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Martial Arts for the Mom-to-be
Qigong, Tai Chi and Other Practices for Pregnancy
By Paige Waehner
- Qi Journal has a searchable database for Tai Chi practitioners in the United States.
- Check with local whole health practitioners or martial arts schools for nearby classes.
- Scott Cole's AM & PM Tai Chi video is perfect for beginners, available at www.collagevideo.com.
- Step-by-Step Tai Chi is a book for beginners that teaches the fundamentals of Tai Chi and shows exercises you can do at home.
For the More Athletically-Inclined
Traditionally, kickboxing is a contact sport combining martial arts kicks with boxing moves and may be dangerous for pregnant women. However, the kickboxing most of us are familiar with is the Westernized aerobic version, a choreographed combination of kicks, punches and jumps set to music.
If you've been actively involved in aerobic kickboxing, is it safe to continue? Yes, if your doctor gives you the OK. However, later during pregnancy, you'll need to lower your kicks and shorten your punches to protect your joints and your balance, which will be more precarious as your center of gravity changes.
If you've never tried kickboxing, pregnancy may not be the ideal time to start since it can cause injury if not performed correctly. However, if you're determined to do so, the ideal way to start is by taking a class with an instructor who can work with you on form and modifications. A few key things to keep an eye on are:
- Your balance – In the later months of pregnancy, your balance will be compromised by your changing center of gravity and kickboxing can challenge your balance even more.
- Your joints – As pregnancy progresses, your joints loosen with the release of the hormone relaxin. This may cause joint instability, which increases your risk of injury. Be careful with punches and kicks, and don't hyperextend your joints.
- Your baby
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