Martial Arts for the Mom-to-be

Qigong, Tai Chi and Other
Practices for Pregnancy

By Paige Waehner

Being pregnant is exciting, but it also can be stressful as you watch your body change in ways you never imagined. You know that exercise, such as walking and swimming, is a great way to reduce stress, but there may be a better solution: martial arts. Most people associate martial arts with contact sports like kung fu and karate, but there are other disciplines, often called "moving meditation," that combine controlled movements with breathing for a mind/body workout that promotes health and well-being.

Asian influences have been trickling into America for the last few decades, and we've learned that activities such as Tai Chi and Qigong (or Chi Kung) are just a couple of ways to exercise with a blend of physical movements and mental focus. What separates these activities from others is the concentration on dynamic meditation that, practitioners believe, enhances mental focus, clarity of thought and inner peace. These disciplines can be ideal for pregnant women who want to stay active without putting their health and bodies at risk for injury. Before you take the plunge, however, find out which discipline is right for you.

Qigong combines mind and body together in a soothing workout that doesn't tax the joints or body. Qigong's focus is on meditation, breathing and repetitive movements to leave you peaceful and energized, perfect for when you're feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. Another bonus is that Qigong helps you get in touch with a body that may be changing so rapidly you can't keep up!

Qigong is a great addition to a well-rounded fitness program, but it does require expert instruction and careful attention to detail. The ideal way to start is to take a class with a professional, since technique and breathing are so important. Every class is different, but you can expect to learn about diaphragmatic breathing, meditation and taking your body through slow, controlled movements.

These resources will help you find a Qigong teacher near you or, if classes aren't an option, videos to help you get started:

• Qi.org
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