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live on the move Breaking a Sweat…for Two By Meagan Parrish When you're pregnant, sometimes the last thing you want to do is move. With swollen feet, a sore pelvis and achy belly muscles, the only kind of exercise I'm often moti- vated to do is make frequent jaunts to the kitchen for cookies. Th en again, as I enter my third trimester Workouts to expect when you're expecting with my second daughter, I also know that even when my body begs to stay glued to the couch, a dose of exercise will do won- ders for my energy level and sore spots. Th e trick, however, is choosing a workout wisely. Whether you just found out you're growing a little one or are nearing the end of your pregnan- cy, it pays to join other moms- to-be in a workout class tailored to your ever-changing body. So I felt happily at home in a "Prenatal Gentle Exercise" class taught by Cori Th ompson at a nearby YMCA. On the menu for the day's session was a Where to go: In addition to the offerings at the YMCA, prenatal exercise (and prenatal yoga in particular) can be found at a variety of loca- tions around town. Check with your gyms, fi tness studio or health clinic to fi nd out what they offer. laundry list of tried-and-true exercises— from bicep curls with small weights to simple squats with a smattering of "Ahhh"- inducing yoga moves sprinkled in. But if this all sounds like a regular ole fi tness class, it really wasn't. Th e beauty of a prenatal class is that you're taught to safely custom- ize all of the movements for how your body is feeling right then and there. Not only was I surrounded by bouncy offered guidance in making each move- ment comfortable as I worked up a healthy sweat. Did I occasionally think about cuddling exercise balls, I was also offered a little pile of pillows and blankets to help support my belly and keep me balanced while being up with those pillows and taking a little nap? Well, yes. I am pregnant, after all. Did I promise myself during the particu- larly challenging moments (More tricep The Dish on Prenatal Exercise Why your body will thank you: Even a simple walk can keep common pregnancy woes at bay, including heartburn, fatigue, excessive weight gain and more. Why your baby will thank you: Not only does it do your body good, stud- ies have shown that exercising while pregnant can promote better fetal heart health and an easier delivery for the baby. Why it's about more than exercise: In addition to the physical benefi ts, exercise can also be great for your mood and promote bonding with the baby. Think of it as special alone time with you and your growing little one. A word to the wise: Experts advise taking several precautions such as avoiding exercise that is too vigorous or jarring. Check with your health care provider before starting any new workout routine. curls?) that I would reward myself with ice cream once I escaped? Naturally. But the truth is that when the hour was up and I sat soaking in the glow of a good workout, I could feel my energy and spirits lifted. Better yet? I didn't crave pillows or cookies anymore. Well, for a little while at least. 16 BRAVA Magazine June 2012 Photo by Shanna Wolf