Hi Everyone!

It has been a crazy whirlwind of activity in the Bender household lately.

We are in a massive material purging and donating frenzy as we attempt to get rid of stuff and make room for a new baby. We have been boxing, donating, organizing and getting rid of things, and we still have a long way to go before Baby Bender #2 has her own space and nursery ready.

On the plus side, I am finally feeling so much better. The first trimester was absolute misery (my second pregnancy has been completely different than my first). I still get occasional intense bouts of nausea, but at 23-weeks they are short lived.

I still battle fatigue, interrupted sleep, and decreased motivation due to my lower energy, but as usual, when my workouts get back on track everything in life from my energy level to my mood improves. I have been more consistent with my workouts, and I am feeling the benefits.

Once I get back into a cycle of healthy habits, it’s easier to continue to stick with it.

When Clothing Makes a Difference in Your Workouts….

I am starting to learn which clothing, including workout pants and sports bras, work for me during this pregnancy. For a little while my workouts were derailed by my inability to find a sports bra that was comfortable to wear during exercise. Once I started working out I felt like I was getting short of breath very quickly. I finally realized it was because my rib cage has already expanded a lot. As baby moves up, so does everything else that normally takes up space in your abdomen.

My band size went from a 34 to a 38, and identifying this change has made a huge impact on my ability to comfortably workout. I can workout without instantly getting winded! I added the Sports Bra that I found to my Amazon Shop’s Workout and Fitness Equipment list. It’s from New Balance, and is very affordable, which is great for an item that will be getting a lot of use for a short period of time. The body changes associated with pregnancy can be crazy!

Please wish me luck as we continue to purge our house of excess stuff, make room for our precious baby girl, and start the process of switching Maverick’s bedroom. It’s a time of change, and our To-Do list feels a bit endless as we get ready, but we still have 17 (ish) weeks until the baby is here.

As always, thanks for working out with me. Everyone’s kind words of support here, and on my social media accounts are not only seen, but greatly appreciated. Much love to you Team Bender! I’m glad we are BFFs.

Melissa

PS You can find me on Social Media: @BenderFitness and on Facebook: @MelissaBenderFitness and Jesse is on Instagram: @BenderCrosby1

If you want to help support BenderFitness so we can continue to share and create Free Workouts, your donation is greatly appreciated: https://www.patreon.com/BenderFitness. 

PPS I recently created an Amazon Shop. It includes some “Must Have” workout equipment, kitchen tools, books I’ve enjoyed, fashions I love and fun household decor items. This is an affiliate link: that means BenderFitness makes a small commission when you purchase an item. If you would like to check it out you can do so here: www.amazon.com/shop/benderfitness

My Workouts This Week:

Workout #1:

Modification: Instead of Angel Abs during this workout I did Hip Thrusts from Table Top position. Side Plank Hip Tap was modified to a static Side Plank hold.

All jumps can be modified to their low impact variations as needed. I modified throughout as needed, based on Rate of Perceived Exertion. I kept my effort level at Moderate Intensity throughout this routine.

Workout #2:

I taught a 60-Minute Yoga Class. I avoid deep twists, core flexion exercises like Boat Pose, and deep backbends.

If you need to add some yoga to your life check out these workouts:

http://www.benderfitness.com/category/yoga

Workout #3:

I repeated this 30-Minute Total Body Workout that I filmed in September. It was nice that I didn’t have to modify any exercises, although I did switch to Sumo Plank instead of Sumo Pushups halfway through the interval to ensure that I wasn’t putting too much pressure through my core.

Workout #4:

I will be teaching two yoga classes on Wednesday.

Workout #5:

I will be doing a slightly modified version of this 20-Minute standing workout. The only modifications I need to make will be to avoid deep twisting. So Sumo Twist will become Sumo Squat (left knee to left elbow instead of crossing over).

Instead of Chair Twist, I will do Chair Step (Chair Pose, with a step forward like a mini squat). Jesse likes to refer to this move as My Little Pony Prancing. Call it whichever version makes you happiest.

Workout 6:

This will be a new HIIT workout. My fingers are crossed that we can get our babysitting stars aligned so I can film and share it with you before the end of the week.

My work schedule has picked up, so we have been utilizing all of our babysitting to cover our work shifts.

Check back, and I will update this post once we get the new workout filmed.

Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout is a Quick, but effective Pregnancy Safe Core Workout. I selected exercises that will work the core from every angle. They are low impact movements, but they are excellent for engaging your core muscles. Scroll down for the full length workout video. One round will take 10-minutes, and you can repeat it up to 3X.

At the time of filming this workout, I am 17-weeks pregnant. This is a routine that I will continue throughout my pregnancy. As always, you should check with your doctor before starting this (or any) workout program. This is especially true during pregnancy, because every individual has different needs. Your doctor knows you, and your pregnancy best.

Focus on form, and keeping a strong/pulled in core during each exercise. You should also be able to breath during each exercise.

For the Side and Reverse Plank exercises, if you are unable to hold the position for the entire time, you can build up in increments. Research shows that holding a plank in increments of 10-seconds is wonderful for building strength.

There are several exercises that are completed in a supported, reclined position. This decreases pressure through the core and allows you to focus on muscle engagement during each movement.

This workout is still appropriate for anyone looking to build a stronger core, even if you aren’t pregnant. This is also a great routine if you are postpartum and looking to re-build core strength.

These exercises are also Diastasis Recti safe, and can help with re-building core strength after abdominal separation. If you are not familiar with the term Diastasis Recti, it refers to central abdominal separation, and frequently occurs during and after pregnancy.

When this occurs the right and left sides of the abdominal muscles have separated. This can cause a “pooching” of the belly, resulting in back pain, pelvic instability and even issues of incontinence.

I hope that you find these exercises useful.

Thanks for working out with me! See you soon. 

Have fun!

Melissa

PS You can find me on Social Media: @BenderFitness and on Facebook: @MelissaBenderFitness and Jesse is on Instagram: @BenderCrosby1

PPS If you want to help support BenderFitness so we can continue to share and create Free Workouts, your donation is greatly appreciated: https://www.patreon.com/BenderFitness. 

You can repeat this workout routine up to 3X.

1. Side Plank-Right
2. Side Plank-Left
3. Reverse Plank
4. Heel Drops
5. Heel Slides
6. Bird Dog
7. Side Knee Lift-Right
8. Side Knee Lift-Left
9. Transverse Ab Squeeze
10. Heel Circles

Hi Everyone!

It’s update time! I am currently 33 weeks + 4 days pregnant. Baby is about the size of a Honey Dew Melon (19 inches and 4.5 lbs).

Pregnancy Feelings

Cravings/Food:
I still don’t have any food cravings. No pickles & ice cream or anything outside of the norm. I also haven’t been having any heart burn (knock on wood!)

I eat frequently to prevent nausea. If my stomach gets empty I feel sick. I ordered some No Cow Protein Bars in Blueberry Cobbler. It’s delicious on it’s own or chopped and mixed into some plain oatmeal. I like it because it has all natural ingredients and is helping me get in some protein. I normally eat a lot of chicken and fish, but I have to limit my seafood consumption to less than 12 ounces per week. The bars help me keep my protein intake up. I am still eating a lot of chicken.

I have been snacking on a lot of fruit.

Skin:
Feeling good! Still no itchiness or discomfort. I am still using Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to moisturize. I also use cocoa butter & make sure to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.

Energy:
Horrible! I was sick AGAIN this week! A stomach virus made the rounds at work (the dangers of health care and doing ADLs with people!) and despite vigorous  hand washing I caught it. During the third trimester your immune system is suppressed to keep your body from treating the baby as something foreign. I feel like I spent most of my time this week sleeping.

As I write this I am actually starting to feel better, so I am hopeful for a return of my normal energy level.

Mood:
I’m still feeling good! I am excited that I get to meet Baby Bender in the near future. As I type he is wiggling around in my tummy. I have a feeling that he is a very sweet baby. I am sure most pregnant women feel that way about their child.

My baby shower is in two weeks. I am excited to see my family and friends.

Body Image:
Feeling good. My bump size seems to fluctuate based on baby’s position. I am still wearing all normal clothing, but I am going to buy some maternity tank tops. My shirts are getting shorter as they have more belly to stretch over. I am avoiding shopping for new bras and sports bras at this point, but I might not have a choice for much longer. I am researching the most comfortable sports bras for mom’s who are nursing and options are pretty limited. I’m also worried about comfort. My urge to invent something really great and supportive is in full swing, but unfortunately I haven’t touched a sewing machine since my Fashion Arts class in High School.
Baby’s Movements: 

Baby Bender is still just as active as ever! He moves constantly. When we touch my belly he presses into our hands. He is very responsive to touch. The cats love to cuddle against my tummy and purr. He moves a lot when we talk and sing to him. He likes hearing Jesse’s voice & he likes when we sing to him.

At this point the baby is learning to distinguish his native language & is forming a foundation for his future vocabulary. That’s pretty phenomenal. I talk to the baby all the time.

Jesse & Buffy feeling Baby Bender move.

Nursery:
I got some of the baby clothing we have received hanging up in the closet. I am still waiting to finish decorating until after the baby shower. I hung our gender reveal sign up in his room. Once things come together a bit more I will post a photo.

I still have to get my scrap booking materials out of the baby’s closet, but I haven’t figured out where to transition them to yet. I haven’t done any scrap booking in a long time, but I think having a baby might be a great motivator to get back to it.

Worries:
I don’t want to get any more sicknesses between now and the baby being born. I had a stomach virus twice in two weeks (which is insane!) I had to miss work which is never good. I also worry about Diastasis Recti. I am doing everything I can to prevent it (and I know a lot of exercises to help heal it if it does happen), but I hate the fact that you can go through your entire pregnancy without it, and have it occur during labor/delivery.

Diastasis Recti is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, which results in the separation of the fascia that runs midline down your stomach. Strong transverse abdominals help prevent this (and can help promote a smoother labor). One of the best ways to prevent this is through proper use of the breath during labor (and exercise) and appropriate activation of your muscles in conjunction with the breath. When I exercise I am really focusing on my breathing and core activation, as well as mind/body awareness of how I am feeling and which muscles I am using. Hopefully this translates to a smoother labor, but we shall see.

MD Visit:
I am still at bi-weekly visits, so no new visit this week. Nothing to report.

Overall:
In general I am feeling very well. I am in good spirits, despite being sick and tired this week. The weather is getting warmer, and my flowers are blooming and that always fills me with joy. Sunshine and happiness definitely have a positive correlation for me.

I miss some of the warm weather things that I like to do, which aren’t pregnancy safe like: Sky Diving, Zip Lining, Rock Climbing and Amusement Parks/Roller Coasters. Kennywood (Pittsburgh’s amusement park) is open on weekends, and I was going to suggest a trip to Jesse, until I realized I can’t ride any of the fun stuff! On the plus side, there is still plenty I CAN do!

My Workouts:

Sunday: 5 Mile Bike Ride with family + 4 mile walk outside
Monday: 50-flights of stairs + 60-second side planks per side + 40 Minute Walk Outside
Tuesday: Took a two hour nap & missed my workout! So tired today.
Wednesday: 3.5 Mile Walk Outside
Thursday: I was sick. I barely moved all day after coming home from work early.
Friday: I was sick in the morning, but felt better by the evening so I went for a 3-Mile Walk.
Saturday: 30-Minute Walk + Weighted Exercises
1. Romanian Deadlifts with two 20-lb dumbbells: 20 Reps
2. Bent Over Rows with 20-lb dumbbell: 20 Reps per Arm
3. Pelvic Tilt Wall Sit: 20 Reps
4. Single Leg/Warrior Deadlift with two 20-lb dumbbells: 20 Reps Per Leg
5. Plie Squats with 20-lb dumbbell: 20 Reps
6. Curl to Overhead Press (right and left arm at the same time with two 20-lb dumbbells): 8 Reps
*I would do it one arm at a time in the future.
7. Incline Pushups: 20 Reps

This post has a link to the workouts I posted this week: 15-Minute Interval Fat Burn: Home Workout. I am seriously missing a lot of different exercises that require you to lay on your stomach! I will be back at it soon enough!

Enjoy & Thanks for all of your support!
Melissa

PS You can find me on Instagram & Twitter: @BenderFitness and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelissaBenderFitness.

Good Morning Everyone!

I always thought that 9-Months was a long time. It turns out that when you are pregnant that time goes very quickly! I am already 32+ weeks pregnant!

Pregnancy Feelings

Cravings/Food:
I still don’t have any food cravings. I have found that I have to be very careful to eat more frequently or I start getting very nauseous. It happens most on work days if I haven’t had a snack between 9-10AM. I eat my breakfast at 6AM, so I think when my stomach empties all the extra pressure from baby is causing some reflux. My doctor said I can take Zantac every 12 hours to prevent this, but I don’t like taking any type of medication unless it is 100% necessary.

Go figure, I skipped morning sickness in the first trimester, but in the third trimester I am regularly getting nauseous! No one warned me about that, but apparently it’s quite common because the baby & my uterus are so large that everything that used to be in my abdomen is squished together under my rib cage.

Skin:
Feeling good! Still no itchiness or discomfort. I am still using Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to moisturize. I also use cocoa butter & make sure to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.

Energy:
Overall still good. This week I was more tired and didn’t get in many workouts, but I think that was the result of battling the Norovirus last weekend, and having my sister’s college graduation and graduation party over the weekend. Plus, this week was insanity at work. I’m an Occupational Therapist, and I don’t know that I have ever done as many new patient evaluations in one week as I managed this week. It was exhausting!

Mood:
Great! I am amazed when I watch my baby move around, stretch and kick! I am starting to worry about getting everything done in time before he arrives. I don’t want to buy any furniture until after my baby shower. We get discounts for registry completion so I put all of our nursery furniture onto my registry, but I don’t get the discount until after the baby shower.

Body Image:
The photo on the left above was taken about 6-weeks before I got pregnant & Jesse snapped the photo on the right during one of our walks this week (he said, he always wants to remember me like this…I love that man!)

I am still loving my baby bump, but on certain days, baby (and bump) seem huge, and other days it feels more compact. I am definitely wondering what my body is going to look like after baby. I am not worried about getting my fitness level back to pre-baby levels (I am confident that I know how to do that!) I am wondering how my body is going to change. How will my skin change? Will my waist ever look like it did pre-pregnancy? Will I have bigger hips?

I won’t really know the answers to these questions until after the baby is born, but I’m going to be sharing my post-pregnancy workout program with you here. I already started writing the workouts, and once I have delivered I will know more about any modifications that need to be made to the program as I go. It takes 4-6 weeks after delivering your baby for your uterus to shrink back down to it’s normal size. Plus, there are hormonal changes, the demands of a new baby, etc. I have no goal time frame for getting “back in shape.” My goal is just to be consistent with my fitness and learn how to make fitness a part of my every day life even with a new baby. I also want to embrace any changes in my body with a healthy attitude, because it is doing something amazing to bring new life into the world.

Baby’s Movements: 
He does gymnastics in there! He likes to press his feet out right below the middle of my rib cage. When he does that and I rub his feet he presses harder into my hands. He also goes crazy when Jesse and I watch superhero movies or TV shows. I think he must hear the epic music. We went to the theatre last night to watch Captain America: Civil War and Baby Bender was going wild the whole time! He did the same thing during Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

My brother in law was sitting next to me at my sister’s graduation last weekend, and saw baby moving around in my belly like a scene from the move Alien and couldn’t believe how much movement there was! I assume that all babies are this active (this is my first pregnancy so I have no comparison).

Nursery:
I haven’t done anything new this week. It is primarily empty (baby shower will be at the end of May), but we do have some clothes, diapers, and a bassinet in there. Plus we have been blessed to receive some gifts already from friends and family who aren’t able to make it to the baby shower. I have a big sorting cabinet full of scrap book materials in the nursery closet, that I need to find a new home for.

Worries: 
I want to have a natural delivery & baby is measuring large. According to my fundal height (which is not 100% accurate) the baby was measuring 34-weeks a few days before I hit the 32-week mark. My family tends to have larger babies, 8 pounds+. My due date in June 29th, but I am still convinced Baby isn’t coming until July, so I am starting to wonder how big he is going to be.

MD Visit:
Everything is on track. Baby’s heart rate was still in the 150s. The doctor is very pleased with my progress and overall health. As I mentioned, the baby is measuring two weeks bigger, but that is within the normal standard deviation-you can measure +/- 2-weeks and still be in the normal range.

Overall:
I feel great! Definitely noticing that movements where I have to crouch or bend are harder, because it presses into my lungs. Ironically, this means that running/walking feels easier for me than squatting and lunging.

My Workouts:
This was an abysmal workout week for me. I still kept my body moving, but I like to get in more strengthening exercises during the week. I am thrilled that it’s Saturday and I have some time to get in a good/sweaty workout today! Plus, I was still tired from being sick last weekend, so I took it much easier & primarily did walking. I napped after work twice this week, which threw off my workout schedule & Jesse’s running schedule.

Sunday: 30-Minute AM Walk + 20-Minute PM Walk
Monday: 1.25 Mile Walk + 45-Minute Spin Class
Tuesday: Rest Day. Evening MD appointment.
Wednesday: 3-Mile Walk.
Thursday: 60-Minute Walk + 6th Birthday Dinner Celebration for my Beautiful Niece Caroline!
Friday: 30-Minute Walk
Saturday: That’s today! It’s going to be in the 70s so my plan is to get in a run (between 3-5 miles depending on how I am feeling) and film a new workout.

Thank you for sticking with me & sharing in my journey!

These are the throw-back workouts I posted this week: Friday Workout + Workout Week Schedule.

Have fun!
Melissa

PS Here are links to some other Pregnancy related posts (including workouts!) you might enjoy: https://www.benderfitness.com/category/fit-pregnancy.

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to give you all an update on my pregnancy, and the workouts I got in this week. I did a lot of walking. I also tried Spinning for the first time this week! I enjoyed it so much that I went back for a second class!

The spinning class I took was a Power Spin class, so it incorporated Dumbbells and Arm exercises while you are on the bike. I went with my friend, Deena on Wednesday night, and Jesse joined us for a second class on Saturday. During the class there is a live DJ spinning and playing music videos to sync with the RPMs and help pace your workout. The studio we went through was having a sale on Groupon, so I took advantage of the sale & will be heading back for a few more classes. It’s fun to incorporate something new and different!

Deena & I after my first Power Spin Class

The more active I am the better I feel. I am amazed at what the human body is capable of. Watching my stomach grow, and feeling this baby getting bigger and stronger is such a great feeling. I want to keep doing everything I can to keep both of us healthy and happy. A lot of scientific research has shown that exercise in the Third Trimester has added benefits for baby including: decreased infant stress level, higher APGAR scores at birth, lower body fat % at birth (but not a lower birth weight), decreased risk for diabetes & obesity throughout the lifespan, and improved infant lung capacity, among other things!

I also feel like I am training for labor. The more I do to stay strong and healthy now can potentially help me have a smoother and faster delivery.

I am still working 40 hours per week as an Occupational Therapist. My patients always ask me how long I am going to keep working, and I keep telling them “Right up until I deliver this baby!”

Week 30+ Pregnancy Workouts

In addition to the workouts listed below, I incorporated daily squats or plies into my workout. I typically do this while I brush my teeth. I don’t count reps, I just keep going until my 2-minutes of tooth brushing is up in the evening.

Power Spin Class

Sunday: 30-Minute AM Walk + 45-Minute PM Walk
Monday: 30-Minute Walk
Tuesday: 3.3 Mile Run (33 minutes, 18 seconds-10:05 min/mile pace) + 2 Mile Walk
Wednesday: 20-Minute Walk + 45-Minute Power Spin Class with Dumbbells
Thursday: 30-Minute Walk
Friday: 60-Minue Walk Outside + Planks (Reverse, Right & Left Side Plank)
Saturday: 45-Minute Power Spin Class with Dumbbells + 3.25 Mile Walk
Sunday (today): This 20-Minute Full Body HIIT + 5 Mile Walk Outside

Pregnancy Feelings

Cravings:
None! I eat a wide variety of foods, and try to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables. What I eat now will help shape the baby’s future palate, so I am trying to expose him to lots of healthy foods. I eat a lot of smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Skin:
Feeling good! No itchiness or discomfort. I am still using Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to moisturize. I also use cocoa butter & make sure to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.

Energy:
Good overall! Still feeling strong and healthy. Earlier this week I had unexplained evening energy, that kept me from wanting to go to sleep, but once I made myself get into bed I slept well.

Mood:
Very good. I can’t wait to meet baby boy! I think he is going to have a very sweet and active personality. Everyone keeps asking Jesse if I am having crazy mood swings, and luckily I am not! He keeps telling people that he think how active I am staying is helping me to have a super smooth and easy pregnancy, and I agree with him.

Body Image:
Feeling great! I am impressed by how my body has adapted to pregnancy & it’s ability to nurture this new human being. Clothing is getting trickier. All of my shirts that used to be long on me are getting progressively shorter as my pregnancy progresses. I do wonder how big my belly will be by the end of my pregnancy!

Baby’s Movements: 
Craziness! He is all over the place, and you can see my stomach moving around from the outside. I can tell when he is taking naps, because I basically feel him moving around the rest of the day. Baby is about 15.7 inches this week, and around 3 pounds. I mainly feel him kicking and poking me near the right side of my ribs. It’s possible he is practicing gymnastics in there.

Nursery:
I haven’t done anything new this week. It is primarily empty (baby shower will be at the end of May), but we do have some clothes, diapers, and a bassinet in there.

Worries: 
It turns out that I don’t qualify for FMLA (up to 12 Weeks of unpaid time off with job & health insurance protection that some US employees qualify for during maternity or other family medical events). I became pregnant about 1.5 months after switching jobs. Due to the fact that I will have been with my company for less than a year I don’t have any type of maternity leave. My option is to apply for a 30-Day Leave of Absence. My doctor said I will medically be ready to return to work after 6-weeks. I had been planning to take 12-Weeks off with Baby Bender so I am heart broken over this. Also, now my daycare options are all messed up, because baby will have to go so much earlier.

MD Visit:
I am still rotating through all of the doctor’s at my practice. They have all been very happy with my progress so far. Baby’s heart rate was in the 150s, and he was bouncing away like normal during my visit.

Overall:
Feeling & doing great! My bump is getting bigger by the day, and I love feeling Baby Bender move all the time. Jesse and I sing and talk to him constantly.

That’s my update! As I write this post I am 30-weeks and 5-days pregnant. If you have any Fit Pregnancy questions for me post them in the comments below or let me know on Facebook!

Melissa

Hi Everyone!

I am in the Third Trimester, which means that the countdown to meeting Baby Bender is winding down toward the conclusion! I still have a while left to go, but if the Third Trimester goes as quickly as the first two, Baby will be here before we know it! This week (on Wednesday) I will be 30-weeks pregnant.

Jesse and I had a super busy weekend. We got a lot done, but it seems like it should only be Friday night, and it’s already Sunday! How does the work week roll back around so quickly? I went for a walk yesterday and today, but I didn’t do a formal workout routine either day. We had a lot on our agenda Saturday (speaking at a Women’s Health Conference, spending time with my cousin from out of state & my sister, attending a Comic Convention), which meant all of our Saturday to-do list got shifted to Sunday. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning the house, cleaning our cars, etc, all got shifted to today. I wanted to film one to two workouts this weekend, and it just didn’t happen.

Beautiful Evening Walk.

It was nice to have a more physically restful weekend, but I do miss my regular workouts. Lately it has seemed like Jesse and I have so much to do around the house, or with our cars (I finally got mine back from my accident with the deer a few weeks ago!) that it’s bedtime before I know it! I have been getting outside to walk daily because the weather is nice and after our recent cold spell I want to soak it all in.

Last week my workouts looked like this:

Sunday: Boot Camp HIIT: 38-Minute No Equipment Full Body Workout

Monday: 3.1 Mile Walk + 50 Flights of Stairs

Tuesday: 2 Mile Walk + 50 Flights of Stairs

Wednesday: 5.01 Mile Easy Run (10 Minute, 16 second/mile pace)

Thursday: 3.14 Mile Walk

Friday: 49-Minute Walk

Saturday: 60-Minute Walk

Sunday (today): 30 Minute AM Walk to the Produce Store & Back, 45 Minute PM Walk

This week my goal is to get in more of my BenderFitness workouts, as well as running 1-3X. Unfortunately, I have to bring my car back to the shop tomorrow after work because the drivers side mirror isn’t adjusting, and one of the panels seems to be loose. If I get home in time I am planning on filming a Fit Pregnancy Core specific workout. It will still be a great core routine for anyone willing to try it, but it will incorporate all exercises that are safe pre-natally and-post partum.

I feel best when I am getting in some more challenging workouts (like HIIT and running). I still have no discomfort with running (knock on wood!) I move more slowly to make sure I am not over-doing it. Every direction you run from my house includes multiple hills, so I pace myself and talk during my runs to make sure my exertion level isn’t going to high.

Currently Reading

I am also taking time to prioritize some of the things I love, such as reading. I don’t know how much reading time I am going to have once the Baby is here and I want to get in as much as I can!

In general, my energy levels are great. My weight gain is on track. I am using Organic Coconut Oil on my skin daily & drinking 12-15 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. I haven’t had any real cravings. Baby is super active all day long, and has some very intense kicks. My doctor said that I passed my Glucose test “With flying colors.” Basically, if it wasn’t for the super active baby & the round belly I wouldn’t even feel pregnant! I think exercise, and staying active is having a hugely positive impact on my body.

That’s my pregnancy update! Thanks for sticking with me, and all of the throwback workouts I have been posting. I can’t wait to be back on a regular filming schedule!

Melissa

Snacking on lots of fruit & veggies.