Staying Fit During Pregnancy (its hard)
This post about staying fit during pregnancy in the middle of Ohio has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone, just like always. #BalanceRewards #CollectiveBias
I’ve been reading countless studies about the benefits of staying fit during pregnancy. Aside from generally shorter and easier labor, there are lots of benefits for the brain and physical ability of the baby. Nothing is too shocking: be healthy and your baby is more likely to be healthy. It shouldn’t be new to me, but it has reminded me that all that sitting around with nausea the first trimester did nothing for me or for him.I’ve been working on finding a new routine here in Findlay that works for pregnancy and the area. There aren’t any mountains for climbing or trails for biking, but there are acres upon acres of gorgeous farmland to run, walk, or road bike next to. There is a beauty unique to rolling farmland and I’m starting to fall in love with it.
- Keep hydrated: this is my number one for energy, motivation to exercise, beating nausea, combatting cramps…everything. It also makes sure that my baby is getting enough liquid while I work out.
- Don’t overdo it/ listen to my body: Prior to being pregnant, Ben was really great at pushing me farther than I thought I could go (or than my lazy self wanted to go) whenever we were working out. Now though, I’m extra careful to listen to my body and take it slow. It means I walk more than I run and sometimes I walk faster than I run š
- Pick a routine and stick to it: I have a few regular strength exercises I do everyday and so even if I don’t get a walk/run in, I’ve done a little something. It really helps me to have a set time/place that I do these.
- Track my progress: Ben has a fitness chart he uses to mark off his progress and I’ve been meaning to come up with something similar for me to track my fitness goals. Lately, I’ve been using the Walgreens App (which I already had on my phone because it makes developing instagram pictures so easy).
^the app (go download it even if you hate being healthy so you can print instagram photos from your phone)
^^a few of my goals (clearly I was better at the walking goal than the running goal for part of last week)
^^^how you input your progress (I like the little notes) — and the weight tracker (I’m using it to monitor my weight gain for this pregnancy and I love that it asks for time of day as well as notes so I can note what I’m wearing as well as the time)A few more pictures from last week’s walk/run.
Sometimes on runs, you’ll come across stands of fresh produce (and sometimes its free fresh produce!).
^these VS leggings and sports bra are the best thing that’s happened to my fitness motivation this week. I’ve lived in the sports bra since it arrived!
^^little baby, we love you already šon me:
jacket: Gap
sports bra & leggings; c/o Victoria Secret (I shouldn’t be surprised that the best bra company makes the best sports bras, but I was. And little has jump started my fitness goals like new workout gear) via Influenster
shoes: Brookes
i never thought people exercise when they are pregnant. I am glad to know that they are meant to do it
It has huge benefits for the mom and for the baby – who knew! It would also kill me if I were expected to sit around and do nothing for nine months..I'd go a bit crazy š
You look great!
thanks Samantha! Sometimes with such a changing body its hard to feel that way but exercise really helps š
You look amazing! — I was so sad when my doctor told me I couldn't run in my first trimester, but you have given me motivation with this, I will go on a nice walk tonight š
That must be hard if you ran before! Just getting outside and moving in general helps me so much.
Good job!! You're right- it is SO hard to keep up on fitness when you're pregnant. I always felt like "what's the point since I can't see any (physical) results" haha but I know it helped my labor and losing weight afterwards. Keep going!!
Oh I'm right there with you – the irony of working on and continuing to gain lots of weight (and then having that be the desired effect!).
Your little belly is adorable! I was healthier than I've ever been when I was pregnant because all I craved was fruits and vegetables and all my body wanted to do was WALK. Now all I want are sugar cookies and dr. pepper and all my body wants to do is sleep. So, you know. Good post baby weight loss plan right there.
What a beautiful back drop to explore! And I love how easy it is to stay accountable while being rewarded with the Walgreens app! #client
Thanks Kelly! its true – its a great place to keep track of everything and I always have my phone so its a list I won't ever lose!