Article Provided By COOPER FITNESS CENTER

The childbearing years can be some of the most rewarding and daunting of any woman’s life.  There are many dramatic changes that take place in the body, not to mention the miraculous creation of new life.  But some of these changes can challenge our wellness and peace of mind, and make it easier for us to find excuses to not take care of ourselves.  It is no mystery that exercise and sound nutrition are wonderful ways to find balance, keep our health in check and set a good example for our children.  But there are numerous other benefits to maintaining a healthy program that may surprise you:

•    Improved posture and appearance
•    Relief of back pain
•    Greater control over weight gain
•    Stronger muscles in preparation for labor and support for loosened joints
•    Improved circulation
•    Increased flexibility
•    Increased/maintained aerobic endurance
•    Increased energy level and less fatigue
•    Decreased muscle tension
•    Promotion of feelings of well-being and a positive self-image

Too often, new moms find it difficult to make time for fitness.  But it is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and can dramatically change the way you view your new role.  It is important to get back to exercising as soon as possible, and whether you experience a vaginal or cesarean delivery will largely determine that timeline.  Generally 6-8 weeks is recommended before jumping back into any sort of serious exercise program.  Our postpartum bodies are completely different than they were before and require a little more TLC than usual.  This can be frustrating, particularly if you are accustomed to more intense exercise such as jogging or weight training.  But slow and steady repair of your core foundation will help:

•    Reduce post-natal depression known as the “baby blues”
•    Promote healing
•    Speed recovery back to your pre-pregnancy body
•    Increase much-needed energy
•    Release stress and allow time to focus on yourself

Without a doubt, being a mom is the most rewarding experience in my life.  It is an endless job, and I relish every moment of it.  But there were times when I questioned whether I would ever get back to feeling ‘normal’.  As frustrating as that was, it made me even more determined.  As a degreed/certified health professional, I have dedicated my life to helping others achieve wellness and peace with their bodies.  My 15 years of experience as a personal trainer and being a mother of 2 has helped me realize how immensely different each pregnancy is.  The Female Focus Pre and Post Natal Program at the Cooper Fitness Center is dedicated to you.  Each participant is treated as an individual and is monitored closely throughout.  Although childcare is available, this is not a mommy-and-me program.  It is meant to be a time when moms can take an hour out of their busy schedules to truly focus on themselves and get back in shape.

April Harris-Swales, BS, CCES, CPT
Cooper Fitness Center Professional Trainer
Female Focus Pre- and Post-Natal Program Instructor

For more specific information and to register for The Female Focus Pre- and Post-Natal Program call Colette Cole, Female Focus Director, at 972-233-4832 or visit us at http://www.cooperaerobics.com/For-Individuals/PersonalFitness/Preston-Road-Dallas/Female-Focus.aspx