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The Trend Towards Maternity Fitness Wear Recently, I was asked, "Why would a retail store want to carry fitness wear for expectant moms?"There are several reasons for this trend's continued growth. In the past, physicians did not necessarily encourage fitness as a part of a woman's healthy pregnancy. Today, fitness is more accepted and encouraged during a woman's pregnancy. I do not see this trend changing, and I expect this aspect of a healthy pregnancy to grow. Expectant moms that choose to workout should be encouraged and supported. Research is showing that a moderate level of exercise creates and increases benefits to the mother and unborn baby in several ways: Women who workout have an increased level of functioning in their cardiovascular system. Often women who workout during pregnancy gain less unnecessary weight. A woman's stamina can increase which is a benefit during labor. Women who workout during their pregnancies tend to recover faster after delivery and return to their pre-pregnancy size. Of course, before a pregnant woman undertakes an exercise program she should check with her doctor for guidelines and/or restrictions. I began my business a year ago because I am an avid athlete and was not planning on giving that up while pregnant. My doctor was completely supportive of my decision to modify my normal exercise routines which included running, cycling, mountaineering, river rafting, swimming and cross-country skiing. By modifying my routines, it meant listening to my body and adjusting speed and duration of activities to the point where I was feeling comfortable instead of overtaxed. During my pregnancy, finding workout wear to fit my activities was a huge challenge. There were and still are few choices. I personally used all the products we carry and tried many others to come up with a formula for what to offer in our mail order catalog. This trend, of course promotes a need for comfortable, properly designed maternity fitness wear-and an opportunity for you. The basic items you might want to consider carrying: a short unitard, long unitard, tights, bike tights, and a very supportive sports bra. I have found these items to be our top sellers. Another consideration would be a maternity sports swimsuit designed for pool workouts. When deciding which basic products to carry, look
consider the following criteria:
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