Fitness Business Canada

Reviewed by Tiffany Moffatt

How refreshing to have a comprehensive Canadian resource on exercise and pregnancy, one that brings together the expertise and various strengths of a physician, personal trainer and physical therapist! Based upon the three principles of "prevention," "preparation," and "restoration," this easy to read guide on exercise during pregnancy explores how to reduce pregnancy symptoms through exercise, how to strengthen the muscles needed in labor and how exercise will ease recovery postpartum. "Tips from the Team" throughout the book offer little treasures of information for exercising moms, including advice on how to prevent back pain and how to stretch effectively. Plenty of photographs throughout Fit to Deliver aptly illustrate the authors' well-chosen stretches, warm up, and muscular conditioning exercises. The Fit to Deliver team devotes a chapter to pregnancy posture and in turn do a nice job outlining stretches and core conditioning exercises that target muscles compromised by poor pregnancy posture.

Just like any good personal trainer, the book offers variety in the cardiovascular exercise programs, with specific guidelines for walking and water fitness routines, as well as stationary cycling, stairclimber, crosstrainer and rowing workouts. Variety is also the main focus of the strength training routine, in which alternatives for different trimesters and numerous exercises are illustrated to avoid boredom. The last chapter puts it all together by outlining programs for each trimester and for beginner, intermediate and advanced moms-to-be. Overall, the combined voices of the three authors are authoritative and knowledgeable. Fit to Deliver expels any old myths and misconceptions the reader may have had on exercise and pregnancy and offers up-to-date guidelines for a safe and effective workout.