Rock Climbing anyone?

Now there’s no question that I am all about exercising during pregnancy and even kicking it up a notch from the “safe and conservative” guidelines that were developed over a decade ago. However, there’s also a fine line in what some people consider safe when exercising while pregnant and for the first time in a long time I have to admit, I’m a bit speechless.

About a couple of months ago there was a post at babble.com about “Engaging in dangerous physical activity during pregnancy”. Well it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that anything “dangerous” should be avoided whether you’re pregnant or not (call me crazy). But when you have a little person growing inside, one would think that you would be a bit more cautious. One would think….

So there in lies the controversy of what is considered safe in the eyes of the fit pregnant woman. I wont discuss what doctors think because we already know that when it comes to exercise in general, they are not at the forefront of the fitness industry. Add pregnancy into the picture, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a prescription of caution, careful, no exertion…you get the point. But get a fit and strong pregnant women’s opinion and you can be in for the debate of your life!

Although my dream would be to see every weight room filled with women during all stages of their lives, I have to admit that when it comes to activities that could possibly cause physical injury during pregnancy, I take a step back and look at the big picture.

If you are a rock climber, I get it; skydiver (although I might think you’re nuts), go crazy. A triathlete, kudos to you! But….if you have been an athlete all your a life, rock climber, skydiver etc., why does it have to be done while you are pregnant? There are sooooooo many anatomical and physiological changes that occur during those nine months that I think….why not just take a sabbatical and get back to it after the baby is born? Reduce the chances of something “possibly” going wrong. Now you obviously need to replace it with other cardiovascular and strength training but do it without putting yourself and (possibly) your baby at risk.

I know I know….a seasoned athlete, climber knows her own body so should be encouraged to do what makes her happy as no one knows their bodies better than themselves. Agreed. But! (Here’s where the old lady in me peeks out), if I can feel the same burn, euphoria, endorphin rush doing something else AND reduce the risks, I’m all over it. Just sayin’

What do you think?