Written by Lauren Rose Kelly

Let me set the scene. I am not one of the many ‘insta-fit-mums’ with the minimal body-fat, eight-pack and no cellulite. This is me. I am 30, pregnant with my second child and this is my pregnancy fitness journey. I will touch more on my pregnancy fitness with baby two (below).

Before I get into my journey I want to touch on something that is bothering me on this topic. I originally had intended this post to be about all the fitness options available for pregnant women, instead I began to feel (hormonally) overwhelmed by the key-board warriors ‘attacking’ mothers and mothers-to-be on social media because of their lack of education on the topic. I have the up-most respect for the ‘insta-fit-mums’. I admire their commitment to fitness, health and finding their new balance while pregnant and most of all I admire their strength when it comes to the ongoing (never ending) public criticism they receive about their pregnancy. Can anyone else see a common theme here…? THEIR. A pregnancy journey is exactly that. It is individual. Every woman and her body are different. Recently, I read with great disappointment an article in the Courier Mail on pregnancy ‘insta-fit-mum’ Chontel Duncan. I don’t know her at all, but I do understand her journey is hers and I don’t believe or see anything wrong with advocating for a healthy and fit Mum throughout her pregnancy. She did not say that a pregnant woman has to train like her but instead find a balance that is the right fit for THEIR pregnancy. Again that word their. Why is a woman’s pregnancy and her pregnancy fitness journey anybody else’s to comment on?

I recently saw another ‘insta-fit-mum’, Emily Skye announce her pregnancy on the social media platform to excitement from her followers to mixed criticism when she said she was off to do her ‘normal’ workout. The comments were ridiculous and uneducated. From one follower stating that pilates caused her to have a premature baby, to another stating to just walk because otherwise she will cause damage to her baby. I am baffled. Where has the education gone? Why are we still in a society where women are told to ‘sit and eat-for-two’. Why cant a woman train? with safe variations, like she was pre-pregnancy? I will leave you with that…

My Journey

Here is my journey. I have had several people ask me how much weight I have put on because I look ‘small’ for my gestation. Question, what is the size of a pregnant belly at 32 weeks? Exactly that there is no perfect size. For me I have never really carried weight around my stomach and found that an easier area to keep toned so both times now my stomach is low, compact and tight. As for weight this is something I have debated about sharing and I have decided not to. Whilst I check-in on my weight, my midwife and OB never have.

So what do I do to maintain my health and fitness throughout pregnancy. To some it may seem like ‘too-much’, but this is MY journey and I am sharing it to help educate women that keeping up your fitness and health throughout pregnancy can and will benefit you. Besides the intensity and modifying exercises throughout each trimester I have ben doing reformer and mat pilates two to three times a week and F45 two to four times a week depending on how I am feeling. I also chase after a 12kg, nearly two year old and puppy who love long walks and park play.

Pilates is something I have always been passionate and addicted to especially as my recovery with Jack was relatively easy made thanks to this fitness revolution. This time I have a reformer at home making it convenient to exercise before Jack wakes without having to go anywhere. F45, especially as I have entered into my third trimester, has been a lifesaver. The motivation, support (physical and mental) the program provides me is exactly what I have needed, especially on the cooler winter mornings. I love doing a 5am workout, coming home and preparing things for the day and knowing my workout is done.

Mentally, emotionally and hormonally this is my fitness regime, that is supported and monitored with my OB and allied health professionals, which works well for me and my pregnancy.

So without professional fitness qualifications here are my TIPS for your Pregnancy and Post-Partum Journey.

Check out  – You want real advice check out UB Mumma for professional health and fitness advice.

Don’t judge – don’t judge the ‘insta-fit-mums’ they are humans like you and me and not bulletproof.

Stop comparing – Don’t follow/stalk/screenshot/ postpartum fitness images and sites if it won’t benefit you. Guess what just like your pregnancy journey your post-partum journey is yours as well.

Originally posted on www.hunterandrose.net