workouts these days

i've had a few people ask me how my regular workouts have changed since i found out i'm pregnant, and in short....they've changed a LOT.

i used to do a combination of fairly high-impact workouts (like jillian michael's ripped in 30, 30-day shred, etc.), pilates, yoga, and the occasional outside jog. a couple of months before i found out i was pregnant, i got the tracy anderson method dvds, which i was realllllly enjoying. when i found out i was pregnant, i didn't really have a clue what to do.

while i discussed safely working out with my doctor, i of course also took to the internet to see what is and isn't safe. first, i deduced that it's probably not the best idea to continue with plyometrics-type training. some people may be comfortable with that, but i wasn't. based on my conversations with my doctor, i also decided not to run, since it was more of an occasional activity for me and not a regular thing my body was really used to. yoga, pilates, and weights sounded like the best options, as long as i wasn't laying flat on my back for extended periods of time.

i wanted to find something new since i've been doing my usual yoga and pilates dvds for quite awhile now. i was just getting into the tracy anderson method, so i was sad to potentially have to give that up. half of the method is cardio with lots of jumping though, so i knew i wouldn't feel totally comfortable continuing that. while doing some research on whether that was okay during pregnancy, i found her pregnancy workout video, the pregnancy project! what a lifesaver.

the pregnancy project

i'm currently on month 4 and i really really love it. there are 9 dvds in the box set, one for each month. each month works on arms and legs and incorporates some balance exercises to ensure that the abs still get a little work. there is no cardio involved, but your heart rate will still be up there!

the first trimester focuses on keeping up your activity while not overdoing it or being in weird positions to test your gag reflex. :) the energy picks up a little in the 2nd trimester since most people tend to feel a little less tired and nauseous, and it starts to keep your growing belly in mind. while i haven't done the 3rd trimester workouts yet (obviously), they are supposed to focus on opening your hips and stretching you out to be prepared and flexible for labor (yikes).

the great thing about these videos is that tracy was pregnant while filming, so she is very easy to relate to and knows what you're going through at each step. she also has a lot of her celebrity clients film interviews as extras on the dvds, with topics like handling cravings, getting your mind right to workout during pregnancy, etc.

i can't recommend tracy anderson's videos enough. the tracy anderson method is a decent financial investment, but it is so worth it! and if you're pregnant and trying to figure out how to keep up an active lifestyle, i highly, highly recommend the pregnancy project. i'm having so much fun with it! she also makes a post-pregnancy dvd for new moms that i can't wait to try later this year!