Let's not beat around the bush, the answer is yes, three times yes! However, at My Time Coaching, we always strive to explain things to you so that you can practice with even more motivation. So here's everything you need to know about exercise, pregnancy, health, and Lagree.
Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, requiring you to take care of yourself in different ways. Contrary to popular belief, which is sometimes still hard to shake, pregnancy is not incompatible with appropriate exercise—quite the opposite, in fact!
Gone are the days when pregnancy meant inactivity. The French High Authority for Health, the World Health Organization, and contemporary medicine all agree on the same conclusion: maintaining appropriate physical activity during pregnancy is not only possible, but highly recommended.
And you know what? Lagree Fitness, with its philosophy of controlled movement and low-impact approach, is a particularly attractive option for expectant mothers.
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What do health authorities say about exercising during pregnancy?
But first, let's go back to the recommendations of the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) and the WHO: practicing appropriate physical activity is strongly recommended, with 150 to 180 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity.
Moderate? In plain English, this means that you shouldn't suddenly take up weightlifting or marathon running if you're pregnant, but rather find a sport that is suited to your physiological changes and needs.
Medical research is clear: exercising during pregnancy has many benefits for both the mother and the unborn baby.
Better control of weight gain.
Improved sleep and mood.
Reduction in lower back pain.
Reduced risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Optimal preparation for childbirth.
Easier postpartum recovery.
Sources:
– WHO, WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior: at a glance, 2020
– HAS, Coll. Organization of care pathways, Prescription of physical activity and sports during pregnancy and postpartum, 2019.
What do health authorities say about exercising during pregnancy?
Lagree meets WHO safety criteria
During your pregnancy, some sports will prove more difficult and sometimes less advisable to practice than others. This is not the case with Lagree, which complies fully with the World Health Organization's safety recommendations for exercising during pregnancy:
A sport that does not impact the joints.
Based on slow, controlled movements.
Easily adjustable intensity.
With safe equipment and...
Constant supervision by our certified coaches.
The gentle and reassuring approach of Lagree Fitness
Lagree perfectly respects the physiological changes of pregnancy, resulting in:
preserved joints;
excellent deep muscle work;
a better understanding of one's body and its changes;
strengthening areas that are particularly in need during pregnancy.
Quarter-by-quarter adaptation
The HAS recommendations advise adapting the practice to the progression of pregnancy. At My Time Coaching, we follow this principle, and quarter after quarter, we take care to adapt your Lagree session to your needs and limitations.
> Challenges in the first, second, and third quarters
Maintaining overall physical fitness.
Gentle movements targeting deep muscles.
Gradual decrease in intensity.
> In the first quarter
Focus on postural stability.
> In the second quarter
Adjusting positions (avoid supine position).
Specific strengthening of the perineum.
Safe balancing work.
> In the third quarter
Modified exercises.
Focus on mobility and breathing.
What precautions should you take when practicing Lagree while pregnant?
5 precautions to follow during your session
Official health authorities also recommend certain rules to follow to ensure you can exercise safely during your pregnancy.
1. First, you will need to obtain prior approval from your doctor and/or gynecologist.
2. Remember that "maintaining moderate intensity " means that you should be able to hold a conversation during your workout.
3. Don't forget to drink; regular hydration is essential (even if you are not pregnant, and at MTC, filtered water fountains and cold drinks are available).
4. Avoid overheating! Monitor your body temperature: it should not rise more than is reasonable. In short, get moving, but listen to your body.
5. Stop immediately if you experience any warning signs (contractions, dizziness, etc.).
5 cases of absolute contraindication
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) issues a special warning and urges you to avoid all sports activities—and seek immediate medical attention—in the event of:
rupture of membranes;
threat of premature labor;
placenta previa after 24 weeks;
preeclampsia;
intrauterine growth restriction.
Six major benefits of Lagree for expectant mothers
1- Weight control, an important issue during your pregnancy
2 - The essential preventive role of Lagree against gestational diabetes
3 - You have a positive impact on the risk of preeclampsia
4 - Lagree helps you feel better every day
Lagree has many benefits for your quality of life (before and) during pregnancy: it reduces lower back pain, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Pregnant women who continue to exercise are more relaxed about the changes in their bodies and are more emotionally balanced during pregnancy, as has been scientifically proven.
5 - As a pregnant athlete, you are better prepared for childbirth...
Thanks to Lagree, you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, deep abdominal muscles, and back muscles, making you better able to manage labor and delivery.
Studies on the effects of exercise on health during pregnancy show an average reduction in labor time and a decrease in the rate of emergency C-sections among physically active women.
6 - … and postpartum recovery
If you keep up with physical activity during your pregnancy, you'll be giving yourself the best chance of recovering physically after giving birth. You'll get back into shape faster, feel less tired after giving birth, and your perineal rehabilitation will be more effective.
What's more, prenatal physical activity promotes better muscle recovery and reduces postpartum pain.
For more information, you can download this guide, "I can engage in physical and sporting activities during my pregnancy and after giving birth," published by the Ministry of Sports for pregnant women.
And after giving birth, when should I resume Lagree?
You should resume your postpartum exercise routine gradually, and, of course, only after receiving medical approval. If your pregnancy and delivery went smoothly, health authorities recommend resuming your Lagree sessions:
6-8 weeks after a vaginal delivery.
8-10 weeks after a cesarean section.
After perineal rehabilitation (which we consider essential).
Your My Time Coaching coaches, highly knowledgeable support
Our approach is in line with public health guidelines. We therefore begin with an individualized preliminary assessment. Our coaches are fully aware of your limitations and will adapt the exercises to suit you, advising you on how to constantly monitor the intensity of the exercises.
At MTC, pregnant women are not uncommon, and our coaches always take the utmost care of their students.
The limited number of participants in a Lagree class allows for this, but for a truly personalized experience, individual coaching is recommended.
We already knew that the benefits of regular physical activity are optimal, but they remain so during pregnancy. Lagree Fitness is particularly well suited to the physiological needs of pregnant women.
My Time Coaching in Nice
At My Time Coaching, certified coaches who already support expectant mothers will be happy to help you enjoy an active and fulfilling pregnancy.
Contact us to discuss it and come try a session! Don't wait any longer to take care of yourself and your baby in the best possible conditions!
Useful information
Address: My Time Coaching, 42 Maréchal Joffre Street, Nice
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
