Spring is right around the corner with warmer temps and snow melting rapidly. What a perfect time to make a regular practice of getting outside. Fresh air and a brisk walk are good for the body, mind and soul. Whether you're still pregnant or have a brand new baby to love on, walking is the perfect stress reliever. And goodness knows how much we need stress relief right now. I don't know anybody who isn't ready for Covid 19 to be done.
We are fortunate here in Helena to have access to so many trails. Centennial Bausch Park and Spring Meadow Lake are great places for a leisurely walk with a stroller. They are great
for toddlers as well. For the more adventurous, Mt. Helena, Mt. Ascension and the Scratch Gravel Hills area are some of my favorite places to get a workout without having to go very far. They are great for me when I am on call as I can stay within cell service and still get to my doula clients quickly.
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, divided up over several days. An excerpt from their website states: "Observational studies of women who exercise during pregnancy have shown benefits such as decreased gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean birth and operative vaginal delivery, and postpartum recovery time. Physical activity also can be an essential factor in the prevention of depressive disorders of women in the postpartum period. Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are associated with minimal risks and have been shown to benefit most women, although some modification to exercise routines may be necessary because of normal anatomic and physiologic changes and fetal requirements."
I have to admit that I have been too sedentary over the last few months. But I am inspired with the changing weather to get outside and hike more. I challenge you for your health's sake to get out and walk too.
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