Pregnancy is a remarkable journey of transformation, and while rest is undoubtedly important, staying as active as you can manage plays a vital role in supporting both mother and baby. From my experience, this stage of life is wonderful, but also really hard. It’s hard seeing your body changing and not being able to do (or easily do) the things you’ve always done (ie. jogging up a flight of stairs without sucking wind or even rolling over in bed). Even if you’ve never exercised regularly in your life, a well-designed exercise routine during pregnancy can offer a wealth of benefits, from easing common discomforts to preparing your body for labor and postpartum recovery. It's about finding a balance that honors your changing body while nurturing your strength and well-being.

​

There are so many claims that exercise will make your delivery a lot easier and help you bounce back to your old body after having the baby. This isn’t completely true for everyone. The fittest woman could have a really difficult delivery and may never look the same as she did before having kids. But regular physical activity during pregnancy can significantly improve your energy levels, reduce back pain, alleviate constipation, and even help manage gestational diabetes. It boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality – all crucial aspects of navigating the emotional and physical shifts of this period. And although there’s no guarantee your body will look the same way again, especially immediately, it will give you the strength you need to take care of your new baby on top of doing all the things you need to do in your daily life.

​

The key to safe and effective prenatal exercise lies in smart modifications and listening to your body. It's not about achieving new personal bests, but about maintaining health and preparing for the demands ahead. As Brianna Battles, a leading expert in prenatal and postpartum athleticism, advises, "Focus on building a body that is resilient and strong for the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum." This means incorporating a mix of cardiovascular activity, strength training, and mobility work based on what you are feeling. Embracing movement now is an investment in your health, your baby's health, and your future.

​

Did you know that we are certified in Pregnancy and Postpartum? Coaches Stef and Morgan have spent hours learning (and relearning) the current recommendations for exercises with various populations of women. We chose this certification (by Brianna Battles) for many reasons, one being that it's evidence based and taught us how to apply to a variety of sports/movements, beyond clinical settings and theories. And the course contains a large panel of expert specialists (including ob-gyns and women’s health physical therapists) weighing in on their opinion of safe and effective ways for women to exercise during pregnancy and newly postpartum.

​

 

​