pregnancy exerciseCategoriesNutrition Physiology Psychology

Baby Bump to Body Pump – can I exercise during pregnancy?

The does and do-not’s of exercising during pregnancy is a much discussed topic, and it can be hard to know what is and isn’t safe. Exercise has many benefits for both mother and baby, so we chatted to Laura Randall to find out how to keep fit and healthy during those 9 months.

Laura Randall is a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and Nutritional adviser, with a degree in Sports Science. Here at University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness, there are many class options that are suitable for those who are expecting. Exercise before, during and after pregnancy is encouraged – but there are some considerations to take into account to ensure that the exercise is safe and effective.

Which classes do you recommend during pregnancy and what kind of adjustments might be required?

‘The good news is – with a few things to be aware of, most classes should be fine during pregnancy.’

Aqua Fit/Natal during pregnancy can provide the same workout for your heart and body as studio-based classes without the risks of falls or injuries. The buoyancy of the water requires only 50% of your body weight to be supported, alleviating stress on your joints and muscles whilst having fun during your workout. UoB Sport & Fitness offers exclusive aqua natal classes taught by expert instructors, which really help mums-to-be to stay active during pregnancy.
CX Worx and Abs classes should be safe in the first and second trimester. There are adjustments you should make when you can, for example, there are some great options to work your abs in 4-point kneeling positions, supporting yourself on your elbows in a supine position to keep the chest lifted, or by doing hover/plank when it is no longer comfortable to lie flat on your back.

I already work out – can I continue?

‘If you have already been doing Circuits, Tone, Body Attack, Body Step or Zumba Step it should be safe to continue whilst pregnant.’

We do suggest some of the following modifications:

  • Take the low impact options to reduce excessive impact through your joints
  • For Step, decrease the number of risers on your bench so you don’t have to step too high
  • Ensure your foot is always planted firmly on the step so you have a stable base of support

In RPM and Cycle classes it’s good to modify intensity by taking regular breaks, reducing resistance, and avoiding excessive speeds and standing positions as you feel the need to.

What if I want to try something new?

‘Body Balance, Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates can be started for the first time during pregnancy and are ideal exercise for expectant mothers who want to keep active whilst making healthy lifestyle changes.’

Always let your instructor know that you are pregnant so they can offer the best options for you to feel comfortable and successful, but stop immediately if you feel dizzy, and don’t be too aggressive with your stretches. Remember pregnancy is not the time to push your body!
Weight training and Body Pump are great for maintaining muscle tone during pregnancy. With the options to use lighter weights, hand weights instead of the bar and reducing your range of motion, you can keep moving and feeling strong. When it is no longer comfortable to lie on your back during exercise, you can turn your bench into an Incline Bench. You may also find during the later stages of pregnancy that overhead exercises may cause dizziness or changes in blood pressure, and with this in mind there are plenty of options to stay below the shoulder line and still get the workout you came for.
Zumba, Sh’Bam and Body Jam are generally safe to do during pregnancy, but you may find that twisting and jumping are uncomfortable so just take it easy and listen to what your body is telling you.

What types of classes should I avoid during pregnancy?

‘Body Combat and Boxercise during pregnancy aren’t recommended because of the joint instability.’

The release of hormones such as Oestrogen and Relaxin can result in joints being less stable, so the kicks and excessive twisting may aggravate the back, hip and pelvis. GRIT and Sprint are both high-intensity workouts where fitness is taken to the next level by pushing yourself hard – pregnancy is not the time to be pushing your body to its limits.
Excessive inversions (e.g. handstands and headstands sometimes practised in Yoga) in the late second and third trimester are not recommended due to the increase in bump size and so as not to confuse the baby as it prepares for birth.

Laura’s tips – what to avoid

  • Exercises that position you on your back after the first trimester, because this position can hinder blood flow to the uterus, and to and from the heart
  • Exercises where you lie flat on your front after the first trimester due to an increase in bump and baby size
  • Exercise that may cause trauma to the abdominal area – now’s the time to give up your kickboxing and excessive rotation, at least until the baby’s born
  • Exercising in high heat environments – always wear loose, comfortable clothing to class, preferably with layers that can be removed
  • Long periods of stationary or motionless standing, as this can cause changes in blood pressure
  • Any exercise that may cause loss of balance to reduce the risk of falling

Laura’s tips – what to adjust

  • Adjust your core training – whenever you can. There are some great options to work your abs in 4-point kneeling, supporting yourself on your elbows (ensuring you keep the chest lifted) or roll over and do hover or plank work
  • Drink plenty of water and keep yourself cool
  • Reducing intensity when you, and your doctor, think you should
  • Let your instructor know that you’re pregnant so they give you the best care and options available
  • Always remember to listen to your body – it will always tell you what it needs and what it doesn’t, and STOP if you ever feel dizzy or uncomfortable during a class

Check out the range of classes available and book now!

Note: Everyone is different – please always consult a doctor before engaging in any new or strenuous exercise! Letting the Reception team and your instructor know that you are pregnant is also a good starting point – both for health and safety reasons and so that they can ensure you are getting the best and safest workout, or advise on the suitability of certain classes or exercises. Pregnancy is generally the time for maintenance, not for pushing yourself for new fitness goals or working out at high intensities, so do let your instructor know if you have any questions.

05.04.18

nutritionCategoriesNutrition Physiology Psychology

Training for a 10k – Nutrition prep

Prior to any run it’s important to ensure you’re fuelled and ready to go. We caught up with Ollie Armstrong, resident Physiologist at UB Sport & Fitness, for some helpful hints on what’s best to eat before a race.

As Lead Physiologist at UB Sport & Fitness, Ollie’s day-to-day is ensuring that athletes can consistently perform to their maximum potential, and so whether you’re an experienced runner or considering doing something like the Birmingham Great Run for the first time, one easy way to help perform at your best is to ensure your body is getting the fuel and hydration required during a race, regardless of duration and length. See below for Ollie’s basic tips for nutritional race preparation.

Before the race

‘Prior to your race it’s important to be fresh and raring to go for the big day. The key is to be properly fuelled, hydrated and good to go – and you can start preparing this from the previous day. Make sure you have a good meal the night before. For breakfast, a bowl of porridge with a banana and some honey, containing both slow and fast release carbohydrates, is a good option. Before you hit the start line (an hour before the race), having a banana or an electrolyte drink will help.’

Carbohydrates

‘For long-duration races, some people like to carbo-load in preparation for a race. This is less necessary for a 10k but if you are thinking of doing something longer, carbo-loading is something to consider. This involves eating minimal carbohydrates four days before your race to cause depletion. Then, two days before your race, aim to eat three to four carbohydrate-based meals and have carbohydrate-based snacks throughout the day. Rice, pasta, bread, cereals, fruit, starchy vegetables and low-fat milk and yoghurt are nutrient-packed, carbohydrate-containing choices so you will have maximal fuel during your race. However, it is important to trial this in the build up to competition as it can have an adverse effect for some people.’

During and after

‘Make sure you drink regularly throughout the day. The best way to drink throughout the day is to sip and not gulp. Straight after the race, an electrolyte drink is really useful to replenish immediate carbohydrate stores, and a form of recovery food or bar with a combination of carbohydrates and protein is also good.
‘It’s also really important to rehydrate following your race. Rehydrating and replenishing energy stores is essential in the few days after your race to avoid becoming ill.  Milk is an effective rehydration drink due to its high carbohydrate and protein content. To stimulate muscular repair, you should aim to eat 20-30g of protein. This is a really good way of regulating body temperature too. Antioxidants (e.g. blueberries) can also help the acute recovery process by mopping up potentially harmful molecules (free radicals) which will reduce inflammation in the muscles.’
Read more about the Birmingham 10k – how to sign up, training plans and more info – on our events page.

10k mental prepCategoriesNutrition Physiology Psychology

Training for a 10k – the mental prep

With the Birmingham Great Run 10k looming just around the corner, we chatted to our Sport Psychology Lead about how best to prepare for the challenge.

Matt Thompson has been a Performance Psychologist at the University of Birmingham for nearly 4 years, and so who better to ask about keeping on track during training?! Whether you’re an experienced runner or you’re trying out your first race, self-belief and motivation can be one of the most debilitating factors when building up to race day. Matt poses three questions which will keep your eyes on the prize even during the ‘it’s cold outside, I want to stay in bed and eat chocolate’ times.

Why am I doing this?!

‘The answer to this question can be a major source of motivation. Be honest with yourself – this has to be a genuine reason that means something to you. Whether you are doing the Birmingham 10k because you want to be that healthier version of you, or because you’re trying to raise funds for a charity that is close to your heart, or because you are desperate to get that sense of achievement from beating your personal best – write this down and put it somewhere you will see it when you need that extra motivation boost. You could even print out a Birmingham 10K poster and put it on the back of your door! On those wet and miserable mornings or cold dark evenings asking yourself this question. Reminding yourself of the answer can provide the motivation you need to get you out pounding the pavements!’

How am I going to do this?

‘You need to work back from your end goal and plan how you’re going to achieve it. Are you going to run so many times a week? What days work best for you? What times work best for you? First, get advice regarding your programme. Speak to a specialist or use one of many great guides online. Secondly, you MUST be honest with yourself here. I often tell myself ‘this week I will get up earlier and run at 6am three times a week’. I have literally never been able to complete that challenge! I know that mornings are not the best option for me. So I have to be honest with myself and plan to run at other times. Make a plan that you honestly think will work for YOU, then go for it!’

What could stop me from doing this?

‘Preparation is key! There will be barriers. For each of us these will be unique: fitting training around a busy lifestyle, managing an old injury, a love of chilling on the sofa and binge-watching the latest box-set! Think about what could possibly stop you from achieving your goals and then prepare how you can reduce the chances of that negative scenario happening, or deal with it if it does. For example, if you have tried running in the past but stopped because of shin pain, then that could be a possible obstacle that could stop you from training and achieving your goal. In that scenario there is lots you could do to influence that: get a gait analysis done at your local running store and make sure you get good footwear that’s right for you; plan your training so you build your programme up gradually; get a foam roller to help relieve any tension and see a physiotherapist or other specialist for advice. Preparing for what could stop you achieving your goals makes it less likely that they will.’

Oh, and one more thing!

‘Remember you are human! You will skip a session or make poor decisions every now and then. That is OK. Try not to go overboard when you do and then get up, and go again. Good luck and enjoy!’