Robin Gammon, M.Ed., R.D., L.D.

Unless a woman has medical reason to avoid physical activity, she can begin or continue a moderate-intensity physical activity during her pregnancy and after the baby is born.

Moderate-intensity=talk, but can’t sing If beginning physical activity during

pregnancy, women should increase the amount gradually over time.

At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Preferably, this activity should be spread throughout the week.

Not recommended for women to BEGIN vigorous-intensity activity during pregnancy.

Vigorous-intensity=you can only say a few words without stopping to catch your breath.

Exercises in ESBA should not be vigorous-intensity exercises.

Women that regularly do vigorous-intensity activity or high amounts of activity or strength training should continue to be physically active during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Generally they don’t need to drastically reduce their activity levels, provided that they remain healthy and discuss it with their health-care provider.

Women who are pregnant should be under the care of a health-care provider with whom they can discuss how they adjust amounts of physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

◦Avoid doing exercises that involve lying on their back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

◦Avoid doing activities that increase the risk of falling or abdominal trauma, including: Contact or collision sports Horseback riding Downhill skiing Soccer Basketball

Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should get at least 150 minutes per week (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity, Or

75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activityOr

An equivalent combination of moderate-and vigorous intensity aerobic activity.

Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should also do muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups 2 or more days per week.

Some people may need supervision when performing muscle-strengthening activities.

When adults with disabilities are not able to meet the above the PA Guidelines, they should engage in regular physical activity according to their abilities and should avoid inactivity.

Adults with disabilities should consult their health-care providers about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for their abilities.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical activity guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008