca recommends planking — as long as it feels comfortable.

“Keeping the core engaged will help prevent the separation of the abs that a lot of woman experience during childbirth or at least make it easier to rebuild afterward,” she said. “Often, the separation occurs due to a weak core.”

Having a strong core can help prevent the ab separation that sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Getty Images

Ab work with a bump

Oblique side bends also make the list of pregnancy-safe core moves.

“Oblique side bends are another great exercise as it doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the center where the baby sits, but it helps support the outer abs (obliques),” she said.

And, last but not least, why not give reverse crunches — in which you lift your legs and hips into your chest — a try?

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“To add a focus on the lower abs, reverse crunches are great, with added support under the glutes, as it activates the transverse abdominis — lower part of the abs that are much deeper inside — that support the stability of the baby bump,” she said.

It’s normal to be a little nervous about working out while pregnant — even Mosca wasn’t fully at ease with the idea at the start.

“In the first trimester, I wasn’t as comfortable doing things on the ground or contracting my stomach — more nerves than anything — but when I took the time to really listen to my body and try modifications, I was much more comfortable,” she previously told The Post.

“During the second trimester, I am more aware of my growing body, but I can still do things like burpees, pullups, push-ups, etc. I just need to take it a bit slower.”

These exercises will help you stay strong and hopefully pave the way for a smoother ride during labor and recovery — because childbirth really is the ultimate workout.

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6 mistakes that sabotage your workout – Harvard Health

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6 mistakes that sabotage your workout – Harvard Health

Sticking to an exercise program is a major commitment. It takes time, dedication, and hard work to reap benefits such as stronger muscles, increased endurance, better balance, and sharper thinking. The last thing you want to do is undermine your efforts.

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Don’t Feel Like Braving the Cold? 7 Indoor Workouts That Are As Engaging As They Are Effective

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Don’t Feel Like Braving the Cold? 7 Indoor Workouts That Are As Engaging As They Are Effective

It happens every year: the clocks go back, the air turns colder, and soon enough, an after-work run starts to feel like it requires a risk assessment. It’s not just the drizzle and biting wind which makes me hesitate – it’s the sad but very real danger that comes with being a woman who jogs alone after dark.

I’m not alone in this feeling. In fact, Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign reported that 72% of women adjust their exercise routines in winter. Tellingly, 65% attributed their decision to the fear of being out alone in the dark.

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Yoga coach shares no 1 exercise everyone over 40 should add to their fitness routine to stay strong and steady

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Yoga coach shares no 1 exercise everyone over 40 should add to their fitness routine to stay strong and steady

Many people think turning 40 means avoiding jumping, fast movements, or anything that feels ‘too intense’. But avoiding these exercises might be holding you back from staying strong and energetic. According to Jelena Lieberberg, yoga and movement coach, plyometrics is one of the most effective ways to build power and protect your joints as you age. In her November 11 Instagram post, she shares a practical plan to get started. (Also read: Anant Ambani’s fitness trainer Vinod Channa shares how he rebuilt his back after a slip-disk injury: ‘I learned slowly…’ )

Over 40? Embrace plyometrics for better strength and mobility. (Freepik)

Why plyometrics matter after 40

In her post, Jelena highlights why including jumps, fast transitions, and power-based exercises becomes more important with age. She explains, “Ageing naturally brings a decline in muscular strength, bone density, and neuromuscular function. This can lead to an increased risk of falls, fractures, and a general loss of independence. However, engaging in plyometric training can help mitigate these effects and even reverse some age-related declines. Some studies have shown that if you’re unable or unwilling to jump, you’re at a higher risk of falling.”

Benefits of plyometric training

✔️ Improves muscle power and strength

✔️ Enhances bone density

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✔️ Boosts balance and coordination

✔️ Promotes cardiovascular health

✔️ Increases muscle mass, which reduces the risk of sarcopenia.

Jelena’s message challenges the widespread fear around high-impact training for older adults. Instead of avoiding jumps, she says the smarter approach is learning how to land safely, build power gradually, and move explosively within one’s capacity.

A scalable start for everyone over 40

To make plyometrics accessible, Jelena recommends beginning with low-impact variations:

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  • Step jumps instead of full jumps
  • Soft-landing squats
  • Lateral shuffles
  • Slow-to-fast transitions
  • Mini hops before full jumps

Once form and confidence improve, movements can gradually increase in height, speed, and intensity.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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