Choosing to become a surrogate is one of the most unique experiences in life. You are helping a family bring a child into the world. In most cases, the family you are helping cannot have kids on their own, and you are giving up your body for nine months to make that dream come true. Being pregnant in the winter is not as much fun as it sounds. Exercising during the winter is difficult, but exercising makes the process easier.
The exercises here show you how to remain in good condition, battle through pregnancy, and help the baby stay healthy. Women with more stamina give birth with greater ease, and improved health makes your stay at the hospital simpler.
1. Snow-shoeing or Walking
Walking or snow-shoeing is an exciting experience for you, your partner, or your friends. Walking is good for your body, helps you improve your posture, and prevents stiffness. The baby has more room to move around, and you often have time to relax while walking around the community. Those living in wintry conditions should consider snow-shoeing with a partner.
Do not move too far from home, and ensure that you have a map app on your phone so you can get home. When you become a surrogate, start walking so that you are accustomed to the activity as your pregnancy progresses.
2. Yoga
Yoga is the best form of exercise when you become a surrogate. Yoga focuses on breathing and body control. You spend time stretching your muscles, relaxing, or even sleeping. Yoga is a daily activity good for all women, and it can be done at home. Allow yoga to relax your body. You may also look for a daily yoga practice that is good for your changing body.
Adjusting for the baby helps with your pregnancy.
Hot yoga is also helpful because you sweat out the toxins you have been eating. No one can blame you for having severe cravings during pregnancy, and hot yoga helps you sweat, release toxins, and remain warm. You can even do yoga in front of the fireplace at home for a similar effect.
3. Shoveling
While shoveling doesn’t sound like an exercise, it is a simple thing to do when you first become a surrogate. You are building your upper body strength, and your legs get stronger as you remove snow or ice from the ground. At a certain point, showing becomes too dangerous, and you should allow a friend or partner to show for you.
4. Light Jogging
Jogging on a treadmill is a good exercise plan for pregnant women. When you become a surrogate, you might be a runner. Continue running as much as you can, use a treadmill, and slow the pace as the baby grows. Ideally, you are still running late in your pregnancy. Stamina improves, and your body feels good.
Jogging is also a good way to induce pregnancy when it is clear the baby should come. If you pass the 40-week mark, jogging or walking is advisable.
5. Light Weights
Using weights as part of your workout strengthens the rest of your body. Light weights for your arms and legs help you remain strong. Your body remains healthy while the baby grows, and you also feel as though you are not gaining too much weight. If you are using heavier weights, use a spotter. If you go to the gym, ask someone to spot you for safety.
6. Stair Walking
Walking the stairs is a good workout for your body and your lungs. As the baby grows, walking the stairs helps you work on your breathing. Your body has less room for internal organs, and you must understand how to breathe when giving birth. Walking the stairs is only safe as long as you can do so safely.
Do not walk the stairs too fast, and do not walk the stairs without the handrail. While you may be athletic, pregnancy changing the condition of your body. You have the baby to think about, and jogging the stairs can be dangerous.
When you cannot run up and down the steps, you should do a stair workout at the bottom. Working your arms, stepping on the bottom step, and completing one routine per day is a good idea. If you have more time, add more routines to your schedule.
7. Housework
This is not a misogynistic statement. If you are stuck at home or need to clean, it is a good workout for your body. Your only consideration is the type of cleaner you are using. Natural or organic cleaners are safe to use while carrying a baby, and you can make those changes for your own health.
Vacuuming works your legs and arms. Scrubbing your counters or bathrooms works your arms, and walking around the house while cleaning is a good cardio workout. Do not be afraid to keep cleaning as you get more pregnant. If you are not ready to go outside, you can do all your exercises inside.
8. Pilates
Pilates is a unique form of exercise designed for dancers. You can do Pilates with the machines and devices that help stretch your muscles, and you can complete many of these exercises at home. Pilates helps you break a sweat because the workout is very difficult. You can adjust for the baby, and you may also choose Pilates over Yoga if you do not need the relaxation aspect.
You Can Exercise Effectively As a Surrogate
You can start exercising when you become a surrogate for the health of the baby and your stamina. Your body changes when you are pregnant, and you need to exercise as much as you can. These exercises help your body remain strong, and you have more stamina when delivering. Your body recovers faster after delivery, and you can get back to your normal life faster.
You want to become a surrogate to help a family in need, but you must think of yourself, too. Exercise now to make your life easier. Mix up these exercises as you plan for the future.