Pregnancy workouts & The Ten Minute Rule

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great week!

We’ve officially been back a week from Hawaii and we are all finally adjusted back to the Eastern time zone…that took awhile esp. for my youngest. I def learned a lot traveling with the kids for such a long way and will share that in a separate post! The good thing is they have both been sleeping in between 7-8 am every day since we got back (even later the first few days) and I have been loving that as it gives me some extra time in the mornings to myself to run, and get ready for the day, or check my emails and have some quiet time.

Its been a minute since I shared my workouts with y’all so I thought I’d hop on this week (( before I did a hawaii recap)) and share my workouts over the last 5-6 weeks as well as some tips I have for motivating and keeping yourself moving throughout the second trimester!

I’m officially 21 1/2 weeks so I’m definitely starting to feel ((and look)) a lot bigger. Its definitely hard looking in the mirror sometimes after being so lean and fit, but trying to enjoy the process & embrace the extra curves!! I still have felt pretty good when working out most of the time which is a lifesaver for me mentally.

Tips for 2nd trimester workouts

1. Change your mentality: This is a big one for me- I still struggle with it. My main goal is not to challenge myself and “get better everyday”, but to move, sweat, feel good and stay active. I have to remind myself of this when I’m running and I’m moving slower, and when I’m lifting and I get out of breath quickly, or I’m not able to lift as heavy of weight. This allows me to keep things in perspective and not get down on myself!

2. Find workout clothes that are comfortable: This might sound silly, but look good, feel good, play good..haha. But seriously, I always have an extra pep in my step when I have a killer new workout outfit to wear in the gym and finding clothes that FIT and make you feel comfortable (and looking good is a bonus) with your extra weight is really important. Its actually mind boggling to me that the top brands (ie nike, adidias, etc.) don’t have a maternity workout line!! With my first pregnancy I was able to wear a lot of my pre- pregnancy leggings and then when I got bigger just wear them lower. I find now that my bump is A LOT bigger with my 3rd and I don’t want to ruin or stretch out my nice leggings so I’ve stored them away. I’ve either sized up when I’ve seen my faves on sale, or bought maternity activewear. My fave maternity workout gear so far are Gap and Isabel Maternity by Ingrid and Isabel. They have some super cute leggings and they are comfortable, and wick sweat! I’m definitely still searching around for more brands so I’ll be doing a post on my favorite 2nd trimester Preggo clothes along with activewear!

3. Any movement counts: There are some days where I might have the day off, but I’m really active with the kids and walk a lot. Walking counts! So even if you’re not a runner, a 30 min walk everyday is going to help you in the long run down the line!!

4. Find your motivator: My #1 motivation is feeling good and time for myself, and knowing that staying active keeps my baby healthy. Thats what keeps me going day in and day out. Also on the back of my mind is keeping a few extra pounds off, and remembering how LONG the road back to fitness/pre-baby body is and how much easier it is to be active throughout and only take off 6-8 weeks vs 6-8 months!

5. Give yourself grace: Remember some days your body isn’t feeling it…go for a slow walk or just rest! Give yourself grace…you’re growing a human!

6. Every day will be different: As you can see below, sometimes I can run 8:30 miles and feel like a million dollars…and some days I feel sluggish and slow. It. doesn’t. matter!! You’re out there! Every day will be different. It’s like a rollercoaster dealing with your body during pregnancy. I’m just grateful to still be moving and take it as it comes! Don’t get too down on the crappy days, or too high on the days you feel great!

   Last but not least…the 10 minute rule. My fave tip. This one is GREAT if you’re just starting to workout (pregnant or not!!), or are super tired!!

7. The ten minute rule: I use this sometimes. I tell myself to walk/run for 10 minutes, and if I’m still not feeling it, to go home. 99% of the time I keep going! Once you start moving the positive energy and endorphins will keep you going! Trust me.

Workouts:

15 weeks: +8 pounds, (sick all week…ugh)

Sunday: 3 miles, 25:35, Splits: 8:49, 8:17, 8:25
Monday: 2.5 miles, 9:04, 9:02
Tuesday: home lift
Wednesday: Lower workout
Thursday: HIIT bike, upper lift
Friday: home workout
Saturday: off

16 weeks: +9 pounds

Sunday: 3.30 miles, 8;45, 8:47, 8:52
Monday: Lower lift
Tuesday: home workout
Wednesday: Upper, HIIT sled work
Thursday: 3 miles: 8:54, 8:23, 8:20
Friday: Lower Lift
Saturday: off

17 weeks: +11 pounds

Sunday: 3 mile run, 8:22, 8:13, 8:13. 24:50
Monday: Lower Lift
Tuesday: 3 miles, 9:07, 9:27, 9:15. 27:51
Wednesday: Upper lift, 10 mins of running: 80 yard pickup, 80 yard jog.
Thursday: Lower Lift
Friday: 3 mile run. 8:37, 8:16, 8:03
Saturday: off

18 weeks: +14 pounds

Sunday: 3 miles, 8:54, 8:56, 9:06. 29:10
Monday: Lower Lift
Tuesday: home lift, HIIT stair work
Wednesday: Upper lift, 45 min walk
Thursday: 3 mile run, 9:09, 9:12, 9:24. 27:49
Friday: Lower lift, 1 mile walk
Saturday: off

19 weeks: +15 lbs

Sunday: soccer workout
Monday: lower lift
Tuesday: travel-off (trip to Hawaii)
Wednesday: 3 mile run, 25.58. 8:59, 8:31, 8:25
Thursday: lower workout with bands
Friday: 3 miles: 9:44, 9:38, 9:43. 29:11
Saturday: Band workout

20 weeks (no weight taken, vacation)

Sunday: off
Monday: 3.14 miles 9:12 ave.
Tuesday: 3 miles: 8:41m 8:42, 8:16. 25:42
Wednesday/Thursday: travel/off
Friday: Lower lift
Saturday: 3 miles. 9:06, 8:55, 9:02. 27:07

Have a great weekend!!

xo

Alex