11 Pregnancy Workout Options That Are Safe to Do While You're Expecting

For Pilates-lovers, picking classes that are focused on prenatal routines is the key to enhancing flexibility and keeping the pelvic floor intact throughout pregnancy. During these classes, expectant moms-to-be work on elongating muscles, helping with back pain, and strengthening their cores, which will definitely be appreciated during labor!

Whether you're going around your neighborhood or track or doing a local race that you trained for with friends, brisk walking or jogging is a simple but effective workout to fit in throughout your entire pregnancy, even up until the very end. When opting for this exercise routine, be aware of any uneven ground as well as your footwear as your bump grows.

Not only does yoga promote flexibility and focus, but prenatal classes with modified positions also work on deep breathing, which is essential once those contractions start.

Swimming is a great way for pregnant women to exercise throughout the duration of their pregnancies because you weigh less underwater. That means as your bump and weight increase, this workout isn't increasingly rough on your joints.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to ditch your running schedule, it just means that you have to be smart about where you go and how your body is feeling. It's essential to stick to smooth terrain or a treadmill and listen to how your joints and ligaments are feeling.

Modified weightlifting is also a safe option during pregnancy as long as you stick to what your doctor advises, like changing up your routine a bit by going with increased sets with lighter weights.

Let the music (and the spirited class around you!) get you addicted to this low-impact aerobic workout. Plus, you're in control of what moves you can and can't do as your pregnancy progresses, so feel free to shake it or sit that song out.

Not only does indoor cycling eliminate the risk of any missteps while working out when you can't necessarily see your feet, but it also puts you in control of how hard you work (through pedaling at your own speed) without putting a ton of weight on your joints. During these exhilarating classes, you have the power to turn down the resistance, speed, or weights to customize the workout to how your body is feeling on that particular day.

Bring your bump to the barre with prenatal classes that offer low-impact and controlled workouts. These moves adapt throughout your pregnancy and can target your arms, core, legs, and hips.

These classes will get your heart rate up without overexerting yourself during your pregnancy. You'll also be able to alleviate stress both physically and mentally as you jive along to the music.

Outside of swimming laps, you have an array of diverse workout options within the pool to consider before, during, and after pregnancy. From water Zumba and aerobics to acquacycling classes, you weigh a tenth of what you normally do when you're underwater, so they are ideal workouts for your aching joints.