I’ve been fairly active throughout my life as I enjoy working out, and it has always acted as a huge stress reliever for me. But when the morning sickness hit and body aches began, getting off the couch and working out was the last thing I wanted to do. Although the exercise was not appealing at times, I’ve found that even just a short easy walk does the trick. I was training for my first half marathon when I became pregnant this time around (I didn’t end up running it because my training fell apart when the sickness hit me), so I was in a phase where I was frequently exercising. Because it has been so good for my overall health, it was important to me to continue to do so even if I just exercise a couple times a week. Now being in my 2nd trimester, it’s a little bit easier to find the energy to get moving. I like to get in the pool a couple times a week as swimming helps take the pressure off my body and soothes body aches. I alternate between swimming and BBG workouts (with modification), then on days where I just can’t find the energy or find the time to do either, I settle for a nice walk or a 15 min youtube workout (shown below.)
Personal Benefits from Prenatal Exercise:
- Better mood – Stress Relief
- Less intense nausea
- Better sleep
- Relieves backaches
Other known Benefits:
- Prepares the body for birth
- Promotes better posture and muscle tone
- Helps manage weight gain
- Help reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
- Increases energy
Precautions:
- First and foremost, talk to your doctor and discuss what is safe for your body and baby.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Listen to your body. If you need to rest, then rest. Now is not the time to overwork yourself.
My Favorite Prenatal Youtube Workouts:
I’ve linked some of my favorite FREE Â low impact prenatal workouts that are especially helpful during the 1st trimester. These videos are perfect for both beginners and those that are used to exercising. Intensity levels can be modified. I typically follow the rule of working out at a pace where you can still carry out a conversation comfortably.
You can tell this gal is an experienced trainer and has been doing this for many years. She is excellent at walking viewers through all the routines and explains each of the movements’ benefits. They are low impact and easy to follow along with. She has workouts for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, as well as postpartum exercise.
Pregnancy Workout 1st Trimester  – Anna Saccone
I’ve repeated this workout multiple times during the 1st trimester, easy enough to get through it all even when I was feeling crappy, but challenging enough where I felt like I was working my body.
15-Minute Pregnancy Workout – Cardio & Strength – Melinda Pedersen
Highly recommend this workout if you have the energy and are looking to fit some quick cardio into your day.
Bump’n Body Prenatal Workout With Kat & Kristina – Tone It Up!
This one of my go-to workouts. The movements are low impact and safe, Â but will leave you sore the next day.
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