Definition
These are exercises that are easy on the joints and are carried out by the expectant mothers in the water under the guidance of a specialist. Due to the additional weight and the growing abdominal girth, many women are restricted in their pregnancy. Water gymnastics offers pregnant women a gentle and gentle form of exercise and can help to reduce pregnancy problems such as back pain.
What exercises are done there?
Water gymnastics for pregnant women can be versatile. Some courses focus on gymnastics and may also use aids such as swimming boards or noodles, while others focus more on relaxation techniques and include breathing and relaxation exercises. The gym-oriented courses focus on pregnancy-friendly fitness exercises.
These encompass a variety of movements such as the alternate stroke with the legs or the side-steps. In the second exercise the task is to make large side-steps. Light aqua jogging is also one of the most common movements in water gymnastics for pregnant women.
What is it good for?
Water gymnastics for pregnant women can have several advantages. Because of the water, the pressure on the joints and ligaments of pregnant women is much less than with exercises on “land”. The musculature and joints can be stressed so well without being overstrained by the additional ballast of pregnancy.
The back is often the focus of attention here, which can be gently strengthened by specific exercises in the water. Many women find this a great relief, as back pain is one of the most common ailments, especially in the last months of pregnancy. The pelvic floor muscles also benefit from certain gymnastic exercises and can thus be stretched in a targeted manner.
This creates more space for the baby in the abdomen. Many pregnant women also perceive the pleasantly tempered water as a “relaxation aid” and use the gymnastics specifically to loosen up tense body parts such as the shoulders or neck. Exercises, such as aqua jogging, also strengthen the stamina of pregnant women and stimulate the circulation.
The endurance exercises ultimately also have an effect on the oxygen supply. This is thus actively stimulated and benefits both the expectant mother and the child. Exercises, such as aqua jogging, also strengthen the stamina of pregnant women and stimulate the circulation. The endurance exercises ultimately also have an effect on the oxygen supply. This is thus actively stimulated and benefits both the expectant mother and the child.
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