Fitness & Health

 Working out with a BUMP
"Sweating for Two"

I was the most fit/healthy I've ever been before I got pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant I made a promise to myself I would do everything I could to keep working out and eat clean. I started weight training in March of 2013 and have taught Zumba for 3 years. I wanted to keep my workout schedule as close to "normal" as I could. Theres a big misconception that your body will gain lots of weight and your body will be ruined after having the baby. Every woman is different but I have found I love my body even more now. Even if I do get stretch marks, which I haven't get, I will embrace the changes. I found out I was pregnant in July of 2013 and was teaching 5 Zumba classes a week and weight training at least 3 times a week. When the fall came around I cut my schedule back a little by teaching 3 Zumba classes and weight training 2 days instead of 3. In the beginning both teaching Zumba and eating clean was hard because of the nausea but once that subsided around week 9 I felt better and I could eat right again. I struggled with being tired even after the first trimester. The most important thing I've learned is to listen to my body. It will definitely tell me if I am doing too much. I couldn't keep my eyes open past 8 or 9pm for a while and naps were my best friend... and that was OK! I don't normally nap but this became my new normal. I am now in the third trimester and I feel better than ever! I am still teaching my fitness classes 3 times a week and Power Training 2 times a week. 

I have personally been inspired by Kelsey Byers, a fitness model I follow who lives in Dallas who has kept working out through her pregnancy and Lindsey Taylor, a Zumba instructor who taught Zumba through almost her whole pregnancy. I also love reading Heidi Powells blog! She's now a mother of 4 who helps her husband, Chris Powell transform lives of participants on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. She recently had a baby girl and she worked out and did Crossfit during her pregnancy. She also posted workouts for pregnant women and gave advice through her videos. Pregnancy is not a disability unless you make it one. I'm very thankful that I have been able to stay active through my pregnancy and I know there are some who aren't able to do this for many reasons. Staying active helps the overall pregnancy process go smoother and also labor! A woman should consult their doctor before doing any activity during pregnancy. Every woman is different. I hope to inspire others by proving it was possible for me! Thanks to my fitness family at Piranha and their constant motivation I have been able to continue staying fit and healthy! 

First 9 Weeks

The first five to nine weeks were tough because I struggled with nausea. As soon as I felt it coming on, I would have to eat right away, and I had to eat things that I was craving. I craved my “sick” foods, which meant a lot of chicken noodle soup! It was hard to eat the way I needed to because several of my healthy favorites, like salmon, were not appealing to me.

I continued teaching my classes at Piranha, but there were a few times I really had to push through because I was not feeling 100%. I also continued Power Training, but really listened to my body and the way it felt during my workouts. My doctor told me as long as I felt good enough to keeping teaching and training, I could.* She even comes to some of my classes – I love my doctor!!

Baby bump!

Week 10

I was able to starting focusing on eating better because I could eat more things without feeling sick. Unfortunately, the thought of salmon still made my stomach churn.

Weeks 11 – 16

I continued my regular teaching and training schedule: three times a week teaching class and training twice a week with Power Training.

Week 17

It was a great week! Party in Pink was a ton of fun and I felt amazing after teaching a two-hour class.

Party in Pink 2013

Week 18

At 18 weeks pregnant I felt great! I took naps when I needed to and continued listening to my body. I taught class three times a week and still went to Power Training twice a week. Lindsay has been amazing with helping me modify the workouts. I focused on eating clean and eating the way I was before pregnancy. Before I got pregnant I became more knowledgable about how I should be eating with the help of Lindsay. I was the healthiest and fittest I've ever been before I got pregnant. I am now able to eat salmon without gagging, so that’s a plus! I haven’t had any specific cravings, but random ones do happen. I allow myself to have one craving meal a week, which allows me to focus eating the right way during my other meals.

I ran all 3 miles at the Color Run!

Week 22- Ran 2 out of 3 miles at the Santa's Wonderland Christmas Mile Fun Run 5K! It was pretty cold outside but we warmed up quickly as we started running. This run was so fun! We walked the mile through the lights so we could enjoy them then drank hot chocolate at the finish line! 

23 weeks- 6 months prego and feeling more energized than ever! Still continuing with my regular work out schedule and eating good! 

Week 27- Merry Christmas from our little family! I taught a couple bonus Zumba classes over the break but for the most part I've been taking it easy! That's what the holidays are for right? We enjoyed spending time with family and friends! 

I have been able to catch up on some pregnancy reading over the break. I'm learning a lot from this book, The Better Baby Book. It explains how to eat to make a smart, happier, healthier baby. I am taking and using what I can! Thank you Lindsay Greening for this wonderful read... I definitely recommend it to women who are trying to conceive or already pregnant.

Week 28- It's a NEW YEAR! 2014 is here & Hadleigh will be joining us soon! Piranha is back open with a new Spring Schedule! I have 3 Piranha classes (formerly Zumba at our studio) and will be doing Power Training 2 days a week. We had an appointment today to check up on our little girl & we will have another one in 4 weeks. At that appointment at 32 weeks pregnant I will have another ultrasound to see how she's growing, what her weight and length is. My doctor said since I am so active this will give her a better idea of our baby's growth and projected growth from there. I will alter my fitness schedule/training if needed based on this appointment. It's all about what's best for Hadleigh! I have some wonderful coworkers at Piranha who are there for me and willing to sub my classes if needed and will take over when Hadleigh comes until Im ready to teach again! 

*You should always consult your doctor about exercise during pregnancy.