So I’m just going to put it out there. There’s really nothing more humbling than having your picture taken in workout clothes while 7+ months pregnant. Ok, just had to get that off my chest. Moving on. I’m still really excited to share a few of my new year’s fitness tips with you today! Continuing to workout throughout my pregnancy has been integral to still feeling like myself. Physical exercise has always been such a big part of my life {you may remember where I discussed that a bit here and here}. As a former college athlete, yogi, marathon runner, personal trainer {for a hot second in my 20’s} and most recently, a pilates addict, I couldn’t imagine not continuing to move, even as my belly continues to expand. It’s what keeps me sane!

That’s not to say I haven’t struggled. The exhaustion of early pregnancy sidelined most cardio pretty quick. Now aches and pains make anything beyond a good walking pace not so comfortable. But there are still plenty of ways you can workout while pregnant. Pilates has been my saving grace. It’s what I used to get in tip top shape for our trip to Greece last spring and it’s keeping me in pretty dang good shape now {if I do say so myself!}. So I teamed up with Old Navy Active Wear and my go-to San Francisco pilates studio to share a few of my favorite moves with you. The best thing about them? They are totally beneficial whether you’re expecting or not!

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1. The Reverse Pull

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When you’re pregnant you spend a lot of time working on your arms and legs, but who doesn’t love toned arms no matter what the circumstance?! This Reverse Pull exercise is really simple. I’m performing it on the Pilates Reformer found in most pilates studios, but you could do this at home with two resistance bands tied to something that won’t move! Here’s what you do:

> Sit on your knees then lift up so your shins are pressing into the floor
> Hold strap in each hand and left your chest, keeping your chin parallel to the ground and your shoulders rolled back and held down in their sockets
> Inhale and with straight arms, slowly pull back until your arms are at least next to your sides if not a little bit behind your body
> Exhale and slowly release your arms forward

Reapt 10-15 times for three sets

2. The Squat

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Squats are a foolproof way to keep your legs and butt looking toned and firm. I’m using the Pilates tower to help give myself that perfect 90 degree angle but you could also do these holding onto a railing or a ballet bar at your gym.

> Hold onto a bar with a firm grip, toes right under the bar
> Lean back into a “water skier” position
> Slowly squat down like you’re trying to sit in a chair. Your knee and ankle alignment should be a 90 degree angle
> Press through your heels to slowly stand back up until your legs are straight

Repeat 10-15 times for three sets

3. The Leglift

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Leglifts are another great way to tone the behind and your outer hips. When lying on your side you also get your obliques, shoulders and back involved too! It’s amazing how much a simple movment can work so much of your body at once. You just have to pay attention to the fundamentals with this one.

> Lay on your side with your legs stretched out long and straight
> Prop yourself up on your elbow and bend your bottom knee to 90 degrees. Make sure to press into the ground with your elbow to lift your side and engage your shoulder. Also squeeze your belly in a little
> Flex the foot on your top leg and slowly lift the leg to hip height. Lower back down to tap the floor and lift again

Repeat 15 – 25 times and switch sides

4. Stretching

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Stretching is good for everyone. It helps you relax, destress and prevents injury. It is particularly fabulous while growing a human because you need all the room in there that you can get! Simple side bends, forward folds and twists make a world of difference. Try to stretch for five minutes every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed and I swear you feel a world of difference!

Of course, looking a little fly while working out is also half the fun!! I’m thrilled that there is cute maternity workout gear out there. My Old Navy compression leggings fit and feel great and I will totally wear my Two-in-One Tank post-bump. Just because you’re working up a sweat, doesn’t mean you can’t add in a little personal style!  These are currently on my workout gear wishlist…

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GET YOUR SHOP ON:

1.) Old Navy Funnel Neck Fleece Pullover
2.) Tracy Anderson: The Pregnancy Project Video
3.) BKR Water Bottle
4.) Baggu Duffle Bag
5.) Gold Earbuds
6.) Loeffler Randall Runner Sneaker
7.) Leather Yoga Mat Strap

I also want to thank my favorite pilates studio in San Francisco, Mighty Pilates for inviting me in to demonstrate some moves for you! If you live in the Bay Area you can give Mighty a try {no need to be pregnant!} – they offer a two-week beginner special offer. I certainly plan to keep my pilates up until the last possible moment so maybe I’ll see you at the studio!

For the Circuit Training Workout I created for you last year, click HERE!

original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott 

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Always check with a physician or trained specialist before starting your own workout routine, especially when you’re expecting. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

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6 Comments

    1. Highly recommend pilates – I’ve tried basically every workout there is and it’s my fave!!

  1. You look amazing! I’m right behind you (almost 7 months pregnant!) and really need to find a new workout routine (dead lifts and burpees are getting more and more uncomfortable). Pilates seems like a great option! Thanks so much for this post!

    1. Thanks for the sweet comments Julia – I’m glad you found the post helpful – and congrats to you too!

  2. First off, you look GREAT. Secondly, thanks for the awesome Pilates recommendation! I just recently moved to SF and have been eager to find fitness studios here.

    xo.