You don’t have to give up push ups just because your belly is the size of a prize-winning watermelon! In the first and second trimester, try push ups on the floor from the knees. Begin in regular push-up position, on hands and toes, then lower knees straight down to maintain alignment. Keep hips and belly lifted as you lower your chest toward floor, then exhale and press up. Repeat 8-15 times or until fatigued. Later in pregnancy (or earlier if you begin experiencing discomfort or back pain in early pregnancy), try moving your push ups to a table or kitchen counter. Place hands shoulder-width apart or wider and stand back from table until your body is stretched out as in push-up position, with heels lifted. Inhale as you lower your chest toward the table’s edge (as if you were going to tap the table with your breasts or slightly below), then exhale and press up. Keep hips and belly lifted and don’t allow low back to sag. Repeat 8-15 times or until fatigued. Rest 30-60 seconds and repeat for a total of 2-3 sets.
~ Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. With a decade under her belt, Dara now shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through Fit Family , personal training and Belly Bootcamp , pre- and post-natal fitness. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family.
