EBB 399 - Benefits and Safety of Exercise during Pregnancy with Ashley Reid, Exercise Physiologist and Author of "Active Mom"

Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period serves as a powerful, evidence-based tool for improving physical and mental health, rather than a source of medical risk. Ashley Reid, an exercise physiologist and author of *Active Mom*, emphasizes that outdated guidelines, such as the 140-beats-per-minute heart rate limit, lack scientific backing and often discourage necessary movement. Her "core function and fitness" framework prioritizes building core stability, functional movement patterns, and aerobic fitness to manage pregnancy-related changes and prepare for the physical demands of motherhood. Rather than adhering to rigid restrictions, individuals should focus on personalized, progressive strength training that adapts to their body’s specific needs. This approach helps reduce risks like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia while fostering a sense of control and resilience throughout the transition into parenthood.