Disclaimer: This is general prenatal fitness only. Please check with your doctor or health care provider to see if these workouts are safe for you. You are responsible for your own safety. Don't do anything that feels unsafe for you or your baby. Stop if you have any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feel unwell.
Do you have a hard time finding pregnancy workouts? I was able to discover some of my favorites on Pinterest and YouTube. By performing pregnancy workouts, I fell asleep quickly and felt much better throughout the day. I am also hoping it will help prepare me for childbirth.
At the end of the second and during the third trimester, I wanted to stay active enough to tire me out at night, so I could go right to sleep. I noticed it was harder to fall asleep once I hit my third trimester. If I was at least semi-active during the day, it was much easier and I felt much better. I found a channel I subscribed to on YouTube that I love. She creates a calendar each month for prenatal and postpartum workouts. And I can not wait to try the postpartum workouts in the next few months. If I ever needed a break or wanted to switch it up, I would search Pinterest. I created a pregnancy workout board to make it more convenient for me. Below you can find some of my favorite pregnancy workouts that I have done throughout my pregnancy.
Search YouTube for Pregnancy Workouts
One of my favorite Youtube channels I frequently followed throughout my pregnancy is Pregnancy and Postpartum TV. It has been my saving grace when searching for workouts. Jessica is a registered dietitian and pre and postnatal fitness instructor. I could always make her workouts harder or easier depending on the stage I was in during pregnancy.
You can do all of her workouts from home. If you don't have the equipment, she usually shows you another way to perform the exercise efficiently. You can change her workouts slightly by adding or lowering weight if you choose to use them. She makes a calendar for each month that includes her workout videos for each day. All of the videos are already on her channel. She also has videos that include tips and specific workouts to help with pregnancy concerns that you may have.
Jessica also makes workout videos for postpartum, and I can't wait to try them out and see how my body changes/bounces back after giving birth. If I ever wanted to change my routine, I would turn to Pinterest.
Pregnancy Pinterest Board
Pinterest was always my go-to for workout routines, and it has not changed during pregnancy. Early on in my pregnancy, I created my Pregnancy Workouts Board. If I ever wanted to take a break from the workout videos on YouTube, I would go to Pinterest to find inspiration. I have added all of my favorites to my personal board.
You can find so many options and a variety of workouts on Pinterest—use it to your advantage. I would be motivated when I saw pregnant fitness instructors that did not only make their fitness look attainable but showed safety and comfort level are most important!
Cardio is a Must
Walking has been my best friend in my last trimester. Zach and I have been going on a walk almost daily with our two dogs after dinner. It has been great to keep my cardio up, even though it's not the most strenuous workout. Walking with Zach has also been a great way to spend time together and share the events of our day or future plans. It also has been great for the pups!
Depending on your energy level, and how you feel, you can add in low or high-intensity cardio. Often I would get on the stationary bike when Zach and I were traveling during my last two trimesters.
Crossing the Finish Line
Pinterest and YouTube are great research tools to find workouts you are comfortable with while pregnant. You can find Zumba or dance-based workouts to get your heart rate up. Dance workouts on YouTube were my favorite during my first trimester. As I mentioned earlier, I feel better when I work out daily, and it helps me to set a schedule and get my blood moving. I have more energy and get more done on the days I get in a good workout.
I set a goal to try my best to workout daily. Whether it be a simple, low-impact workout—like pilates—it motivated me during my pregnancy to get up and move, even if it’s only 30 or 45 minutes. Daily exercise has helped keep me sane during pregnancy.
Always do what feels right for your body. That has been a hard thing for me to accept. I am now not able to do everything that I used to be able to do at the beginning of my pregnancy. I am amazed by how much your body adapts during pregnancy. The human body is an amazing thing. Are there any other pregnant workouts that have helped you?
XX
M'Taya
