Pregnancy: Exercise, Staying Motivated & Healthy

Have I been “staying on track”, being active & feeling motivated during my pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant…how can you stay consistent with your health habits, during pregnancy, when things can change almost daily?!

Short answer is YES-I am even MORE motivated now to be healthy than EVER before.
It’s not about how I look. It’s for how I FEEL, FUNCTION and oh ya, GROWING OUR BABY GIRL!

That I am 6+ months pregnant, and I’ve been staying with almost the same workout routine as pre-pregnancy this entire time. I’m SO blessed to have not had any fatigue, nausea, sickness, aches or pains.

I’m treating my body right (quality nutrition, exercise, rest etc)
Because I CAN! I’m blessed with an able body, no limitations, access to healthy food etc.
Because our baby’s life is depending on ME!!!
The healthier I am, the healthier she can grow & develop.
Because it makes me feel GREAT, accomplished, proud, happy!

You have to be honest with yourself; Don’t be your own barrier or problem 😁

I know every woman is different and so my advice is just staying MOVING, stay CONSISTENT and as always, be IN TUNE with your body.
99% of the time after you move/exercise, you probably feel BETTER, right?
When you don’t feel motivated, blah, or think “I’ll wait until after I deliver to get back to it”.

You don’t have to do be perfect or do the same thing you did pre-pregnancy. The focus should be doing YOUR best and giving it YOUR best effort, not comparing yourself to others!

Remember ….
How good you feel mentally & physically after (endorphins AND the sense of accomplishment!)
Movement is healthy for you AND the baby!
Procrastination still leaves us with the same action, but usually can make the issue bigger
If you wait, it will only make getting in shape etc longer and harder
You will then have a baby who will suck up MOST of your time 🤣 so just another barrier to taking care of YOU.

“Is it safe or healthy to exercise when pregnant or trying to conceive?” YES!!!

Did you know of all the Proven Benefits of Exercise while Pregnant or TTC?
-Improved energy, decreased fatigue
-Improved digestion, better sleep, better moods & focus
-Stress relief and time for YOU #selfcare
-Less aches and pains
-Reduce risk of gestational diabetes
-Improved rate of delivery & reduced rate of complications
-improved post partum recovery
There’s many more too!

Exercise is much more than just training for looks. Honestly if you only care about the physical results, you won’t stick with it. When I take care of myself, I’m a better person overall & can give my best self to OTHERS, including our growing child.
Exercise and movement are critical non-negotiable parts of my routine. Activity has NOT been linked to low birth weight, birth complications etc. Again…the more endurance strength and flexibility you have, the easier your labor will be!

I am a certified personal trainer and also certified in pre/post natal fitness. I’ve trained many pregnant women & now with myself…every pregnancy is different! There’s definitely general guidelines, but as with all exercise, no cookie cutter approach.

I’ve always loved exercise and now my WHY and motivation has only grown bigger!
OUR BABY is my motivation now! 🤰 💕

Recommendations to Stay Consistent & Boost Motivation:

• Keep a strong and positive mindset. Utilize mantras and affirmations for when you’re feeling down. Some of my favorite include: “Don’t be your own barrier. Don’t Think, Just Do and Get Going, This too shall pass, You are Doing GREAT and will get through this, You are Strong and Capable”.
• Start small and keep it simple. If you’re not feeling your best, scale down the intensity and/or duration, but GET STARTED for 10-15 minutes and then see how you feel.
• Schedule it in as best as you can. Make it part of your routine.
• Pick a workout that you really like and is FUN. Remember activity can be dance, a sport etc. If you like lifting weights, then hit the gym! If you prefer yoga, then sign up for a class. Move in the way that feels good with your body.
• Focus on movement as time for YOU and self care
• Pick out a fun playlist and cute workout clothes
• Workout with a friend or a class (there are many that cater to pregnancy/post partum) for extra accountability
• Have other little ones in the house? Include them in the activity! Get them to move with you, go for a walk, playground etc.
• Give yourself a mini reward afterwards: a nice hot shower, a healthy nutrient dense meal, reading or another relaxing activity.
• Set a goal for X amount of exercise per week or per month. Keep track on a calendar/log and then if you’ve hit your goal, treat yourself to a meal out, a nail appointment or something else you enjoy!

So my ultimate “secret” is: It ALL starts with your mindset. You might be feeling ALL the changes, but know that this is not permanent and to be grateful for what your body is doing!

Personally I’m embracing this season, all that my body does, and in return, treating it with love ❤️

Keep moving, fuel your body, adjust & give yourself grace when need be. But don’t give in-you got this mama!