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A Hormone Imbalance: The Beginning Of Several Different Health Problems

  • Posted on February 11, 2010 at 12:31 pm

In comparison to men, women have more problems with hormone imbalance because of their body design. It is common for a woman’s body to produce estrogen in the first part of the month, then she ovulates, and after ovulation the body prepares for pregnancy by producing progesterone. This maintains the balance in the body’s two main hormones.

If conception does not take place, the body recognizes that fact, and the woman has a normal monthly period. This cycle balances the hormones every month. So what happens if the woman does not ovulate? This creates an imbalance in the hormones because progesterone is not produced, and the hormone, estrogen, increases.

This is a common occurrence as a woman begins to age. Ovulation slows down and the body fabricates less progesterone which causes the estrogen in the body to rise. This type of problem may begin in very young girls after they have their first period. Other times it is common is after the first child is born or after a tubal ligation. Once this problem begins, other problems begin to multiply.

The brain actually begins to swell when there is too much estrogen in the body. A woman may notice that her hands swell, her breasts are tender, she has headaches and mood swings. The thyroid begins to malfunction which stresses the adrenal glands, which, in turn, causes adrenal fatigue. All of this will create problems such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, depression, the inability to think clearly, sleep problems and many other health problems.

The entire immune system is affected by a hormone imbalance, and in most cases, the fitness level diminishes considerably. Some women are barely able to function at all. The severe mood swings make it so that no one wants to be anywhere near them.

Very few women ever go to their doctor for a checkup when they experience problems such as these. The majority of them think it is just something women go through, or they think they are just exhausted from trying to care for their family responsibilities and work at the same time. As a result, very few of them ever find relief.

When estrogen is much higher than progesterone, the only way to balance the hormones is for the woman to take natural progesterone. If this is not done, the woman continues to experience the symptoms that lower her fitness level. When the progesterone level becomes equal to that of the estrogen, the woman will begin to get her strength back, and she will feel like a totally different person.

When a woman begins to use the recommended doses of natural progesterone cream, she will not notice a change immediately. It will take anywhere from three to four months for the hormones to become balanced again. She should be able to tell that the hormones are balancing because she will feel better, she will be able to think clearer, the mood swings will go away along with the depression and she will feel like doing things again.

Any woman who is experiencing these symptoms should see her doctor. If not, she should at least begin using a natural progesterone cream, and see if the symptoms begin to ease up after a couple of months. If they don’t begin to respond, the symptoms may be caused by something more serious.

Excessive estrogen in the blood affects the brain, causing it to swell. The most common problems a female faces are breast tenderness, mood swings and even weight gain. We’ve got the inside scoop on how to lose weight with fat burning foods

The Importance Of Observing Your Weight Gain During Pregnancy

  • Posted on February 8, 2010 at 6:42 am

If you have just become pregnant, a different set of fears might have come to your mind. Seated there with your Cleo magazine reading pregnancy feature articles, you start to consider the worst thing pregnancy has to offer to you.

Scars, saggy breasts, and pants that just do not go on the way they would once. Most females just find it so difficult to not feel insecure when their bodies are going through such massive changes.

So what is actually the real answer to remaining attractive during this stage in your life without putting on all the weight?

Though it’s normal to want to still look attractive when being pregnant, make sure you do not starve yourself in order to do so. Your baby needs to draw nutrients from your body, so depriving yourself of nourishment means depriving your baby of its food as well.

Many women go overboard however and gain too much weight during the pregnancy and this is not healthy for them or their babies, as being too much overweight can cause birth complications as well as defects in babies.

By ensuring you have a healthy weight simply means that you will have a lot less work to do to get back to a slim body after giving birth.

Consider paying attention to what you place in your mouth, and just how much you put into your mouth. Just because a certain food has a low calorie count doesn’t mean you can go ahead and eat ten serves of it – watch the quantity.

It certainly won’t be a fairly easy thing to do for some, but try your best to control yourself from indulging. Maintaining a healthy diet and eating good food is the key to keeping weight off your body during as well as after maternity.

Is it safe to exercise when carrying your baby? Of course it is! Just stick to very light work outs and don’t strain yourself in any way or form. If you are worried about over-exerting your baby, check with a medical professional and find out what types of activities are safe for you to do. Exercising can be a great way to burn off the unused calories and it’s necessary to help you control your weight.

Looking slim during and also after maternity isn’t complicated. If others have achieved it, then so can you. All you need is to stay focused and start your routine with little baby steps, and very soon you will develop a healthy lifestyle that requires very little effort from you to maintain.

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Secrets For Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

  • Posted on February 7, 2010 at 1:50 am

Preventing stretch marks from occurring during pregnancy will reduce the degree of stretch marks you experience after birth. By following the guidelines below, you will gain the tools to limit the possibility of getting stretch marks and as a bonus improve the overall condition of your health.

1. Don’t forget to moisturize. Keep your skin always moisturized in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight. This may help in preventing stretch marks from developing. There are many creams and oils that are especially made just to do this. Massage these creams on the areas of concern. Typically these stretch marks develop in the lower abdomen but they can also show up on your breasts, buttocks, thighs, and arms.

Skin that is elastic have lowered chances of getting stretch marks. Using products with ingredients like vitamins E, A, & D3, emu oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, lanolin, and squalene oil will help improve the skin’s elasticity. These formulas are designed to enhance collagen production and support the dermis because if the dermis stays in tact, the formation of stretch marks will be avoided. However, experiences have shown that using creams and oils might have a limited effect on the skin. Therefore, it is important to use different preventive measures all at the same to achieve your goal of preventing stretch marks.

2. Another thing you can do to avoid stretch marks is by drinking a lot of water. This will help keep the skin stay hydrated and pliable. Doctors believe that drinking a lot of water will increase the suppleness of your skin and make your skin clearer.

3. It takes hard work and diligence to prevent stretch marks. Massage the prone areas with a body brush or wash cloth. The increase in blood circulation on those parts can help you avoid unsightly marks.

4. Watch your nutrition. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can also be beneficial for you. A nutritious diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain nutrients that will help your skin be more elastic and also help your skin return to its prenatal state after giving birth. Taking your prenatal vitamins will also give you the benefits of healthy and beautiful skin.

5. Watch your weight. When you eat right during pregnancy, you will also be rewarded with the added benefit of having control over your weight. The best way to go about this is to talk to your doctor to know how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. With this knowledge you will be able to avoid gaining too much because rapid and excessive weight gain will compound the problem of stretch marks.

If you’re expecting a baby, then expect stretch marks. Between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks but that’s not the worse thing about it because what’s really bad is that once stretch marks have developed, they are permanent and rarely disappear. Another well known fact regarding stretch marks is that genetics play a role in whether or not you get them. This means that if your mother had them, there is almost a one hundred percent certainty that you will develop these marks as well. Therefore, following the five guidelines is your best bet against preventing stretch marks.

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Get Fit For The Delivery Room And Beyond – Exercise Programs Are A Must During Pregnancy

  • Posted on January 25, 2010 at 12:04 pm

Should a pregnant woman exercise? The answer is typically, yes. A moderate exercise program during pregnancy can help a woman feel better. Once she has talked to her doctor, a fitness program that’s done safely and routinely will often help a pregnant woman avoid excess weight gain.

A routine fitness program is essential to the health and well being of your body and mind. Along with improving muscle tone, increased oxygen to your organs will also improve stamina during delivery – think about what your heart and lungs will be doing during labor. Not only will your heart and lungs appreciate the extra oxygen, but so will your brain. Increased oxygen to the brain helps you remain alert and have a general sense of well being. During the delivery, in the recovery room, and at home, your body and mind will appreciate all you’ve done to improve your physical and emotional health.

Postpartum depression is a fear that many pregnant women share. Physical exercise, paired with an active involvement with other women, can help lessen the severity and fear that surrounds this sort of depression. A good exercise program will increase oxygen to the brain which will result in increased alertness, improved cognitive thought, and an overall feeling of well being. Choosing an exercise program that keeps you in touch with other pregnant women is a great way to watch out for each other and calm this particular fear.

Start thinking about what sort of fitness program you would like to do. Now, call your doctor and set up an appointment, because you won’t start any exercise program without consulting your doctor first. Once you get the “okay” choose an exercise program or two that you think you’ll like, and begin. The following are a few suggestions and guidelines:

Take A Walk – You’ll need a good, no, make that a great, pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Most pregnant women can tolerate about a 20 to 30 minute walk every other day, but consult your doctor. Walking, whether in a mall, on a track, or on a safe sidewalk, can do the body and mind wonders. Be sure to consider where you’re walking before you begin. You need a well lit area that is safe. Also, walk with other people to ensure your safety should you need assistance.

Take A Swim – Even if you don’t consider yourself a good swimmer, being in a pool of water is believed to be one of the least stressful exercise programs for pregnant women. The whole gravity thing disappears while you’re in the water, leaving you free to stretch and strengthen without the burden of the weight on your joints, hips, back, or bladder. You can do regular exercises with special pool dumbbells or you can just use the resistance provided by the water for your leg lifts and bicep curls. Or, you can just swim gently through the water getting the exercise you need as you perfect your swimming strokes.

Low Impact Exercises – Fitness programs that feature low or no impact exercises can be just what you’re looking for. Programs like Pilates often use moves that are perfect for a pregnant woman. Of course, Yoga has been used for centuries to help keep a pregnant woman fit and flexible. Look for sources like videos and books that feature specific programs designed for pregnant women and give those a try first. Be sure to ask your doctor if this type of exercise program is appropriate for you.

Playing Sports – Some sports may be acceptable as exercise if your doctor approves. However, the vast majority of games that are played with balls and/or running will have you benched. You won’t be suiting up to play baseball, tennis, racquetball, or football. They are just too dangerous considering you could be hit by a ball or run over. Once your little “passenger” is no longer along for the ride, you can get back in the game. Until then, enjoy the game from the sidelines. Any sport or adventure should be approved by your doctor before even considering it.

It’s time to choose a couple exercise programs. I say a couple because most women get bored doing the same exercise over and over. And, being pregnant, you may have to alter your program as the months go by. One month you may just love to get out and walk, but towards the end, you may find it very stressful on your back and need to change to a no-impact exercise. Moving to a belly dancing video during the first half of your pregnancy may be really fun, but stretching out in yoga positions may feel better during the second half. Mix up your routine a little, once you’ve gotten your doctor’s approval, again!

Exercise is always good for you, but it’s crucial when you’re pregnant. Both you and your baby deserve the best, most physically and emotionally healthy person you can be. Exercise to build strength and stamina, but also to relieve stress and feel good. Call your doctor today to set up an appointment to discuss your exercise options. Pick out a couple fitness programs to try and get started! You deserve it, and so does your baby!

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Double Jogging Strollers – What Are They?

  • Posted on November 1, 2009 at 11:21 am

What a respite double jogging strollers are for mothers and fathers who wish to stay energetic and often train. Double jogging strollers are thought a should have child accessory especially if you have two offspring or twins and would like to keep the attachment with them while doing your fitness regime. An added benefit of taking your kids along with you whilst you are running is being able to keep that connection between parent and baby even whilst working up a sweat.

Jogging at least every other day is suggested for excellent health and weight control. Regular exercise and a correct low-fat diet also ensures a lot longer life expectancy. Nevertheless, some mothers and fathers have extremely restricted time for their exercise routine limited by the requirement to look after a child, even additionally so for mothers and fathers who have twins. Pleasantly, that issue has now been fixed. How is that the situation I hear you ask? With the assistance of double jogging strollers mothers and fathers now can carry out all their everyday jobs; spend time with their babies as well as finishing their work out regime.

So if you are the kind of person who loves to keep healthy or who wants to get back into your old figure after child birth, but feel uncomfortable about leaving the baby with someone else putting that extraordinary bond at risk when you exercise, or worse still, put your exercising off, then your predicament is solved. Yes, with the help of double jogging strollers keeping the bond between you and your child is now even more possible.

Double jogging strollers may also be used when you only want to go shopping. Think of how difficult it is for mums and dads who have to carry two babies around. They are effortless to manoeuvre and are fantastic for taking both your babies around the supermarket. Just one added advantage of the double jogging strollers! They permit you to perform the double role of training and general use.

Double jogging strollers are just as easy to use as the other types and are possibly even a little more steady. Evidently the main difference between the double and singles is the section to sit two babies. Additionally, you have further room for additional things that you have need of when you have little babies. If you have two little babies or twins then I am quite certain that you will already be able to see the value and merit of the double jogging strollers.

Despite all the advantages that double jogging strollers could produce, a mother or father should still be a bit picky when buying such an item. Why is this important? Well you clearly have to take into account the wellbeing of the the children as well as the functionality of their new wheels. Reality check, all mothers and fathers worry for the wellbeing of their kids, right?

Researching is something you should be doing before you purchase any stroller and this area is no exception. Your study will show you plenty of differing styles and models of double jogging strollers. The variations in strollers becomes apparent when you start to look at the types, styles, colours and of course the prices. You possibly will find some that are low-priced yet not that sturdy. There are a few more expensive brands that may or may not suit you regardless of the price. Nonetheless, if you are a smart bargain hunter and do your research you can locate reasonably priced double jogging strollers that are long-lasting, realistically priced and are of good quality.

There is no need to take your babies from shop to shop or haul your pregnant body about either as you can always do a search on the web. Shopping on the net not only saves you time and lots of money but you are able to bring about your purchasing in the comfort of your home and arrange for transport to your front door within a few short days.

Mums and dads looking to keep fit and spend that time with their child will find double jogging strollers enormously helpful and make a great addition to any items for fitness or as an accessory for your children. They will do more than assist you remain fit and looking good, they will permit you to spend extra quality time with your babies and instill the same principles of keeping fit. Why not think about double jogging strollers yourself for a healthy outdoor way of life you can share with your children.

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How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally.

  • Posted on October 24, 2009 at 2:41 pm

If you’ve just become a mom you know how happy your new baby can make you. But you also may know how unhappy your new stretch marks may also make you.

It’s estimated that over 75% of new mothers have stretch marks to show off as their battle scars of giving birth.

There’s a number of reasons you may get stretch marks when you’re pregnant, and stretch marks aren’t confined to pregnancy. Girls can, for example, also get them during puberty.

And it is also possible that you increase your risk of getting stretch marks if your mother had them, so it seems to be genetic too.

Do you have any options for removing stretch marks?

Although none are guaranteed there are a number of options for women to choose. Some will just use a moisturizer and hope that does the trick. Some do nothing, and just hope they go away.

Other mothers get much more ambitious and try such options as cosmetic surgery like laser. But this can also be less than perfect, risky and expensive.

And there’s also some creams that you can try that are specifically designed to target stretch marks but are not guaranteed to work either, and may also have risks.

Micro dermabrasion is even an option, though not one I would choose.

And then there’s a wide range of less intrusive more natural options that take a little time, require some effort and have a good chance of success, are safer and more natural. These include changes to diet, use of exercise, some simple home remedies, stress reduction and some herbal and natural products. Even exercise helps.

Many women don’t realize that there is an alternative more natural, cheaper approach that doesn’t involve some of the expense and risk of some other methods.

Stretch marks are a part of life and birth. If you’re unlucky enough to have them be thankful for your new baby, and also be thankful that there are safe natural ways to combat stretch marks that don’t involve nasty chemicals or surgery.

I’ll tell you about them on my website.

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Caring For Your Constipation – Five Ways To Being Lighter

  • Posted on October 21, 2009 at 5:23 am

Suffering from constipation? Well most of us do erst in a while for some and frequently for others. What we will look at in this article is how you can get all the help you will need with constipation.

While this is not everything, you can research other sources for constipation help. People who suffer from constipation find it extremely uncomfortable. There are sundry reasons for constipation.

1: Eating foods without sufficient fiber, such as most fast foods.

Most episodes of constipation are the result of this primary cause. Fast foods are the thing to do in this instant gratification age. No one knows what it means to eat food that is healthy.

As long as you can grab some sandwich, burger or fried chicken and the stomach feels full, everything’s settled. As a result, foods are not readily digested. All the fiber necessary to stimulate bowel movement are almost non-existent.

2: Inadequate fluid intake.

People don’t currently drink liquids – at least not the right amount that their body requires. Hence, the rectum absorbs what little moisture is still there when the feces arrives at the rectum. Stooling requires moisture to allow easy stool passages. This is the reason that you strain so much to get rid of the waste.

3: Living an inactive lifestyle.

You can get constipation if you don’t look after yourself and exercise regularly. Exercise can be of immense help in getting relief from constipation. Your physical activity helps with healthy bowel movements and relieves constipation.

4: Hormonal imbalance in women.

Pregnant women also suffer from constipation as a result of a change in hormonal balance in the body and also because of the pressure of the now occupied uterus on the intestine. Since you have read some of the causes, it would be better if we moved so you can get all the constipation help you need.

Consume a lot of fiber.

Bulk forming laxatives or dietary fiber is obtained by eating fruit and veg. Increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables in your meals and cut down dairy and meat products, it is the easiest way to incorporate this into your lifestyle.

In some situations nevertheless, some people might think it is difficult to deal with the amount of fruits that are required. Fiber supplements like wheat bran, oat bran, psyllium seeds can be used to improve the daily diet that you have.

To make this whole process less painful, if you feel the urge to snack between meals choose fruit and you will be well on your way. The only bad part of this method occurs if the patient has stitches or adhesions. Before getting on in treatment in some circumstances it is advisable to consult a physician.

Some fibers include sugar which diabetic patients are unable to process. When this happens you should consume fibers which are free of sugar. Fibers should not be taken in large quantities suddenly. A small amount is best to begin with.

From then on, it can slowly be incremented as long as the patient finds the need. You’re best spacing about a week for every level of upping the fiber intake. Several sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, Citrucel, Konsyl Fiber and Maltsupex.

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Did You Know That You Can Exercise When You Are Pregnant?

  • Posted on September 8, 2009 at 8:31 am

First of all, before we even get into this, you need to remember that before you begin exercising, it is important to talk to your health care provider. If you are already exercising, you may be able to keep up with your regular routine and change it slightly as you grow. Remember to Keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute and avoid overheating, especially in your first trimester (the first 12 weeks).

An especially recommended exercise would be Kegel Exercises: Pregnant women who perform Kegel exercises frequently often find that they have an easier birth because they strengthened these muscles during their pregnancy. When you have exercised these muscles, when it comes to the birth of your child, you will find that you have developed the ability to control your muscles during your labor and the delivery of your baby. There is also other benefits of toning all of these muscles: it will help you minimize bladder leaks and hemorrhoids, two things that are common to have during and after pregnancy.

These lovely exercises are great because after you have that baby, if you continue to do them, it will help you get your bladder control back, it will help you heal more tightly (strengthening your pelvic floor muscles). You know what else, you can do them anywhere at anytime and nobody will know that you are exercising them! How cool is that?

Swimming is an excellent exercise to do when you are expecting. It is the safest exercise for an expecting woman. It keeps the weight off of your joints and helps them to relax. It also relieves the stress off of your aching back. It is a safe low cardiovascular exercise, you and the baby will love it! You can also go shopping for the perfect maternity swimsuit for you to look great in while you are having fun.

If you want to walk, it is a great way to start exercising. You can make a schedule for yourself, and it is easy to fit into your day. Don’t forget to check with your specialist before doing anything excessive. Always make sure you are comfortable and wear supportive shoes.

Biking is a fabulous way of exercising. You sit on a bike, which supports all of your weight and so there is little to no stress on your joints. If you are afraid of falling, try a stationary bike. Remember, as your belly grows, your balance might be a little off, so be extra careful when you are biking then.

Yoga: There are specially designed classes for expecting ladies and you can probably look them up at your local gym, or even a community center. Yoga especially has a great reputation for relieving stress all over your body and also takes the pressure off of a lot of your muscles, especially your back. Yoga is safe for you and your baby, but don’t be to vigorous with the exercises. There is a lot of selection of maternity Yoga clothes out there, you just have to know where to shop.

Pilates classes are lovely for when you are pregnant. It is an excellent way to keep in shape, and it is also known to be very helpful when you give birth to your little one. Just avoid lying on your back to much, as well as over stretching.

Now, as far as the other more higher cardiovascular (heart rate) exercises like running and aerobics, it is okay to do those if you have already been very active before you were pregnant. Always let your doctor know that you are still active in that area so he/she can keep an eye on you and the health of your baby.

If you would like to continue with your regular routine and you attend a gym, please be aware of how high your heart rate is when doing cardiovascular exercises. It can be quite dangerous if it is too high. Always speak to your doctor if you have any questions.

There are certain exercises that we should avoid when we are expecting. Unfortunately, if you love horseback riding, you do have to stop for the next nine months. It isn’t safe for the baby, all that bouncing around in the saddle. Doctors don’t recommend it. Skiing is another activity that we should not be doing, whether water or downhill. This is because if we fall, we can cause serious damage to our abdomen’s as well as to the baby. Please stay away from any exercise that has a high risk of falling, and if you are not sure, just check with your care provider.

Important exercising tips:

1. A great bra that gives you support is a good start.

2. Don’t wear your clothes to tight, fitted is okay, but as long as they are not restricting.

3. Shoes that fit and are comfortable are very important, especially when you are pregnant.

4. Keep hydrated.

5. Keep breathing, don’t hold your breath.

6. Keep your exercise steady, you don’t want your heart rate to high.

7. Make sure you stretch! Don’t stretch lying down on your back. Do this standing or sitting. It is not recommended by doctors to do ab exercises lying down either, so check with your care provider please.

8. If you think something is wrong (you are dizzy, you have cramping, bleeding, shortness of breath, or anything like that) stop what you are doing right away. If you are unsure what is wrong, please contact your doctor.

Always remember to be careful, but enjoy your exercising, and enjoy being pregnant. Time passes by way to fast.

About The Author: Anna Snyder is a young mother of 3 who has a growing interest in pregnancy and maternity field. For great maternity and nursing clothes, check out her site My Maternity Clothing to find a great selection, everything you need for pregnancy and beyond.

Kegels Keep Ladies From Losing Their Marbles

  • Posted on September 2, 2009 at 5:13 am

I have the picture on my desk to keep me smiling on gray days. It is a photo of a friend laughing her head off, legs wound together tighter than a donut twist while she struggles to keep her pants dry. In my tiny circle of close friends, we have a tradition of taking whomever the birthday girl happens to be out to walk off the effects of a rich birthday cake. On the stroll, the lucky woman is hailed with some of the worst jokes we’ve been saving up all year for her, jokes usually having to do with the merits of aging. This month it was Caitlin’s turn and she found herself helpless, with tears streaming down her cheeks and widdle threatening to stream down her legs

Most of us girls know what this tenuous moment is all about, but do as many of us know about the face-saving Kegel? Kegel exercises are so named after the gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel who introduced their routine as a formal regimine to his patients in order to strengthen pelvic muscles and vaginal walls. Kegel exercises are the timed and deliberate contracting of the pelvic floor that help patients control urinary incontinence and stave off adult diapers.

For obvious reasons women are more readily familiar with Kegel exercises but the regimen can also greatly benefit men who struggle with stress urinary incontinence. Although Dr. Kegel promoted them for uniquely feminine reasons in his gynecological practice, these exercises can greatly assist with bladder control in both men and women as they age.

Precisely what does a person have to do to pull off a Kegel? There is an unforgettable image suggested as a helpful guide to the exercise in a National Institutes of Health publication which promotes Kegels for controlling stress urinary incontinence in women: “The first step is to find the right muscles. One way to find them is to imagine that you are sitting on a marble and want to pick up the marble with your vagina. Imagine sucking the marble into your vagina.” (http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/bcw ez/insertC.htm)

Men may not be able to relate to that particular graphic aspect of the exercise. But in reality, the actual contraction routine is identical for men or women and is as follows: Once the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, hold for 3 seconds before releasing. Rest 3 seconds and repeat contraction. Do this for about five minutes or 30 repetitions. Remember to breathe normally (don’t hold your breath at any time during the exercise), and do not tighten the abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Isolating the pelvic floor muscles is key to this exercise’s success.

Generally, Kegels are easier to do at first when lying down. This makes morning rising and bedtime to be the ideal moments to slip into the routine of exercising twice a day. The highest degree of benefit is achieved when Kegels are practiced in the three positions of lying down, sitting and standing, several times a day. That is an eventual goal to work towards. In either case, practitioners should notice better muscle control and strengthening in 6 to 12 weeks.

Ms. Kew has been caregiver to senior adults for over three decades. She now oversees support for a large web retailer that sells Adult Diapers and Related Incontinence Supplies, where she is building an online adult education library to inform and support those who are having to grapple with adult incontinence. Kate welcomes everyone to visit and add to this internet-based resource: Understanding Adult Diapers.

Exercising While Pregnant

  • Posted on August 24, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Constantly, people give advice to pregnant women to sty seated and rest properly. Due to hormone imbalances, many pregnant women feel the need to do nothing but sleep and eat, but being so sedentary could leave to unhealthy lifestyle choices in the making. Most, but not all, pregnant women, have no desire to exercise and just want to sit around and relax. Exercising while pregnant though, can be beneficial to both the pregnant mom to be and the unborn child. You don’t have to have a strenuous workout to get the full effects of exercise.

If you exercise, the annoying symptoms of pregnancy will be less severe. You can even just walk; that’s still great exercise. Make sure you walk on an even surface with comfortable terrain for walking. You’re less likely to fall and hurt your baby this way. Your cardiovascular system will thank you by lessening the soreness in your back and swelling in your ankles. You can sleep better with proper exercise as well. Everyone, pregnant or not, can benefit from this. Your body is much more willing to relax after exercise. You can lie down peacefully and relax your muscles appropriately.

As noted, walking is an excellent way to exercise, both for pregnant women and for those not pregnant as well. Swimming is also another great way to exercise. Check out your local YMCA for heated indoor pools if you are swimming in the winter months.

You can feel weightless in water regardless of your weight. You won’t feel those extra pounds anymore, as you can get a great workout whether you’re pregnant or not. You don’t have to worry about your exercise hurting your baby. The kicking involved in swimming works your quads, as well as making back and abdominal muscles stronger. You’ll really need these to be in good condition once you go into labor and begin delivering the baby. You can also make your exercise routine fun! Dancing classes are great exercise. You can have fun working your body and getting thin for years. You can pick the tempo of music you dance to in order to vary your workout. There’s no added back, hip or knee pressure to the exercise and it provides great aerobic exercise for you during pregnancy. Pregnancy is no excuse to stay on the couch. Your baby’s health and your own will benefit from some exercise. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you’re in; you want to make sure what you choose to do will be safe for the baby. This article is not to be taken as medical advice. We are not medical authorities nor have we been trained in any medical profession. Anything and everything should be discussed with your physician while you are pregnant.

This article is not to be taken as medical advice. We are not medical authorities nor have we been trained in any medical profession. Anything and everything should be discussed with your physician while you are pregnant.

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