Being cooped up in the house all day means getting regular exercise in pregnancy can be difficult. There are lots of online yoga options but if yoga just isn’t your thing you might find Qigong (pronounced chi gong) enjoyable - for stress reduction alone.

You don’t need a mat - anyone can do it (all fitness levels) from 5 to 95 and even moms experiencing pregnancy complications as it’s considered a ‘no-impact’ form of exercise. If you’re used to spin class or really pushing yourself please don’t expect that level of intensity from yoga or Qigong. Pregnancy is a time to nurture your mind body and spirit not push yourself beyond your limits.

What Is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing therapy that involves meditation, controlled breathing and gentle flowing mindful movement. I’m a research geek but there’s limited research on this practice mostly centered around stress reduction. Tai Chi looks similar except Tai Chi is a martial art. There are different forms of Qigong such as ‘Iron Shirt’ (not for the faint of heart and never ever in pregnancy) so we’ll focus on what’s considered medical Qigong.

This is a 20 minute session you can try at home, it’s wonderful in early labor and perfect in the postpartum period too.

Try it and let me know what you think.

Tracy