I realised that in my first pregnancy, I completely stopped doing any cardio and rowed back
my exercise hugely. I went from training 6 days a week to only twice a week with a trainer. This wasn't because I needed to, it's because I had no idea what to do! I felt pretty lost to be honest. I remember googling what training I could do in pregnancy and getting really unclear and confusing answers.
This time around, I know exactly what to do and oh my gosh it's such a relief! I don't feel lost and I still have a bit of non-pregnant me to keep. Which is absolutely what keeps me sane!
I'm still able to train as often as I did when I wasn't pregnant, I've just reduced the intensity hugely - no more red zones for the time being. I focus on doing the kinds of things I enjoy most and I still weight train between 2 - 3 times a week.
I really noticed the benefit the other day when I had to sprint after a runaway Little Bean!
For context, providing you are having a low risk, single pregnancy: it is recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (RCOG) that you do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week - this can be things like jogging, swimming, walking, pregnancy yoga or pilates, there are actually so many options open to you. Even if you don't currently exercise, it's fine to start in pregnancy but make sure you begin gradually.
It can be really scary training in pregnancy. The first time around, I remember feeling freaked out the moment I was out of breath. I didn't know if it was ok to be out of breath and sweaty. I didn't know if I was pushing it too much and if I could harm the baby. It was nerve wracking and whilst I still did train, I definitely lost a little bit of what really mattered to me because I didn't know what else to do.
I still get scared this time around, despite all my knowledge that it's perfectly safe! I think it's just a natural response. I also don't think society's perception of exercise in pregnancy helps, as I think it's still believed to be dangerous by some. There's a particular celebrity that I follow on IG who is well known for her fitness, she is also currently pregnant and has received so much abuse for still working out, it really saddens me.
EXERCISE IS SAFE! Yes you have to make adjustments and avoid things like HIIT training but it is perfectly safe (and strongly recommended) to keep active during pregnancy.
If you're pregnant and feeling lost as to how to exercise, please do drop me a note. I'm very happy to grab a coffee or jump on a call and just offer you some free advice and guidance 💖.
C xx
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