Pre-pregnancy most people have goals and visions that they are working towards…  Tighter Thighs… Trimmer Tummies; They hit the gyms or join fitness groups like “yummy mummy” or  “Better Butts” or “Abs, Ass and Arms”!  Its about transforming the body to look and feel a certain way, to be faster, better, stronger..  healthier… Right?  Thats all wonderful! So what happens when you move from that mindset to “I’M PREGNANT!!!”  Do you just stop working out due to fear that you will hurt the baby?  Do you keep rocking those workouts at maximum intensity??  Are you slamming the baby around inside belly if you run on the treadmill??  Its scary for some people to think that you can still exercise when you are pregnant as it may harm the little “bun in your oven”. It’s relatively new for women to be encouraged to exercise during there pregnancy and in the last three decades guidelines has changed tremendously and these studies are showing that women and babies are much healthier and happier when fitness is maintained during the wonderful months of pregnancy.  According to Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine “research supports the recommendation that a moderate level of exercise on a regular basis during a low risk pregnancy has minimal risk for the fetus and beneficial metabolic and cardio respiratory effects for the exercising woman.”  In fact, pregnancy often triggers women to be more conscience of their health and lifestyle choices.  Thoughts on pregnancy are much more positive and being pregnant does not mean you have a disease or disability.  Your life do not have to change dramatically if you are a low risk healthy woman. As a Personal Trainer, Athlete and Momma of 2 (Almost 3… currently 7months pregnant with Little Boy #3) I feel first hand the effects of exercise during pregnancy.  I believe in eating well and exercising on a regular basis.  So when I get pregnant its never a question of “should I or should I not?” … its okay “now I am exercising differently!”  By differently I mean with the thought that I want to be healthy and strong for my baby as well as myself.  I move form being in competition mode to being in “mommy mode”. You do not need to focus on gaining weight or getting “FAT” (I don’t like that word) because you are going to grow your body is going to change and its all because there is a precious little miracle growing inside you.  So DO NOT think of it as a negative thing instead think of it as a 10month period of maintaining strength and conditions and preparing for a big event at the end of the ten months.  Anyone who knows me knows this is my mentality when it comes to labour… its a race and I will be strong both mentally and physically… I have to prepare! If your wondering “where do I start?” I have created a list of some simple guidelines that I have been following throughout my pregnancy: 1. Avoid Crappy Carbs & Sugary/Salty Foods – These types of foods poison your body and do not provide any nutrition for your baby or fuel your body! 2. Eat Healthy Fats and Protein- Eating healthy clean foods that will  help you feel so much more energized!  Don’t be afraid of healthy fats… your body needs them. 3. WATER!!!! – Has anyone every heard me mention the importance of water ?? *insert sarcasm* … Water has so many benefits including fighting fatigue, aiding in digestion and flushing out toxins.  Drinking it will help you fight a lot of those pesky pregger symptoms. 4. Rest & Sleep- This is a must… your body is working in overdrive to grow a little human.  If you are exercising you need to allow proper rest and lots of sleep! 5. Do Exercise that You Enjoy- Pregnancy is not a time to force yourself to do exercise you don’t like.  Keep it simple and what you love. 6. Lift to Strengthen – Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can’t strength train.  Keep your weights lighter and add some reps.  Muscles are are great addition to your ammo on delivery day 😉 7. Wear Clothes that Feels Good- This is a big one for me!  If I am not wearing something to support my growing belly or is uncomfortable it ruins my workout!  Wear what makes you feel good! 8. Listen To Your Body – This is the most IMPORTANT point you can ever listen to.  Your body knows when you need a break or less intensity so just listen.  If your tired.. rest!  If your thirsty… drink water!  If your hot… take a break and cool your body down!    Its not worth risking harm to your baby or yourself so always listen to your body 🙂 These are just somethings I do to keep the my fitness simple and fun during pregnancy.  As well, start exercising before pregnancy to already have yourself ready to transition. Exercise is such a positive thing to add to you life… don’t wait!  Just get up and Move… Let me know what exercising adds to your life!!   **Talk to your doctor to be sure its okay for you to exercise during your pregnancy.** Exercise truly will make your pregnancy much more enjoyable! CHEERS!! ~L