Fit for Two: The Official YMCA Prenatal Exercise Guide (book)
Safe, healthy exercises for you during your pregnancy DESCRIPTION Now readers can learn how to stay fit and exercise safely during pregnancy with Fit for Two: The Official YMCA Prenatal Exercise Guide. This practical guide contains the most up-to-date, medically sound information available from the YMCAA<>A~an organization that has been teaching prenatal exercise programs since 1983. The book features 80 easy-to-follow exercises plus guidelines readers can use to design a workout program ideally suited to their needs. Part I explains the benefits of prenatal exercise, outlines the physiological changes that take place during pregnancy, and describes how these changes affect exercise. Readers will learn how to adapt their exercise program during each stage of pregnancy and how to set and attain healthy fitness goals. Part II describes 43 land exercises and 37 water exercises for strength and flexibility. The exercises are clearly illustrated and described in detail to ensure proper technique. These exercises are categorized by body part so readers can design a workout program that targets all major muscle groups. The book also explores breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that will help during pregnancy and labor and delivery. No matter what their current level of fitness, mothers-to-be can use this safe, effective program to maintain or even improve their fitness as they prepare for the birth of their child. AUDIENCE Guide for pregnant women, prenatal fitness instructors, and physicians. CONTENTS Part I: Exercising Safely During Pregnancy Chapter 1. Exercise, Health, and Pregnancy Chapter 2. Exercise Goals and Guidelines Part II: Exercise Programs Chapter 3. Land Exercise Chapter 4. Water Exercise Chapter 5. Relaxation and Breathing Exercises About the YMCA Prenatal Exercise Program Since 1983, the YMCA has been teaching exercise programs for pregnant women. The first national program, You and Me, Baby, was developed by Susan Regnier and the St. Paul, Minnesota, YMCA, and became the model for all YMCAs. The update program now taught at YMCAs across the country offers guided exercise and educational classes for pregnant women who want to improve their overall health and fitness. The program's effectiveness is evident in its thousands of satisfied graduates. And now, many elements of this highly successful program are available in Fit for Two: The Official YMCA Prenatal Exercise Guide. If you a