Do's and Don'ts

• Regular exercise is preferable to intermittent activity.
• Vigorous exercise should not be performed when you are ill, or during hot, humid weather.
• Jerky, bouncy motions should be avoided. Exercise on a wooden floor or a tightly carpeted surface.
• Because of the relaxation of connective tissue, pregnant women should avoid extreme stretching exercises.
• Vigorous exercise should be preceded by a five-minute warm-up
• Strenuous exercise should be followed by a period of gradually declining activity that includes gentle stretching.
• Heart rate should be measured at times of peak activity and probably should not exceed a maximum of 150 beats per minute.
• Care should be taken to rise gradually from the floor to avoid an episode of dizziness related to changes in position.
• Liquids should be taken liberally before and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Activity should be interrupted to replenish fluids.
• Women who have led sedentary life styles should begin with physical activity of very low intensity and advance activity levels gradually.
• Activity should be stopped and a doctor notified if any unusual symptoms appear.