Hi Fit Readers!
Well at 19 weeks pregnant, I feel great! I actually enjoy being pregnant....there, I said it! Sure, there are times of discomfort, but for the most part, this healthy mamma is happy and feeling amazing. What's my secret you may ask??? EXERCISE! It's the key (for me anyways, and I think if you try it too, you may experience a happy and healthy pregnancy) before during and after to keep you and your baby in tip top shape.
After 6 miles on the elliptical this morning and some moderate weight lifting, I have my energy boost for the day! This is me after my workout😜
So what are the benefits you might ask?
For me, exercise boosts my energy (especially because you are not allowed much caffine during and after pregnancy). This is my caffine, and you could say I'm slightly addicted, but when you wake up at 4:30, you gotta do whatever works! Right?
Next, it reduces any stress I may have. I like to think of myself as a pretty stress free person (it's probably because I workout all the time), but when I'm in my exercise zone, my head is clear and I leave any worries or stress behind.
Thirdly, I sleep like a champ! My day is fairly packed solid from being at the gym by 5:30am to teaching aerobics, kick boxing, and spinning, to training clients, to everyday family activities! By 8:30 or 9:00....I'm out and out hard! Anyone who has difficulties sleeping may try a more active lifestyle to increase your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night!
Lastly, staying active for 30 minutes a day can prepare you for child birth and gets you back in "pre-baby" shape in no time. So, with my first baby (fit baby....who is extremely strong for an almost two year old due to my active pregnancy....says the Dr), I was in labor for 26 hours (yep..crazy!)! If I had not stayed active, I know I would not have had the energy or endurance to last all 26 hours! As for the pre-baby body....I can't say my body has ever gone back to the exact same, but I was back in my jeans within 3 months! Some people may be quicker and some may take longer, but the point is....you can do it with exercise!
Stay tuned for more benefits of exercise during pregnancy! For now, stay FIT!
xo Fit Mom