Exercises in Pregnancy: Abdomen & Thigh Exercises Health Article

Chair Stand

This exercise strengthens muscles in the abdomen and thighs.

• Sit toward the middle or front of a chair and lean back so that you are in a half-reclining position, with back and shoulders straight, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Place pillows against the lower back of the chair to support your back and keep it straight.
• Without using your hands, bring your back forward so that you are sitting upright. Your back should no longer be leaning against the pillows.
• Keep your back straight as you come up, so that you feel your abdominal muscles do the work; don't lean forward with your shoulders as you rise.
• With feet flat on the floor, take at least three seconds to stand up, using your hands as little as possible. As you bend slightly forward to stand up, keep your back and shoulders straight.
• Take at least three seconds to sit back down. Your goal is to do this exercise without using your hands.

For more stretching exercises, go to Exercises in Pregnancy: Hip, Exercises in Pregnancy: Buttocks, Thighs, Hamstrings , Exercises in Pregnancy: Calf Exercises, Exercises in Pregnancy: Gentle Stretches, Exercises in Pregnancy: Wrist & Ankle Exercises, and Exercises in Pregnancy: Neck & Shoulders Exercises.

For more strength exercises, go to Exercises in Pregnancy: Buttocks, Hips, Thigh, Exercises in Pregnancy: Arms & Shoulder Exercises, and Exercises in Pregnancy: Shin, Ankle & Calf Exercises.