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I am a lover of body attack.  I have just gotten pregnant.  I am wondering if body attack is safe to continue?  I plan on doing only low impact, and marching in place during the running track.  Does anyone have some advice on alternate moves I could use?

Hi pumpkin (love the name)

I don't actually teach attack. (BodyStep, Balance and Pump only).  However have taught and did teach freestyle hinrg classes throughout two pregnancies. So to answer your question yes it is safe to do BodyAttack throughout your pregnancy as long as your pregnancy progresses normally and that you feel comfortable doing so.

Your plan to do low impact is great.  Lisa Osborne was pregnant not so long ago and I'm sure must have given pregnancy options on one of the BA releases, she did in step approximately 18months ago???? Check out an older BA DVD, or chorry notes you'll probably find something there that will help.

 Congratulations and good luck with the pregnancy.

Cheers

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Always Be the Best You Can, Never Ever, Ever Give Up! Dare to be Different!

yes, you can most definitely do BA whilst pregnant! But as you say, you need to modify the class to your needs. Low/no impact options definitely, you can still work hard *g*. I suggest decreasing your range of movement (such as not travelling as far in supermans), stop when you need to, and lower the impact (such as marching instead of jogging, step touch instead of gallop). Even doing only part of the class as you progress through your pregnancy. I have plenty of ladies do my classes whilst pregnant, but they modify well, and still get a good workout. Moving is definitely better than not *g*

Other moves you can modify:
instead of kicks, do heel digs
instead of side flicks, do side taps
instead of supermans/ice skaters, 3 step runs/gallops, do step touchs

a lot of moves in BA can be made lower impact (e.g not jumping in the heel jack) but you can stil work them by really feeling the floor. I.e sitting deeper into moves, getting low into the step touch, sinking closer to the floor in the heel digs, etc. Just a slightly different focus for the moves, but still a great workout!

Listen to your body, make sure you keep hydrated and try not to heat up too much. Keep yourself healthy and your baby will be healthy! Good luck!

I overheard some women talking about this in the changing room and how they both love attack and did it while they were pregnant but ppl kept giving them real bad looks like what are you doing to your baby so they stopped! That's terrible aye, since there's nothing wrong with working out when you're pregnant as long as you know your limits. I wonder why people think it's so bad

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There are no limits

Quite frankly you'll always get people who give looks of shock horror, but honestly it's usually because they are unaware that it is ok to exercise and as you mentioned foxy as long as you know you're limits and don't overheat and drink plenty of water during, before and after exercise and as long as the pregnancy is progressing normally don't worry what other's think, and know it is the right thing to do.

 

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Always Be the Best You Can, Never Ever, Ever Give Up! Dare to be Different!

I've heard from members that some male instructors, actually wont allow pregnant women into their classes!!!!!

check out BA 57 DVD there is a pregnant woman doing the class and she is doing fine!!

I have taught all way thru my 3 pregnancies and as long as you are sensible (keep cool, and hydrated, dont overstretch, dont overdo it etc etc) then you are fine to continue - unless of course there is a medical reason why you shouldnt!

good luck

Michelle 

I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and still teaching Body Attack twice a week.  However, I am team teaching my classes now (I don't teach the "peaks") and doing lower options.  Besides having to do lower impact moves and options, I have to really watch my heart rate.  It's very easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of teaching and you heart rate can get over 160bpm which is dangerous for the baby.  I wear a HR monitor with an alarm that goes off at 140 bpm.   My biggest advice is listen to your body.  If you are breathing hard and getting fatigued, so is your baby.  Don't push yourself and be careful.