Fit Pregnancy

I had a vision in mind when I found out I was pregnant that I would be able to stay fit throughout my whole pregnancy. I learned quickly though that you never know how your body is going to react to all these changes. I always imagined myself as one of those glowing women on the cover of Fit Pregnancy still working out and eating healthy. However, my first trimester was a trying one and I completely fell off the workout wagon for a good 6 weeks. I had extreme nausea and threw up constantly (sorry for the detail), but it’s true. I lost 7lbs during the first trimester and had no urge to eat, which means I had barely enough energy to get through a workday. Around week 12 things slowly started to turn around for the better, some days. I would try my best to go for walks, and my wonderful husband bought me a prenatal yoga DVD by Gaiam. On the days I ate well and had some energy I did what I could. I learned to be lenient with myself, and not be so critical. I’m on week 21, and feel myself getting back to normal. This past weekend we had friends visiting from San Diego, and it felt great to spend time with them and walking all over Seattle for two days. Some of the lessons I learned while being pregnant-

• Baby is the first priority and as long as she is growing strong & healthy do your best to maintain your health also
• You can’t be so tough on yourself, be lenient
• Don’t expect to follow a strict workout/diet regimen
• Listen to your body, if you have been throwing up all day and can barely have the energy to finish a work day, don’t expect to fit in a workout
• Lift, but not as heavy. Go for higher reps with way lower weight, and focus on more body weight exercise
• Focus on stretching, I highly recommend prenatal yoga. Not only has it helped me stretch, but it helps me really tune into what my body is actually feeling.
• Let your body eat what it craves, but make sure if it’s an unhealthy try to find alternatives. For example, I had terrible chocolate cravings so I turned to dark, natural chocolate!
• If you haven’t been working out ask your doctor if you can start. With the beautiful weather of spring all you need is a brisk 20-30 minute walk to get you going. Then make sure to stretch after.

One Year Ago

Exactly one year has passed since I had my life changing heart procedure. Looking back at my very first workout with my trainer on June 28, I couldn’t even finish a set of body-weight lunges; to the progress I’ve made Today has been immense.

The strength I’ve built over time has only been because of what God has done for me. Without HIM I would’ve found every excuse not to workout or get healthier. I felt this was God telling me to change my life, this was my second chance and there was a reason he saved me.

Sometimes we find every excuse to not do something; when you know in your heart you should be focused on making every effort to change some aspect of your life.  Set new goals, create a bucket list, use it as a guide for the way you live your life. Don’t set your dreams on a backburner and wake up one day realizing how much time has passed. Sometimes it takes a drastic event to change your perspective on life. Don’t let struggles or hardship be a reason to stop your journey, but fuel you in the direction you need to go.

I’ve been so blessed by two amazing trainers that help guide me to where I am today with a healthy diet & tough workout regimen. I’m officially a personal training success story with 24 Hour Fitness!

This is my official before & after. I hope to scan in a better quality asap :)!

What are your goals this year? Don’t wait until new years to set a new resolution!

Interval Training-Best explained

After doing the same cardio routine for almost 7 months, I needed to switch things up. Last week I added interval training 2 days a week- as I mentioned here I do the “Little Method” on the treadmill for 25-27 minutes, with a 10-15 minute cool down. It’s a quick & effective way to burn calories.

Quick Tip: It is essential to perform a proper cool down, I.E. walking with no incline, and at a slow pace (2.0 Speed). I make sure my heart rate is down 90-100 BPM.

I also make sure to do quad & calf stretches. This helps with stiff muscles and soreness the next day.

More Health and Fitness News & Tips at Greatist.