The Pregnant Athlete ─ How to Stay in Your Best Shape Ever - Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Women who are serious about sports?those who compete or perform as runners, triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, as well as those who are serious weekend warriors?often face concerns and misinformation when they want to maintain a high level of fitness throughout their pregnancy. The Pregnant Athlete offers a wealth of practical myth-busting information for these women.

Written by Brandi Dion, a triathlete, personal trainer, and mom; Steve Dion, a university professor of health and exercise science; and Dr. Joel Heller, an obstetrician-gynecologist whose patients include marathoners, triathletes, and fitness instructors; this book includes details on physical changes per trimester and gauging your own limits, guidelines for specific sports and flexible workout plans for maximum health, nutrition facts and tips, reassuring medical insights, the truth about old wives’ tales, and inspiring stories from other pregnant athletes.

Brandi L. Dion is an athlete, a certified personal trainer, a triathlon coach, a businesswoman, and the mother of two. A life-long athlete, she has a B. S. degree in fitness and exercise and is a USAT Level I coach, an NSCA-CPT certified trainer, and a certified CrossFit Endurance and CrossFit Level 1 certified coach, as well as an adjunct professor in the Sport & Movement Science department of Salem State University. In 2004, Brandi and Steve Dion launched B&S Fitness Programs LLC. She has presented at various local, state and national conferences and has contributed to magazines such as New England Runner as well as the Salem Evening News and the Salem Gazette. The innovative training programs of B&S Fitness have been featured in regional and national press, including the Boston Globe. http://www.bnsfitness.com/

Steve Dion, Ed. D., is a professor of Health Education and department chair of Sport & Movement Science at Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts, and a manager/owner of B&S Fitness Programs LLC and B&S Sport Science LLC. He holds degrees from Springfield College in exercise science, health promotion and health education, and a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts (Lowell). He has coached more than a dozen National Champion or All-American gymnasts. Steve has an extensive background in strength and conditioning, exercise prescription, and program development, and has published widely on these subjects. He is a frequent presenter at regional and national fitness conferences. Brandi and Steve live with their two children in Salem, Massachusetts.

Joel Heller, M.D., attended the University of Connecticut Medical School, graduating in 1987, and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tufts New England Medical Center. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the Boston Obstetrical Society. Dr. Heller’s patients include marathon runners, triathletes, fitness and Pilates instructors. Since opening his Salem, Massachusetts, practice in 1991, he has supported continued exercise in pregnant and non-pregnant patients and emphasizes the importance of exercise in maintaining general physical and mental health. Dr. Heller lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts.


Perry McIntosh is a freelance writer whose books include The Power of Everyday Networking, Becoming a Manager, Increase Your Influence at Work, and Workplace Communications. In addition to her writing life, Perry has been an active participant in the B&S Sport Science daily Boot Camp program for the last 8 years. Perry lives in Salem, Massachusetts.