For some reason, there is a stigma that exercise and pregnancy do not go together. Whenever I tell someone new that I’m headed to/from the gym, I get a disapproving glare at my belly. I already wrote a post about the modifications one should make if they decide to exercise while pregnant. However, I have never addressed the benefits of physical activity during your pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy might also reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure, as well as lessen the symptoms of postpartum depression. In addition, it might reduce the risk that your baby is born significantly larger than average (fetal macrosomia). {Source}
I can honestly say that since I joined a gym and began exercising regularly again, I have felt much better about myself. I am stronger, more energetic, and SO much more confident in my changing body. I leave the gym feeling happy and accomplished. If I can’t get to the gym, I try to do some stretching and walking around the house. If I don’t workout for a few days, it is because I know my body needs a break. But between Sh’Bam, Zumba, and Body Pump 3-4 days a week, I am feeling amazing.
Jillian Michaels recently had a trainer on her podcast and they discussed this issue. It made me think of you! 🙂 They basically discussed that it’s not a time to go wild and try something you’ve never done before, but it is fine to keep doing what you’re doing with a few modifications here and there.
Exercising during my pregnancy has been my saving grace! I really think it’s why my energy level has been up and it helps with all the aches and pains I have. Some days I just walk but yoga is my favorite!
I am in my first tri and going through the exact same thing! I was a
workout-aholic up until I got my positive test. At that point, I became
afraid to move lol. Going without exercising has been so tough, and I’ve
felt awful about myself. In the last couple weeks, I’ve starting slowly
attempting to get back into it, but now the fatigue is fighting me. I
work long hours in addition to an almost two-hour commute, so when I
finally get home, I just want to pass out 🙁 Still trying to figure this
out and hoping to get back to where I was before. Thanks for the
helpful topic!
2nd trimester will be so much better! I was still a little tired, but for the most part, in the beginning I could definitely go for long walks and lift some weights without feeling like I was going to pass out!
So glad you posted this. While I am not pregnant yet, I do hope to be in the near future;) and I hear such mix reviews about exercising. I want to stay fit as possible and not become that woman who gains an insane amount of weight just because she thinks she has an excuse. Thanks!
Cheers,
Alyson
WE AGREE ! we are all about mom-to-be having a fit pregnancy! in fact, we literally just launched our Fit BumpBundle THIS week ! ha !
I read this while eating a Chick-Fil-A chocolate chip cookie. :-X I am totally guilty of putting working out on the back burner!
Thank you! I highly recommend that you allow yourself to indulge a little =0) Otherwise you’ll get cranky… I know I do!
Mmmm I have heard those cookies are incredible. I want one now!
The Fit BumpBundle looks amazing!
Thank you! I am glad that I finally started working out during my second trimester because it really made a difference!
Thanks ! We hope you will spread the word ! Actually we are also doing a discount code for any mom-to-be’s on here – GETFITFIRST15 for 15 % off at http://www.babybumpbundle.com !
WOW you look amazing. I didn’t exercise with my first pregnancy, but did my second and could definitely tell the difference with the energy level and overall well being. Hope you continue to feel great.
http://www.momsinheels.net
You look amazing! My husband and I are trying to conceive. I keep telling him that when I become pregnant he should NOT allow me to give in to all my cravings. Actually, I specifically said that he should offer me some carrots if I start to go overboard.
xx