Today I’m sharing a few tips for exercising while pregnant. Now, the first trimester had me down like nobody’s business. Working out just plain didn’t happen, to be honest. Much to my dismay! I had plans of working out every day! Of not letting pregnancy or anything get in my way! Well, God has a pretty good sense of humor I think, especially when we decide what is going to happen in our lives. Let’s just say, He had other plans for how my first trimester was going to go this time around, and they did not involve much working out! Ha! It was more exhaustion mixed with nausea and a lot of lying on the couch. [See my list of 1st trimester must haves here].
I actually wrote a little essay on why I’m annoyed with my first time pregnant self. I think a lot of moms can probably relate!
So anyway. I’m now in the glorious second trimester, and apparently 15 weeks- to be exact- was my magic number this time around. And here I am, with more energy and little to no nausea and ready to kick some booty! And so I am ready to share some of my tips for a healthy pregnancy!
1. First and foremost, don’t be hard on yourself. You may want to work out every day, just like you did pre-pregnancy, but it just might not be possible. I know, this is exactly what happened to me. And I was SO down on myself at first. Here I was preaching about exercising throughout pregnancy (like I did my first time) and now I’m just sitting here like a lump on the couch, feeling like a hypocrite. Oh, I had all of the feelings. I really was not being nice to myself emotionally, at all. And then I realized this was such unhealthy thinking! If I couldn’t be healthy in a fitness sense, I could at least be healthy emotionally! So I snapped myself out of my negativity and took it for what it was. I understood I wouldn’t be able to do everything I wanted, and guess what? That was OKAY. So yes. Number one tip: cut yourself some slack.
2. Listen to your body. I know I sound like a broken record with this one, since I’m always saying it, but that’s only because I believe in the importance of it! Know your limits. Take frequent breaks. When you’re pregnant, your body produces a lot more blood which results in some light-headedness and also shortness of breath. You may feel yourself getting winded a lot quicker and easier than before. Pause. Take breaks. Allow yourself to catch your breath. Walk instead of run.
3. Hydrate and fuel! I am a fiend for water when I’m pregnant and always have to have it with me, which is definitely a good thing! Water is so important to drink all the time, and it’s especially important to remember to always stay properly hydrated while pregnant. Infuse your water with fruit if the plain stuff gets boring, or get some sparkling water to feel fancy. Doesn’t matter, just get that H2O in your system! The last thing you want to experience while pregnant is dehydration. Same goes for fueling properly. My appetite has been insane this pregnancy, and I notice I’ll get weak if I don’t eat steadily all day- like, every 2-3 hours. I like to have some fruit or a bar before a workout and re-fuel with a green smoothie afterward.
4. Modify exercises. There are some exercises you will be able to do just fine while pregnant and others you may have to adjust a bit. Work around that growing belly and modify where you need. If it feels uncomfortable, don’t do it. It’s that simple.
5. Wear comfortable clothes. But make sure they’re still cute! The last thing you need to feel when you’re pregnant is frumpy. Get some cute new workout clothes with extra stretch that don’t cut into your expanding waistline, and it’ll make you feel like a million bucks! I was just sent these super cute workout clothes from Belabumbum, and I have to tell you: maternity workout leggings, much like regular maternity leggings are a total game changer! I haven’t taken them off since I got them, they are just so comfy. The waist doesn’t leave any lines or create a muffin top, which is much appreciated! Plus, they’re cute, and we all know one of the biggest motivators for working out is cute new clothes!
Some of my favorite places to shop for workout clothes:
– Old Navy
– Gap
– thredUP
– Nordstrom
– Forever 21
– Albion Fit
There you go. Some of my top tips for working out during pregnancy. What are some of yours?
xo
p.s. my favorite tips on dressing the bump!
I just found your blog and I’m pretty we are having identical pregnancies. 15 weeks and finally feeling so much better! Can’t wait to follow along and read through your past posts!
Hi Megan! I’m so glad you found my blog!! :) So funny that we’re having identical pregnancies- hoping we are both in the clear now and able to enjoy the rest! ;)
xo
Ha ha, loved your Mom.Me article, but for me it’s the exact opposite. I was sick as a dog with my first, but this second time around has been…. I wouldn’t say a breeze, but it’s been MUCH better. Without the nausea and exhaustion, my work outs have stayed more consistent. It’s amazing how unique each pregnancy really is.
Thanks so much for this post! I’m 16 weeks and can totally relate to your first trimester experience – I literally did not exercise for two months! So happy to be back in action now, even if I find myself easily winded. ;)
Thanks for the reccos on maternity workout clothes. I have yet to buy any but I NEED to; the regular gear just ain’t cutting it anymore.
Love this post! I am currently 16 weeks and trying to get my workouts in more too!!
Also, what size did you get in the workout leggings? The sizing is a bit different..
Thanks!
Kenzie
Aw I’m so glad!! I got a Small- they’re super stretchy so if you fall anywhere in that size range you will be more than fine! :)
xo