In the first few months of my pregnancy my workouts hadn’t really changed much. I was still able to run between 5 and 6 miles (I was nervous to run any further), my weighted workouts had stayed the same and I was still able to do some HIIT workouts. The only thing that really affected me was whether or not I had the energy to workout. In my first trimester I got lucky and didn’t really battle was nausea, but it was hard for me to find any energy to just complete my normal day to day tasks.
Through my second trimester, and now in to the beginnings of my third trimester my workouts have really changed. But keeping up with exercising has been a huge goal of mine, not only to help me keep the pregnancy weight gain under control, but to also help me stay strong for labor day.
Here’s how I’ve adapted my normal exercise routines to work for me and the little man:
Running
I’m so, so, SO thankful that I’m able to continue running at this stage in my pregnancy. I know a few other running craved mamas that haven’t been able to hit the pavement because it just doesn’t feel right for them. And of course the biggest thing to remember is to do what you are comfortable with, and of course make sure it’s ok with your doctor that you continue to workout. My doctor has told me that I’ll probably be able to run up to the end of my pregnancy, just because I was such an avid runner before getting pregnant.
Running with a bump definitely does not feel that same as it does without a bump. The thing that’s been most affected is my bladder. Having Logan grow in size and push down on my bladder when I’m running makes me constantly feel like I need to use the bathroom. I also feel a little of balance with this extra weight on the front of me.
My running speed has definitely changed, and of course, it needed to. I didn’t feel that it was safe for me to keep running at the speed I was running at pre-pregnancy. And I try to keep my routes easy and not very challenging. Pregnancy time is not when you want to try and do some new crazy fitness routines.
So, where I used to run on a treadmill at a 6.8-7.1 speed and a .5 incline, I now run on the treadmill at 5.1-5.3 speed with no incline. I used to run at least 3 miles, sometimes 4, before taking a walking break. Now I will run for 7 minutes and then take a 3 minute walk break. VERY different. I also do outdoor running and I still take my Garmin with me just to keep an eye on my pace and make sure I’m not pushing it too hard. My outdoor pace used to be 8:30 miles and now I’m running around a 13 minute mile.
Even though going slow was hard to get used to, I now really enjoy getting out, putting my feet to the ground and moving my legs. I can’t even explain how much more freeing running feels to me now. It has turned in to one of my biggest pregnancy relievers.
Prenatal Yoga
I used to be a hot yoga junkie, but obviously hot yoga and baby bumps don’t really mix, but continuing to stretch out my body while pregnant was a very important goal of mine. I found a yoga studio that offers a prenatal yoga class once a week and I live for this class! I can’t wait for Saturdays to roll around so that I can go and stretch out my cramped up body.
In the prenatal yoga class the poses are not as straining as a typical yoga class. The goal is to go for a comfortable stretch and really focus on breathing. My instructor has taught us a few different ways to breath space in to areas of our body when the baby start to take over all our internal space. And we also focus on staying calm and in the moment…which will be a huge help when we’re at the hospital.
I also recently found two prenatal yoga videos on You Tube [#1 and #2] that I’m loving and I do these once or twice in the week along with my actual prenatal yoga class.
Weights
I still do some weight lifting but my weights are very light now. Only 3 pounds. That is probably the only thing I’ve changed though when it comes to my weighted workouts. I still do all the same moves, squats, lunges, bicep curls, deadlifts, yada yada. I just make sure not to push myself too hard and to give myself breaks when I need them.
Continuing with my weight routines has helped me to still feel like I’m holding on to some of my of strength and muscle tone.
I also do a few routines still from Blogilates and Tone It Up when I want to change things up.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Look at that beautiful baby bump!! Yay!! You are so lucky that you get to exercise during your pregnancy. I had to stop at 20 weeks… I wasn’t bed ridden, thank goodness, but I wasn’t allowed to do much of anything.
Look at you go girlie! You look awesome and you are so fortunate that you still get to workout like you do. I know a few women that have had to stop prior to how far along you are. Definitely a blessing!
Hey Steph! I love these baby related updates. I’m at 26 weeks myself and I’m wondering how many times a week you run?
Keep up the good work! Exercising REALLY HELPS! My son is now 5 months old (and he is amazing, I love being a mama), I only gained the 25 lbs my doc wanted me to gain, and was able to get to the gym throughout my pregnancy. I was also able to continue to walk my two (big) dogs throughout, including the day I went into labor (walking is great once contractions start but it’s too early to go to the hospital). I was at the hospital for 18 hours because the little guy got a little “stuck” in the wrong position, but once the time to push came, I only had to push for 30 minutes, and it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be. I still had the stamina to make it happen, and I attribute that to the fact that I kept active. Also, staying active makes the last trimester much easier. I only started to get really uncomfortable during the last 2 weeks. Also, I think I remember that you were worried about stretch marks. I didn’t get any at all, it is possible! And my son was 8.5 lbs, a big boy, but labor and delivery was not as difficult as I feared, and you get to the point that you just. want. him. out, and I was able to ignore any pain or discomfort because I was so focused. And then afterwards, you really do forget the hardest bits because you are SO happy to have your little one in your arms. Good luck mama! I love your updates!
Congratulations!! I try to run 3 times a week, but I’m happy if I can get in one run
Oh my gosh!! This makes me so happy!! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Oh my lordy!! That must’ve been so hard!
It’s so great to read about all this! I know quite a few women who exercised right up until they gave birth and it made for a MUCH easier labor and recovery! So you’re definitely doing a good thing!
I exercised at the gym until 38 weeks and then basically walked every day after that. It really helps and I figured as long as I was feeling good, why not? Plus, once baby comes, working out gets put aside!
keep it up as long as you’re up for it!