Workout Changes for Pregnancy

First of all, the main thing I've learned with being pregnant is you HAVE to listen to your body. This goes for everything you do but most especially with working out.

• So, what does "listening to your body" actually mean? For me it means, being more aware of my perceived level of exhaustion and slowing it down before I find myself completely dying for breath. During weightlifting sessions, I focus more on the mind-muscle connection and pay attention if something feels off--for instance, I've backed off of back squatting with a barbell because I could tell my abs couldn't support my back like normal. 

I also take more time to recover between sets and make modifications to anything (especially ab exercises) that feel uncomfortable or not right. 

• Do something every day. Some days I feel like I can conquer the world and crush my normal workout and sometimes I can only walk on the treadmill for 20 mins (at a 1% incline and level 2.5 ha!). Normally, this would really make me frustrated but I've chosen to celebrate any day I make the effort to MOVE! 
• Ask an expert- Thankfully, I have a sister-in-law who is a very knowledgeable trainer as well as other mom friends who can help me find creative modifications for different exercises (like situps or planks)! Make sure to ask someone if you want to get the benefits of an exercise but cannot safely do it pregnant. People are so creative!

I'll share more tips and workouts soon!