Cardio In Pregnancy: My Own Experience

I realised that in my first pregnancy, I completely stopped doing any cardio and rowed back

my exercise hugely. I went from training 6 days a week to only twice a week with a trainer. This wasn't because I needed to, it's simply due to the fact that I had no idea what to do! I felt pretty lost to be honest; I remember googling what training I could do in pregnancy and getting really unclear and confusing answers.

Second time around, I knew exactly what to do and oh my gosh it was such a relief! I didn't feel lost and I still had a bit of non-pregnant me to keep. Which felt safe and familiar - although I know that this is not the case for many women for whom exercising when pregnant feels dangerous.

I was able to train as often as I did when not pregnant, I just hugely reduced the intensity - hitting the red zone was on pause. I focused on doing things I enjoyed most and I still did weights between 2 - 3 times a week.

There was one day where I really noticed the benefit, when I had to sprint after a runaway Little Bean!

What's the advice on training in pregnancy?

Providing you are having a low risk, single pregnancy: it is recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) that you do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week - this can be things like: jogging, swimming, walking, pregnancy yoga or pilates, there are actually so many more options open to you than you think. Even if you don't currently exercise, it's fine to start in pregnancy just make sure you begin gradually.

It can be really scary training in pregnancy. The first time around, I remember feeling freaked out the moment I was out of breath. I didn't know if it was ok to be out of breath and sweaty. I didn't know if I was pushing it too much and if I could harm the baby. It was nerve wracking and whilst I did still train, I definitely lost a little bit of what really mattered to me because I didn't know what else to do.

I still felt nervous second time around, despite all my knowledge that it's perfectly safe! I think it's just a natural response. I also don't think society's perception of exercise in pregnancy helps, as I think it's still perceived to be dangerous by some. There's a particular celebrity that I follow on IG who is well known for her fitness, she was pregnant at the same time as me and received so much abuse for still working out, it really saddens me.

EXERCISE IS SAFE!

Yes you have to make adjustments and avoid things like HIIT training but it is perfectly safe (and strongly recommended) to keep active during pregnancy.

If you're pregnant and feeling lost as to how to exercise, please do drop me a note. I'm very happy to grab a coffee or jump on a call and just offer you some free advice and guidance 💖.

C xx

Want to know how I can help you? Drop me an email: claire@clairepaynefitness.com  or have a look at the rest of the site 🙂.

Other reading: https://www.clairepaynefitness.com/post/training-in-pregnancy