Don't forget to stretch!

Stretching is important during your warm-up because it increases blood flow to the muscles. But stretching during your cool-down may be even more important. After
working out, stretching helps to remove lactic acid from the muscle, which in turn reduces muscle soreness. Stretching afterwards will also help you relax.
While stretching can promote flexibility, stretching too far can actually damage the muscles, particularly if you’re recovering from an injury. By overstretching, you create an automatic reflex that will cause the muscle to recoil to protect itself from tearing and injury. Also, don’t bounce while stretching. Holding your stretch in a static position is best.
Pregnancy leads to a loss of balance and control because of our expanding abdomens. This protruding belly also pulls us out of our normal movement patterns. This, in turn, leads to postural distortions and bad movement patterns. You may not even notice these changes until your backs starts to hurt, your shoulders get tight and you may even start to experience neck and head aches. Stretching is a great way to combat these unfortunate side effects of the prenatal months. It also allows you to keep your posture straight and helps your body continue to move in sync.
Unlike strength training with weights, stretching can be done daily. Tight muscles are not easily relaxed and it takes continual stretching to loosen them.

rebecca@fitandfabulouspregnancy.com

www.fitandfabulouspregnancy.com