I didn’t incorporate any consistent form of movement in my 1st two pregnancies- partly out of fear, partly because I didn’t know what to do.
Then with my 3rd, I worked out religiously... once I got past that first trimester nausea. And even sometimes when I should have rested instead.
But you see I have learned a thing or two over the past 7 years. The goal in pregnancy isn’t to train for a competition or because you are fighting the physical changes happening to your body. No.
Movement during pregnancy has a special purpose.
You are training for birth.
To sustain a healthy body that is able to nourish and carry a healthy baby for 9 months.
To have the endurance and strength to push through labor and bring a miracle into this world.
And hopefully to hopefully help decrease postpartum recovery time.
You see movement in pregnancy is about honoring the strength of your body during such an important transition in life- whether it is your first or your fourth baby.
My health journey is not about any other women and it has nothing to do with the scale. This is my personal health journey.
I don’t think there is a perfect prenatal movement routine. I just try to incorporate a variety- cardio, strength and stretching activities throughout the week. I listen to my body on a daily basis. I take extra rest days if I feel like I need it. I change the intensity or switch Up my routine when I feel the need.
I try to spend about 20-30 minutes, 5 days a week following some kind of structured workout routine... but movement is more than that.
Movement in pregnancy has looked different in each of my trimesters and even day to day. Some days movement is going for a walk with my family. Some days movement is washing and remaking 4 beds. And some days movement involves carrying my toddler who is too tired to walk.
You see movement has different purposes and will look different depending on the season you are in. That is OK. It should!
Honor your body and it’s needs in whatever season you find yourself in right now.