I know you are probably thinking, why is that challenging if you are feeling great?? Well, when it comes to exercise during pregnancy it’s not really okay to push your body to exhaustion with workouts or even daily activities. I have to remind myself some days that I’m pregnant and to SLOW down. Other days I really feel pregnant and don’t need the reminder but I have to constantly keep that thought in the back of my head. I’m sure in a couple of weeks I won’t have to EVER remind myself, but for right now I’ll enjoy feeling normal!

With that being said, this past Saturday I chose to do a workout at the gym that can really be done by anyone (not just pregnant ladies).

This workout incorporated both upper & lower body and I found my heart rate to be in a good range the whole time. During pregnancy it’s important to listen to your body so I rested when I needed to and drank water throughout this 30 minute workout. I also took a bathroom break. Yes, I have a weaker bladder these days.

Anyways, here’s the workout:

Warm Up

10 minutes of light cardio (I chose the elliptical) walking, biking or jogging is great too!

Krazy Kettlebell Circuit

Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell Squat to Upright Row

Kettlebell Lunge to Row

Complete each exercise for 30 seconds, repeat circuit 5-7x (rest 30-60 seconds in between each round)

Cool down 

Perform some light stretching or walking for 5-10 minutes

(20 weeks Pregnant)

I completed 5 rounds of the above circuit and my rest times got longer as each round passed. I used both a 20 & 25lb kettlebell for this circuit and while I felt I could do more weight I didn’t push it!

For Demonstrations of some of these exercises check out the links below.

Kettlebell Swing

Kettlebell Squat to Upright Row

**Please check with your Doctor or Physician before beginning a new workout program**

Sometimes I pop in a 21 day fix or Insanity DVD and other times I just create myself a challenging workout!

I decided to share with you a workout that I plan to put myself through today. I chose a 20 minute workout because I assume with both Marc & Ava around my time will be limited and plus 20 minute workouts are over in a jiffy!! What’s not to love?

Before completing the below bodyweight circuit make sure to warm up. I chose a 5 minute bodyweight warm-up of jumping jacks, jogging in place, skaters, butt kicks, and light stretching.

If you are looking to get in a quick workout try this QUICK N’ SWEATY NEW YEARS EVE WORKOUT:

Complete each exercise for 1 minute. Repeat circuit 2x for a 20 minute workout. If you have more time complete another round

**Please consult your doctor or physician before beginning a new workout program**

On Tuesday I did a fun, challenging & sweaty bodyweight workout using the battle ropes, TRX and Bosu ball at the YMCA.

I started my workout with a 5 minute warm-up. I alternated between Box Step-Ups, Quick feet on the Bosu, and some side shuffle drills.

Once I was warm I completed the following workout:

BATTLE ROPES, TRX & BOSU FULL BODY CHALLNGE

2 ARM ROPE SLAMS

ALTERNATING ROPE SLAMS

BATTLE ROPE JUMPING JACKS

TRX BODYWEIGHT ROWS

TRX BODYWEIGHT PUSHUPS

PERFORM EACH EXERCISE FOR 30 SECONDS, REPEAT 3X (REST AS NEEDED)

In between each round I did 30 seconds of Side Shuffle on the BOSU ball for an added cardio blast!

This workout probably took me about 25 minutes. It was short but challenging and I’ve learned that I don’t need to spend hours working out. Sometimes my best workouts are the ones that are under 30 minutes!

I promise this one will leave your arms feeling like Jell-o and your heart pumping. I love adding the battle ropes into my training, its not only great cardio, but its a great stress reliever!!!

**Always consult a Doctor or physician before beginning a new workout program**

This will be Ava’s first plane ride and our first vacation as a family. I am super pumped. I hate to leave behind Cooper and if he could sit on my lap he would be coming with us! Luckily my parents love him just as much and are taking good care of him while we are away.

On vacation I find it way easier to workout, and I never use “vacation” as a reason to sit on my bum all day!  There is a lot more free time and being active outside is so easy!

I love travel workouts, for the main reason that you can do them anywhere… your house, a hotel room, outside, etc. The perk to this workout is that the only thing you need is YOU and of course a small area to perform the exercises.

Travel Workout 

Warm-up 5-8 minutes jog in place, jumping jacks, fake jump rope

10 excercises 30 repetitions each

power lunges (or regular lunges each leg)

walking planks

squat jumps

pushups

butterfly situps

split jack lunges

plank jacks

skier jog

sumo squats

burpees

Complete as many rounds of this circuit as you can! 

**Always consult your doctor or physician before starting a new workout program**

This is my last week home with Ava and because of the Polar Vortex we have been pretty limited and forced to stay inside most of the week. That means my workouts have been indoor and somewhat limited.

I honestly can say these workouts have been SO FUN.. and I am giving all the credit to Ava. The last two days I got in 2 strength training workouts each lasting an hour!

I was able to practice my Group Power routine which was great.  Ava laughed and smiled the whole time so I kept going. It was the fasted hour long workout I have ever done and she motivated me to keep going. As long as I was moving she was HAPPY. It was a win-win for both of us. Except when I was spent she wasn’t happy haha.

It is very hard to capture that smile on camera but I will get it soon! At least we know how to put her in a good mood! Play some music and workout… whatever works!!

Polar Vortex Indoor Weighted Workout

Before Ava was born I tried to get ahead with learning the new workout and it helped a lot!  A few days ago when Ava was napping I popped in the DVD and started learning some more of the workout without physically doing any of the exercises. I jotted down some notes and went over the counts and patterns for the choreography.

Yesterday I was feeling good, and decided to practice some of the arm tracks (chest, biceps, triceps, & shoulders) with a light weight to try and get a feel for how the workout went. My weight choice was super light (3lb dumbbells) and I honestly didn’t feel tired after the 4 Arm tracks. My goal wasn’t to be tired or sore but to learn the workout. I love the music and I felt like the workout flow was smooth.  I need some more practice with the arms, and once my body feels ready I will practice the leg tracks. I can’t wait to get back and teach it!

What workout are you doing today? Need a quick one?? Try the Holiday Calorie Blast- 10 minute workout

Now it’s off to entertain Miss Ava… She’s got lots of energy like her mom!

Give me 10 MINUTES

do a quick warm-up of jogging in place jumping jacks and side shuffle

Complete As Many Rounds As Possible in 10 minutes The goal is to get 100 repetitions of each exercise. For beginners set your goal to 5 rounds (50 repetitions of each exercise) 

I wish I could join you on this one. I have done it many times before when I don’t have time on the weekend to get to the gym or I just feel like working out at home! It’s great. Your heart will be pumping and for sure if you are working hard you will be dripping sweat. LETS GO.

I have lots to do today so I gotta get going… I have shopping to do, presents to wrap, and a house to clean! SO my workout of choice will be some low impact walking this morning.

If you participate in the workout, please comment and let me know how many rounds you were able to complete!!