Early in pregnancy, I decided running wasn’t for me (If you missed that post read: Why I’m Not Running Through Pregnancy). What I didn’t know at the time was just how little I would workout throughout my entire pregnancy. I never thought I would forgo my favorite workouts while growing a human and I most certainly didn’t think I’d be so laid back about it either.
I feel zero guilt and have zero regrets at this point, but ask me this again in the spring or summer when I’m trying to get back into shape!
This is what my workouts looked like by trimester:
1st Trimester:
Once I decided running wasn’t for me, I wasn’t feeling good enough for my typical workouts. I couldn’t fathom the idea of being in a barre class for a full hour or sweating away in a hot spin studio during the summer months. Therefore, I set what seemed like a simple goal – to walk 10,000 steps a day and do 2-3 quick strength training workouts at home. This was much easier said than done! While my 1st trimester could have been worse, I felt sick, nauseous and rather fatigued on most days. There were quite a few days I just couldn’t manage to pull myself off the couch and into the heat, so I stayed put and caught up on the last few seasons of Orange is the New Black.
One of the best parts, fitness-wise about this time period is I could still fit into all my regular workout clothes.
2nd Trimester:
Everyone says the second trimester is bliss, but that wasn’t the case for me. I finally started to feel better around 17 weeks. I had a few glorious weeks of feeling more like myself. I took advantage of this time period since I knew the good feelings wouldn’t last. I put on my running shoes and headed to Central Park to power-walk Cat Hill repeats whenever the weather permitted.
Around 23 weeks, that bliss faded quickly. I was battling a bit of insomnia one night and got out of bed around 4:30am when my husband gets up for work. I told him I wasn’t feeling well and seconds later I passed out on the kitchen floor.
So, that was fun and scary. I spent half a day on the Labor and Delivery unit at the hospital where I’ll be giving birth. Everything was fine with both me and the baby. Apparently, some women are prone to dizziness and fainting during the second trimester. Who knew?!
Luckily, I haven’t fainted again, but I did feel dizzy on most days of the week. My doctors warned me that it could happen again if I wasn’t careful, but it would go away once I reached the third trimester. I counted down the weeks until the dizziness would go away. Like clockwork it went away right when I hit the third trimester.
I spent a lot of this time feeling anxious about fainting again, so I stopped doing hill repeats. I still went for a few long walks, but only occasionally and with a friend. I mostly stuck with online barre workouts.
3rd Trimester:
Thank goodness, my doctors were right about the dizziness fading in the third trimester! I quickly became bored with the online barre subscription and kinda just threw in the towel. There was a stretch of 5 days when it was freezing cold outside and I did not leave my apartment and only wore pajamas. It was a lovely time period, but I also went a little stir crazy.
Luckily, the weather warmed up and I’m back to getting in more steps on a regular basis. I’ve also been doing a series of body-weight lunges and squats every other day as well as a bit of lightweight upper body work.
That pretty much sums things up! If I hadn’t been so active prior to being pregnant, this amount of activity wouldn’t seem so strange. However, living in NYC, walking everywhere I go and being a runner meant I was getting a ton of physical activity outside of formal workout sessions.
Today, I’m in my eighth month of pregnancy and I’m longing for the days when I’m back to regular workouts and have a race or two on the schedule. While I’m excited for what my future workouts, I’m more excited for the changes that are ahead of me as I take on a new role as a mom. Besides, I’ve ran plenty of races throughout my lifetime and this will be my first crack at motherhood.
Amy says
Good for you for listening to your body and doing what works for you and your baby. I also chose a very, very mellow approach during my pregnancy with my son. No running, no skiing, nothing that didn’t feel great to my body. He’s 20 months old now, and I have to tell you that getting back into shape has been *easier* than expected. I imagine it will be the same for you—the body doesn’t forget those many years of workouts. Best of luck to you and your baby!
Nina says
Do you miss exercise? For half of my pregnancy it was pretty much the same for me but luckily i was able to exercise a bit during the second half. Now i have a one month old and the stronger i get after a ton of postpartum complications, the more i crave real activity. But i know i have to take it easy for now. I hope you’re feeling well these days and that you’ll be racing again in no time.
Nina recently posted…My birth story a.k.a. How it all went wrong
Christina says
Do you or anyone know if it’s possible to lose weight while eating whatever i want? I’m always on the go and don’t ever have time to cook. My friend said they lost weight reading this http://bit.ly/2ozqyer and it’s been helping me too!
Gym Equipment says
Weight loss is possible only by regular workout and balanced diet.
Gym Equipment recently posted…How to set up a gym Step by Step ?
Carolyn says
Thank you Jess for sharing MY PRE-NATAL WORKOUTS WEREN’T WHAT I EXPECTED THEM TO BE post. Its so relatable. I remember missing my pre-bump body and wishing I could exercise often.
What exercise are you looking forward to most after you deliver?
marutz says
It’s not exactly the right moment to push your limits now 😛 I’m also training for a half marathon (but I’m not pregnant) with SportMe marathon trainer which calculates all the run details, including elevation and calories burned.
Evelyne says
Hello Jess, thanks for the very informative post! I always try to follow your blog. Advanced congratulations to you and your baby!
Evelyne recently posted…Best Folding Mountain Bikes in 2018 – Reviewed & Compared By Experts!
Arline says
The Back exercises, such as acupuncture, using gym and fitness equipment exercise, massage therapy, chiropractic, osteopathic care and certain other physical exercises are safer ways of treating back pain. We are Working out with associates that are at about the same level as yourself will always inspire you to push tougher in the gym setup.
Nishant motwani says
Thanks for sharing such a nice blog post. i am highly excited with this post.please keep writing like this
thank you
Outdoor Tips says
1. Very nice article. Please keep up the good work.
Thanks for the nice article. It feels very good when you are feeling healthy. Please keep posting interesting things for all of us.
Thanks for posting such a good article. It feels very good when you are feeling healthy Outdoor Gym Equipment in your own workplace. Please keep posting interesting things for all.
2. Hey very nice article. It helped me a lot. Very useful information. Please keep up the good work.
3. To increase fitness you can use our fitness tips and get a good health.
Herpezine says
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this. I wish I could do this too. Quick question. Do I need to talk to my doctor first before beginning any exercise program?
Bionaze says
Even if you did no exercise before you got pregnant, it’s important to exercise now for a healthy pregnancy. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences.
Hazel Presley says
RE: racepacejess.com / Race Pace Jess – SITE SOLUTIONS
This notification ENDS ON: Nov 06, 2020
We have not received a payment from you.
We have actually attempted to call you but were not able to reach you.
Please Visit: https://www.saveonyourdomain.com/racepacejess.com
For details and to post a optional settlement for solutions.
Thank you.
11062020022831345435345
Herpezine says
Absolutely! Also before you continue your old exercise routine or begin a new one, you should talk to your doctor about exercising while you’re pregnant.
lili says
UTK far infrared heating pads are designed to relieve your pain and improve your wellness by using different natural therapies.utk infrared heating pads far infrared heating pads are designed to relieve your pain and improve your wellness by using different natural therapies.
seema says
StrongBodyHub is a Professional Fitness & Weight Loss Blog. Here we will provide you with only exciting content cardio that you will enjoy and find useful.
jhon set says
4K Body Lift by Dr. Sin Yong: The best, affordable treatment using collagen stimulation, lasers, and radiofrequency for precise recontouring and 4K definition. volume restoration
seema says
Welcome to our Health and Fitness Products website! We are passionate about empowering individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.Welcome foldable desk treadmill to our Health and Fitness Products website! We are passionate about empowering individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.
kenwood set says
Can be a helpful adjunct in the management of Alzheimer’s diseasePromotes the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods custom keto diet review
kenwood bill set says
Exam Review Included: Students have access to thorough exam reviews to ensure readiness for certification exams. how long is surgical tech school
seema says
Welcome to our Health and Fitness Products website! We are passionate about empowering individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.Welcome Fitness Blog to our Health and Fitness Products website! We are passionate about empowering individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.
nikki says
Can be a helpful adjunct in the management of Alzheimer’s diseasePromotes the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods Quality Bodybuilding Wear
farhanjani12 says
Three Angels Media International (3AMI) strives to employ technology and a Christian Media Platform to curate inspirational, multicultural, and multiracial content, spanning films, series, health and lifestyle, music, and more, for the betterment of Adventist families and the Christian community worldwide. 3ami sabbath school
kenwood bill set says
I inquire about the prices of microdermabrasion treatments in the UK. pistola de percusión
shelli says
Can be a helpful adjunct in the management of Alzheimer’s diseasePromotes the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods buy steroids with debit card us
adam burdanowski says
My wife is in pragnent now, she can work, run but this is just the beginning – 3 month.
messi says
Winstrol, also known by its chemical name Stanozolol, is a popular anabolic steroid commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes to enhance performance and improve muscle definition. If you’re considering buying Winstrol, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process, benefits, risks, and legal considerations surrounding the purchase of Winstrol. buy winstrol online
messi] says
In a basketball team, each player has a specific role. The point guard sets up plays, the center defends the hoop, and the forwards score. They practice together, building trust and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for a winning game. teamwork and collaboration skills