Can I Keep Strength Training Now I’m Pregnant?
Strength training is something that everyone should be including in their lives. The benefits are endless for every single person but it is especially important as a woman. You may have spent years under the false narrative of being small, meek and not taking up too much space. But after a few months in the gym, you’ve now got yourself to a place where you feel strong and capable.
Over the next 9 months, your body is going to be changing a lot. This might spark some questions in your head about what is the best way to exercise - and are you even allowed?
Some may say to not exercise at all but here are some reasons why you should:
Give your body the extra support it needs while your baby grows
Help you combat the aches, pain and fatigue you might experience
Empowers you to have body autonomy
Support your mental health and well-being
Strengthen your pelvic floor to help postpartum
Can help with labour and childbirth
It goes without saying that what is happening to your body is incredible. Over 9 months you are growing a little human inside of you (!) so that…will bring along some changes. The key part here is to adapt with your body and not fight against it.
You are going to feel different from day to day. The normal response is to hold yourself to the same standard of pre-pregnancy. After all, you've put in all the hard work so you don't want to ruin it all? Not only will this be unrealistic but, mentally, it will become exhausting trying to keep up.
So how does my body change?
In the first trimester, you may feel tired, sick and have fluctuating energy levels. It's important to listen to your body and keep your workouts for the days when you're feeling good. This could mean a workout one day is simple yoga and other days it's a sweaty cardio session.
In the second trimester, you might start seeing some energy come back. If you’re feeling good then you can make the most of the energy but be mindful of not doing too much. As with the first trimester, it’s important to keep listening to your body.
Finally, the third trimester. You’ll notice your body undergoing a lot more changes as your baby grows and your body gets ready for pregnancy. This will bring some changes in energy, mood and recovery so, always, do what is best for you.
Aren't Kegels enough?
This is the group of muscles which support your pelvic organs and play a key role in everything you do. During pregnancy, it will undergo a lot of changes so being aware of this is key. They make up your foundations but, unfortunately, we don't pay attention to them. (until it's baby time)
You may have heard of doing your Kegels or pelvic floor exercises. Alone, they are great at working these muscles. But we also want to make sure the surrounding muscles get worked too...to build a solid base. As your bump starts to grow, it will become more and more important to feel strong here so this is where the gym will help.
Summary & Disclaimer*
Strength is perfectly okay, even encouraged, during pregnancy. It helps keep your body fit, strong and healthy. Helping you cope with the changes that will happen and put you in the best position postnatal. The key is to be good at adapting to your situation day to day, week to week.
*Disclaimer: the information above is general. You should always consult a health professional before doing any exercise.
