Maternal Fitness - by Julie Tupler (Paperback)

About the Book

A nine-month program, Maternal Fitness focuses on preparing for the stresses of labor by stretching, strengthening, and relaxing the abdominal muscles. Each exercise features a clear illustration, an explanation of the purpose of the exercise, and instructions on adapting the exercise to one's fitness level.

Book Synopsis

Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor!
If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.
Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively.
While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

From the Back Cover

If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor. Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals - the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively. While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

Review Quotes

Stephanie Young Health and Fitness Editor, Glamour Magazine Maternal Fitness made a big difference in my pregnancy and birthing experience when I was a mother-to-be for the second time. I felt great -- very strong and energetic -- throughout my pregnancy and into my delivery.

Ellen Manos, M.D. (Obstetrician and Mother) Women [trained by Maternal Fitness] feel in control of their bodies, both during and after pregnancy. I can say this with absolute assurance, since I was one of their clients.

Ellie McGrath, Marathoner The work paid off. My doctor was impressed with how strong I was. Maternal Fitness is an excellent combination of exercise, education, and relaxation.

About the Author

Julie Tupler, R.N., is a certified personal trainer, fitness instructor, and childbirth educator (she is pictured on the front cover). She is the creator of Maternal Fitness, a labor-preparation program that features the Tupler Technique, exercises that are unique to her pregnancy workout. ANDREA THOMPSON is a freelance writer and editor who has contributed to numerous magazines. Both authors live in New York City