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Expert Q&A

	By April Underwood Fitness Consultant Playa del Rey, California

I am pregnant with my first child and about 25 weeks along. I haveexcercised all my life and plan to keep going but I'm so frustratedwith what's happened to my body over the past few months. I takeJazzercise several times a week but had to stop jumping and reallydancing full out during the class several months ago. Now my legsfeel and look like jello. In just a few months I've lost all muscletone. Worse, I've noticed ugly cellulite developing all over mythighs. Will I ever be able to get my toned legs back? Right now itseems impossible. Is there anything I can do now as I'm gettingbigger to work on my legs? I'm open to any suggestions."

Don't fret! Right now the easiest, yet effective thing you can do is walk,walk, walk. If you're in good shape, take on some hills, or a hiking trailso that you feel you get the leg workout you're used you without thejumping. Right now you can also do wide leg plie squats. Stand with yourfeet wide apart with your knees and you toes lined up in the same direction.Place you hands out to the side or supported on a table or chair beside you.Lower your hips down no lower than knee level, then press up again. Repeat10 to 20 times. Start with 10, then gradually work your way up to20 over a period of weeks. Do these in sets of two or three,depending on how your body responds to just one set. This exercisenot only keeps your thighs toned, but is a necessary exercise duringpregnancy for strength and endurance during labor. If you comeacross a set of stairs on your walking trail, take on a flight ortwo! :-)

All is not lost. You will more than likely get your legs back after thebirth of your baby. Muscles remember. You'll be back in shape in no timeat all! :-)

April

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