Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Fitness: Boxing during pregnancy
Boxing during pregnancy
Lisa Stone
If boxing is your sport of choice, is it safe to continue while you're pregnant? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, has some information for you.
Your question
I have been working hard at the gym for 3 months to get fit for myself and also in preparation for baby. Can you tell me, is it safe to continue with boxing circuit classes when I do become pregnant? Many thanks. - Rachael, Sydney, Australia
The expert answers
Rachael,
First of all, ask your caregiver about any exercise program you want to do
during pregnancy. The rule of thumb is that you can usually continue doing
anything you were doing prior to pregnancy, at least through the first
trimester.
Assuming that your pregnancy won't be considered high risk, your
boxing classes should be okay to continue with a few modifications. The
first obvious modification is that you should not be doing any boxing
against another person, only using a punching bag. You don't want to risk
being punched or kicked in the abdomen.
Also, circuit classes tend to be
very intense workouts, so you'll need to pay extra close attention to your
body's signals as to when you've had enough. Drink LOTS of water before,
during, and after each workout so that you stay well-hydrated -- this is
especially important during the first trimester! Make sure that the workout
space is well-ventilated so that you don't get overheated.
Be aware of your body's changing center of gravity as you get toward the end of your 2nd
trimester. Loss of balance can become an issue at that point, so be very
careful especially when performing kicks. Also, your joints and connective
may become looser, so don't over-extend your knees and elbows during kicks
and punches.
All that said, keep up the great work! Staying in shape throughout your
pregnancy should help you have a shorter labor and quicker recovery after
your baby's birth.
Lisa :)
