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!

winter workouts

working out in warm months is so convenient...it's so easy to just walk out the door and go for a run, play tennis, walk the dog, whatever. even if it's hot you can wait until almost 9 at night when it cools off because there's still plenty of light!

winter is when i struggle. i used to be a member of a gym, but i didn't really use it enough to get my money's worth. i would always end up working out at home instead of making the drive to the gym.

i decided when the cold weather really set in last year that i would make working out at home using dvds and online workouts a priority. it's worked really well so far and i haven't felt nearly as cabin-feverish as i thought i would. since we have an actual house now with plenty of room instead of an apartment, i don't really have an excuse not to work out at home.

here are a few of my favs:

• tracy anderson method dance cardio: this video is awesome, especially for people with a dance background. she teaches you several different sets of choreography, then you just dance! the music is really good too, and it's an insanely hard workout for how fun it is. (warning: not easy to do with a small dog around. i save this one for weekends now when i have michael around to entertain loki)

• 10 minute solutions: these videos are great for people who feel like they don't have enough time to work out. they separate workouts into 10-minute sessions which is really convenient. i first got into these videos because special k used to put examples of them in their cereal boxes!
  
  these are my 3 favorites from the series:
  (the whole series can be found at http://www.the10minutesolution.com/series/index.html)

• health/fitness websites: shape.com, prevention.com and self.com are all great resources to find step-by-step photo instructions for at-home workouts.
  
  these 2 are in my current rotation and will leave you with some serious muscle aches if you do them correctly:
  
  shape.com lower ab workout
  
  prevention.com ballet boot camp

i hope this post gives you some winter workout inspiration! bikini season is not that far away!