Working Out in the 1st Trimester
Wooh, I can honestly say now, that training and working out those first twelve weeks was and is the most difficult part and time of pregnancy.
As a coach and personal trainer, I feel like a common misconception is that I always love to work out and that I would have no issue working out throughout my pregnancy.
I’m here to tell you that the social media narrative is wrong. I’m a human just like you. There are days that I don’t want to work out or go for a walk or hell, even get out of bed. Now add being pregnant to that. All of the emotions, the hormones, the mood swings, cravings, and overall lack of giving a f**k. Working out has fallen pretty low on the totem pole of things I’m caring about lately.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel though, or at least I’m going to say that now as I’m 20 weeks pregnant and in the middle of the second trimester. As my energy levels have gone back up so has my motivation and drive to workout. Going from 1-2 lousy workouts a week, I am consistently getting 3-4 workouts or activity days in a week.
In addition to this newfound surge of energy, I’ve also noticed how much better I feel after working out. All of those pregnancy aches subside and are met with endorphins and oxytocin. I notice my back hurts a little less on those days, I’m not feeling as stiff, and I usually don’t feel as tired.
So, if you’re a soon to be mom struggling to find the motivation and desire to keep working out throughout your pregnancy, check out these tips:
1. Remember the benefits
Remind yourself of the benefits that both you and the baby will experience from exercising. Keep in mind that you’ll be able to return to your “normal” workout routine a lot sooner postpartum as opposed to if you didn’t exercise at all throughout your pregnancy.
2. Find a workout buddy
It could be your husband, your best friend, or your sister. Whoever it is, support is necessary throughout anyone’s pregnancy journey.
3. Find some place that you feel comfortable
Pregnancy is full of uncomfortable moments. Heck, you’re probably uncomfortable 80% of your pregnancy. So, finding a place to workout and move your body where you feel comfortable is necessary to ensure success. Things to consider could be air circulation, the number of people using that space, or finding a gym that offers a specific style of workouts.
