Motivational Mondays--pregnancy & fitness

Good morning everyone & happy Monday! I have tried to make sure & not overload this blog with pregnancy stuff since that really is not what it's about....but....by requests & emails I have decided to do one last pregnancy post, yep, you heard it right...one LAST post. We are nearing the end as this week on Friday will be 39 weeks! The Dr. (And my husband) have now banned me from the gym & I am sticking to cardio & resistance bands until I deliver. :) 

Some of you have also asked about my weight gain & my bump. If you don't follow me on Instagram you won't see many bare belly photos on facebook, so here are a few updates. 

Keeping up with my fitness during pregnancy has been pretty easy thankfully! I have been able to maintain most of my pre pregnancy workout routines & have just lowered the weight & modified repetitions as I got further & further along. 

My total weight gain to date is 28 pounds. If you asked me where I am carrying it the most...I would say my belly, hips, & thighs. 

What are my favorite 2nd & 3rd trimester workouts?? 2nd trimester: 5 sets of 12-15, 3rd trimester: 4 sets of 12-15 

-lunges

-kettle bell squats

-leg extensions 

-calf raises 

-stationary bike

-elliptical

-lateral raises

-front raises

-bicep curls

-overhead tricep extensions 

-push ups 

-lateral pull down 

-TRX pull ups 

Fitness classes: Since being overseas during my 3rd trimester, I have had limited classes, as most offered here are Les Mills. Although I LOVE Les Mills classes, some are not feasible for pregnancy. What classes do I like? I enjoy spin class--I take it slower than most in the class but it's great cardio & easy on my joints & back. I also love body balance, yoga, & Pilates which all help keep me flexible, strong, & mentally calm. 

As long as you speak with your doctor you can enjoy any activity that is approved. My first & second trimester my doctor allowed me to enjoy a body pump class, a cardio class, & a body attack class. After my second trimester I had to limit my classes, but I still was able to move & stay active with restrictions. 

Stretching: this has been my most powerful tool during my pregnancy. Before and after every workout I spend 10-15 minutes stretching all body parts from head to toe. Even now at 38 weeks I am able to maintain great flexibility & have not suffered from any swelling or movement/motion issues. I attribute this to keeping the body flexible & mobile constantly. 

I hope this answers some of the questions you all had & if not feel free to email me with any others you may have. Remember, this is just what has worked for me & my pregnancy, & it might not feel or be the same for you. But, if you are interested in pregnancy & fitness ---I hope some of this helps! :) 

-Morgan