FITNESS FRIDAY: Staying Fit While Pregnant

No, I am not pregnant so let’s hope this post doesn’t start the rumor mill going. Though I am not pregnant, I very much believed in fitness while I was pregnant both times. I believe keeping active and fit during pregnancy is not only good for you but also the little tiny human you are so blessed to be growing inside of you. Not to mention, the quicker your body will bounce back…bonus!
 

(Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor claim to be. All exercises and diet changes should be discussed with your doctor prior to beginning or making changes to either while pregnant. Do what is right for you and your body. The links in this post contain affiliate links at no cost to you. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.)

 

Staying Active While Pregnant

There are so many ways to stay active that is not necessarily working out, but that still get your body moving. Make a plan to get moving each day. For example, take a walk during your lunch break or after you eat dinner. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel than if you had just eaten and then remained stationary. Another way to stay active is to swim at your nearby community pool, for me that is our YMCA. If you do work in an office setting, set a timer for yourself to get up every 30 minutes and walk around or simply stand up and shake out your legs.
 
 
Workouts
If you are an avid runner now, you most likely will be able to run while pregnant. Most doctors say that if you are doing a certain fitness or exercise routine before pregnancy, that you can do it during as well. Obviously, there are some limitations to that so again, check with your doctor first.
For me, my first pregnancy was way different than my second. I was able to do way more with my first than my second. In fact, for my first, I did p90x and Insanity (with modifications) thru my first 8 months of pregnancy. My second I was unable to do those workouts after only 2 months, crazy.
 
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Below are some great workout options and muscle groups to focus on for the average pregnancy:
Low Impact – choose workouts that are low-impact like an elliptical, stationary bike, walking or swimming. This type of low-impact exercising will also give you your needed cardio. I loved pilates and yoga while pregnant as well because it was easy on my joints. Weight training is another low impact option and a great way to keep strong for laboring. 
Legs – your legs contain some of your largest muscles and can handle more than you think but if you don’t keep them strong, the extra weight can be tough to handle. Squats and lunges should be your best friends while pregnant. You’ll need the stregnth of your legs during labor for sure.
Kegels – you may have heard of Kegels from your mom as a kid but blew it off. Well don’t, these are a great way to keep your lower core muscles strong. These same muscles are what help keep your urinary and pelvic floor muscles strong so incontinence won’t be an issue for you in the future.
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Beachbody Workouts – doing an entire Beachbody fitness program may not be for you. But by having Beachbody on Demand, you have access to thousands of workouts and can pick and choose what is right for you Daily. I know for me I did the Turbofire Upper 20 and Lower 20 every week. It was low impact, quick and a great workout. Try it FREE for 14-Days now.
No matter the workout you choose, do choose to workout if you are physically able. There are so many health benefits to both you and your baby.
 
 
 

Eat Healthy

If there was ever a time to eat healthy, during pregnancy is it. I hate when I hear people say, “I’m eating for two now so I can have this extra food!” The fact of the matter is that the average pregnant women only needs an extra 300 calories per day, that is only a large snack or small meal. Not only do pregnant women not need an abundance of extra calories, they also don’t need donuts, fast food, Oreos or whatever else a lot of pregnant women say they “crave.”
If you listen, your body will tell you what you need. For example, I craved a lot of Dairy products, especially cheese, when pregnant because normally I am lactose intolerant and can’t have it. For some reason, while pregnant, I could eat it and not have an allergic reaction. Your body knows what you need, you just need to pay attention. Try to eat a well-balanced diet to give your body and your baby the nutrients it needs. Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, protein and iron rich foods and of course drink lots of water.
 

Get Enough Rest & Enjoy

Part of being fit and healthy while pregnant means your body will need some extra rest. I mean, you are creating a human being inside of you, that’s kind of a big deal. The better you take care of yourself and your body, the better your overall experience will be. Be active, eat right and rest when needed. Most of all enjoy your journey because it truly is one of life’s biggest blessings.