As you know, most people start an exercise program to lose weight. Well, of course, this is not the objective during pregnancy exercise but there are lots of other reasons to get started on or continue on a regular exercise routine when you're pregnant.  The nine months of your pregnancy are an excellent time to be doing smart, safe exercises that will keep you in shape for the birth and beyond.  Here are the five basic areas to focus your pregnancy exercise routine on:

1. Cardiovascular exercise:great for circulation, energy, stamina and weight control.  Walking is the most recommended cardio exercise because very few women are going to get overly hot or dehydrated when they're walking.

2. Flexibility and 3. Leg strength;While cardio is great for your heart, it is strength training that will enable you to handle the positions of labor for hours at a time and prepare you for the physical demands of being a mom. In addition, it is strength training that will play a bigger role in getting your pre-pregnancy body back, or making it even better than before!

4. A strong back:Helps you deal with the extra weight in your uterus, which could otherwise pull you out of alignment.

5. Well-toned abswill assist you in carrying the fetus, avoiding back pain and recovering your shape afterward.

While most pregnancy exercise programs focus highly on cardiovascular activities, it is strength training [as you can see from the list] that will make your routine more complete and beneficial.

Pregnancy strength training will help:

• Reduce back pain
• Increase your energy levels
• Make labor and delivery easier
• Keep you strong and injury free
• Combat postural changes during pregnancy
• Make post-partum weight loss MUCH easier and faster
• Flatten your tummy after delivery

If you were a regular exerciser before your pregnancy, it is usually safe to continue your routine, although some modifications may be necessary.

If you didn't have a consistent program in place, the general rule of thumb is to wait until your 2nd trimester (when you'll be feeling much better) to ease yourself into a routine. Either way, check with your doctor/midwife first to be sure you don't have any complications that could be affected by a pregnancy exercise routine.

Having a holistic approach to pregnancy will give you the confidence that you are eating the right foods to give you and your baby the nutrients you need to stay in top physical condition and have a healthy 9 months growing together.  It will also allow you to loose your pregnancy weight much faster than you can imagine.  There's so much more you need to know so, follow this link: and don't wait another second to start living a life of optimal health and wellness for both you and your baby.