Exercising While Pregnant!

    Before my first pregnancy I was training for a half marathon.   Then about 6 weeks - I discovered I was pregnant.  And I STOPPED!  I had been working out with my good friend Melissa for weeks.  We would run after work or meet up for local races.   Until I found out I was pregnant.  I was afraid I would hurt the baby.   I started doing a slow elliptical....but that lasted maybe a day and a half.  Walking was sporadic as was yoga or anything else. 
    I could have won any food eating contest, beating out even the most well seasoned of eaters.  I would work all day only to come home and sit on my rear end doing nothing but watching whatever was saved up on my DVR.  Think I couldn't save up enough shows?  HA!  I watched plenty of tv, ate plenty of food, and had no exercise.  This time, it's different.
    Recently, I've been doing Les Mills Combat.  It is completely different!  I can't believe how winded I get.   I do take a few breaks, drink extra water, and don't do any crazy jumps.  I can still do burpees though!  Albeit, a bit slower than normal but I'm doing them nonetheless.  I feel so proud of myself.   Me....pregnant...and doing burpees!!!  Besides the burpees, I'm doing some awesome combat type kicks and punches.  My kicks, I'm sure, look a bit funny with my growing belly!
    Truth of the matter, being pregnant is NOT an excuse to sit around eating bon bons all day.  If you have received the ok to exercise while pregnant from your doctor - why would you not do it!  What are the benefits?

• improved mood
• helps control weight gain
• improves circulation
• Increases chances of having easier, shorter, and less complicated birth
• Helps with the exchange of oxygen to the placenta
• Better sleep
• Increases self image

    So don't makes excuses like I did my first round.  Gaining 70 pounds is NOT fun, especially while pregnant.   It made my pregnancy harder and made getting the weight off more difficult than I could even imagine.  So even though exercising while pregnant is hard, being three months pregnant and 70 pounds heavier is even hard.  So go me.  I've got wonderful support from my friends and family.  I've gotten up every day this week to start my new program.  I feel good, and I know that I'm improving my life and the life of my baby by taking care of myself.  :)

***Before starting any workout regime, pregnant or not, it's important to consult your doctor. ***