My Maternity Fitness Routine
Brooklyn Matthysse
I've always been passionate about fitness and working out, and that is still true during pregnancy. I will admit, it has been more challenging than I thought for several reasons: exhaustion and lack of energy, feeling at a loss with routine and slightly nervous to overdo it, and body changes and hormonal shifts. It is easy to come up with excuses during this season, but there are many great reasons I've been doing my best to stay active during pregnancy:
Boosts energy
Helps you sleep better
Improves self-image
Reduces stress and lifts mood
Reduces pregnancy discomforts
May lower risks of pregnancy-related complications
Prepares body for childbirth
Helps get body back quicker after birth
S H O P M Y L O O K
Today I wanted to share my pregnancy fitness journey with you all, and also part of my routine. Hopefully some of you mamas-to-be can relate to this journey and find this helpful in some sort of way!
I'd always heard you can maintain your workout routine when you become pregnant, just avoid beginning any sort of intense activity that your body isn't used to. For example, if you were previously a regular runner, it's ok to maintain that routine. You just shouldn't start training for a marathon when you find out you're expecting. Previously, I was on an about 5-day per week schedule, usually beginning with light cardio to warm up and alternating weight lifting days between upper body and lower body.
When I found out I was pregnant, I physically felt fine, but I felt that my body was creating something very fragile, and was nervous to workout at the intensity I had previously. As I got further along, I discovered that there were times I'd push myself and regret it in the evening when I wasn't feeling good. I think it's incredibly important to listen to your body and figure out where that "line" is for you. Because I'm on my feet during my work week, I cut back to working out on my days off. I've also lessened the weight while lifting, and increased my reps and cardio. Along with taking classes when I can at Barre3, I still like to hit the gym with my hubby. Here is an example of what my leg day looks like! You can save this workout to your phone or print it out and take it with to gym.
I am in no way a professional, and the workout I provided is an example of what I do in the gym. Everyone should get their doctors approval before working out and use discretion! I hope this post was helpful to other mama's and as always, please don't hesitate with questions or comments. Thank you to Onzie for sponsoring this post! Have a beautiful week, friends!
xo, Brooklyn