I want you to know that I’m writing this post because I think being fit is extremely important, not just for yourself but for everyone around you. As a pregnant momma, you have an even bigger need. You’re building a baby. Your body should be as strong as it can be.
I want to help. I know pregnancy isn’t all baby showers and cake. I can’t be. Otherwise, we’d all be in a world of hurt. From one pregnant momma to another, I’m challenging you to overcome the mental barriers you’ve put up (i.e. the excuses) and get moving. To help you out, I’ve provided a few reasons why these excuses should not be strong enough to keep you from moving.
Excuse: Since I wasn’t working out before I got pregnant I better not start now.
Being pregnant should serve as even more of a reason why you should start. Now I’m not suggesting that you go run a marathon. Start small. Try taking walks, do some light weights or resistance training. If you’re nervous, try some low impact activities like the elliptical or swimming.
Make a plan, set a goal to get active a few times a week and stick to it. Believe me when I say that I understand your hesitation. Being pregnant is tough in many ways, both mentally and physically but if you can overcome during this hectic period, just think how much stronger you’ll be and ready to take on any challenge.
Fit Pregnancy and Parenting is a great resource for us momma’s and moms-to-be. There are exercise videos and great tips for getting it all done.
Resources:
There are also plenty of online resources to help you. I wanted to just provide a few to help you out. During the course of my pregnancy (16 weeks currently), I’ll also be providing some short sweet workouts you can do to get active so stay tuned.
Mom’s Mundane Workout. This workout is for everyone! It’s easy and works into your current day.
Amanda over at Fit Pregnancy and Parent provides great tips and workouts you can do! Visit…
Check with your doctor but don’t be afraid to ask and get moving.
Excuse: I can’t see results while I’m pregnant so why should I keep working out?
Please remember what is going on right now. You are building a human. That means that your body is changing and yes, that means some weight gain but it is only temporary.
The scale is not the only way to measure success.
I actually look at this as an opportunity to make great strides in my strength. I don’t do ab work during pregnancy but I do pretty much everything else. I made great strides in overall strength during my last pregnancy which I think helped contribute to the speed I was able to pick up afterwards.
Muscle-heads call it the “Bulking Phase” and I think that’s no more appropriate than for us. The best part about out…when the pregnancy is over, you’re left with more lean muscle which will help you burn calories faster. You’ll be back to you in no time, just a stronger more awesome version of yourself.
What’s your best tip for our momma’s to be to stay fit during pregnancy? What did you during your pregnancy?
Side note: You MIGHT want to stay tuned to the blog for another great giveaway!
Great post! (And I will be doing a similar one next week!) I am in total agreement – staying fit during pregnancy is beyond important, and makes you much stronger after having the baby.
For my first pregnancy, I did some prenatal workout videos throughout my second trimester (it was winter), and walked a ton during the third tri (by then it was spring). I also did prenatal yoga, but found it to be rather boring. This time around, I’m still running outside (at 15 weeks), I am swimming every other day, and I’m about to purchase a trainer so I can ride my bike indoors.
My tips are to just get out there and do it – even if you don’t have the energy right now, you will feel so much more energized when you’re done. And listen to your body. If it’s telling you to stop, then stop.
This is great, and it is also important to remember that every body handles pregnancy differently. And that every pregnancy is different, even when it’s the same mom-body! I didn’t work out at all with my first child’s pregnancy until about 5 months in…I was so sick. Then I was finally able to do some aerobics classes at the Y. With my second child, I worked out quite diligently and strenuously until about 5.5 months…running, rowing, lifting…then switched over to the aerobics I had enjoyed the first time around. While pregnant with my third child, I only did Bikram yoga…going 3+ times a week throughout the entire pregnancy. When pregnant with my fourth, I did NOTHING. I had been dealing with chronic pain for years and could not even walk…or swim. Nothing. It was what it was…and I learned that sometimes it is better to be gentle to yourself and NOT work out and NOT stress about that 🙂
I love that some people are able to happily and healthily work out (and even train intensely) during pregnancy. And I love that some people are able to let it go.
Wishing you a beautiful and empowering and mellow pregnancy!
Totally agree. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child at age 38, I continued to run and workout. It made me feel fantastic!! I ran until I was 32 weeks pregnant and only quit because my hips hurt too much. I transitioned to yoga for the rest of the pregnancy, and it really helped me to feel good about my body. I had my biggest baby: 8 lb 14 oz!! but was able to drop the weight fairly quickly afterwards once I recovered from my c-section. I highly recommend exercise for women during pregnancy. No excuses!!
I made it a point to continue working out throughout my twin pregnancy. When running became too uncomfortable, I hopped in the pool. I did yoga daily. I firmly believe staying active helped with my easy delivery and recovery. I was back to my prepregnancy weight 10 days after delivery, too. Walking is the best thing you can do!
I found that it was SO important for me to stay active while I was pregnant. Your body undergoes so many changes and this was one way that I felt like I could continue to feel in control of my body, if that makes sense. The one tip that I have would be to be forgiving of yourself. It’s not about going out and working at 100% of what you were doing before but about just moving your body and taking care of it and that’s OK.
Being active really helped me. I was put on bed rest the last three months, but I was still allowed in the pool. I think it is important to be realistic, follow your Drs advice and take the pressure. You’re probably not going to break any PBs at this time so why not have fun instead!
I need help!!!!!!!!! I’m a mom of 4 wonderful kids. Their ages are 15,10,9,5 and awaiting #5 I’m 13 wks I have never wrote a post. I had been single 4yrs before I got married to my awesome husband in FEB. He is still in Africa we are waiting on his VISA it’s a long process. I have been over weight all my life, I had lost 30lbs now with child i have gained 5lbs Dr wants me to gain only 15lbs. I feel alone I need motivation. None of my circle of friend and family wants to workout. It took work and was hard to loose the 30lbs, I’m rambling I’m a bit scared and discouraged.
I need help!!!!!!!!! I’m a mom of 4 wonderful kids. Their ages are 15,10,9,5 and awaiting #5 I’m 13 wks I have never wrote a post. I had been single 4yrs before I got married to my awesome husband in FEB. He is still in Africa we are waiting on his VISA it’s a long process. I have been over weight all my life, I had lost 30lbs now with child i have gained 5lbs Dr wants me to gain only 15lbs. I feel alone I need motivation. None of my circle of friend and family wants to workout. It took work and was hard to loose the 30lbs, I’m rambling I’m a bit scared and discouraged.