Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop everything: on the contrary! It's even the perfect time to indulge in new activities and take time for yourself.
Belly dancing classes
Well-being, grace, suppleness and sensuality: this is what baladi, an ancestral art from North Africa and the Middle East, offers its followers.
Belly dancing is aimed as much at future mothers as at new ones: thanks to its gentle movements, the belly dance helps in particular to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis, the floor pelvic and abdominals. This has the effect of helping the future mother during the push, during childbirth. It is also said that the movements of the belly dance would promote the engagement of the baby in the pelvis and have the effect of reducing pain in the lower back. The coolest thing about all of this? It is extremely fun and very feminine. Something to feel good about in your body, but also in your head.
We love the unique approach of La Source itself,on Beaubien Street in Montreal. In the region, some CLSCs also offer them: find out!
Prenatal Yoga
Relaxation, meditationand movement: prenatal yoga is a truly complete activity, which allows the future mother to move, but also to commune with her condition and the child growing inside her. With specific movements, she will strengthen the muscles of her perineum, her abdominals and her lower back. Most classes also take time to share in a group, a privileged moment to discuss with other pregnant women about our ups and downs.
Most yoga schools offer prenatal (and also postnatal) classes. Take care in choosing your class: some have a more athletic approach, others; more spiritual. You will easily find the one that suits you best!
Gym and bodybuilding
Gym buff? Unless your doctor says otherwise, nothing forces you to give up this good habit. Obviously, you have to take it a little slower. But you can still ride an eleptic or a stationary bike. If the weights are to be avoided, certain exercises on the ball could replace them. Do you use weights? Choose them less heavy: pregnant, you don't want to develop muscle, but to tone and maintain it. We also avoid mounting the weights above the head. We favor the seated position, we forget the exercises that require you to lie on your back. Listen to your body: when it's too much, don't force it!
Find out: some gyms offer spinning classes for womenpregnant, and Sports Montreal has also set up the Body Design course, high strength activities and moderate cardiovascular work, which will help you maintain your shape.
Massage Therapy
Aaaaah! The little ailments of pregnancy! They are stubborn, but if we take care of them, they can leave us in peace for a long time, and massage works miracles at this level! For pregnancy massage, we usually use a special cushion and oils that will promote relaxation. But that's not all, according to Karine Lagueux, massage therapist and kinesiologist, massage "restores mobility, rebalances the biomechanics of the body in terms of muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Not to mention that massage helps to undo tension and treat certain chronic pathologies. » Pregnant women should offer themselves (or be offered) at least one massage during their pregnancy!
Facials and Spas
Everyone is going to the spa and you feel like you're being left behind? Some establishments offer tailor-made experiences for pregnant women, such as the Balnea Spa. On the menu: massage for pregnant women, spa-pedicure, facial treatment, “wild strawberry shine” mini-hair treatment and thermal experience. Not trivial!
Essentrics Prenatal
Essen… what? The essentrics, also called “ technique Esmonde ”,is a combination of scientific stretching (PNF, tai chi, yoga), ballet movements, physiotherapy and chiropractic. Its practice promotes muscle relaxation, helps realign body structures, and improves posture. The constant rotational movements strengthen the whole body. Still new, this mode of training is only offered in very few places, such as at Sports Montréal (at Collège André-Grasset).
Pool
Several women practice aqua fitness or aqua yoga during pregnancy. Designed especially for them, these gentle exercises are practiced in shallow water, safe for babies, and allow the woman to feel better and keep in shape. For women looking for something a little more intense, there is also aquajogging, which is practiced in deep water, with adapted floats.
Prenatal song
prenatal singing allows parents to connect with baby early, while preparing us for birth. Very close to group meditation, you will be surprised by the strength and energy that emanates from chanting. “Baby feels it,” says Sonia Peguin, who teaches it. “He will hear your voice and feel the vibrations like a sound massage! In addition, these techniques could be of great help to calm contractions during childbirth. Here is a unique way to be in communion with your body!Very popular in France, we also offer prenatal singing lessons here, among others at Studio Tre Punti, in Montreal, and in different boroughs.
Knitting
When I think of knitting, I inevitably think of my grandmother, who could spend her evenings making us slippers of all colors! Relegated to oblivion for a few decades, knitting is however making a marked comeback, and it is possible to take courses to learn how to knit pretty clothes for the unborn baby. And what a great opportunity to socialize with future moms! Find out more at] La Source en soi, in Montreal.
