It's coming up to my due date in a couple of weeks and I often get asked how I am feeling and whether I am ready for the little one to arrive now. My pregnancy passed so quickly that I have no desire for it to be over too soon! (Maybe apart from finally meeting the little guy, and being able to wear my favourite high rise LNDR workout pants again, as well as enjoying a glass of wine or two.)

I'm still feeling as good as I did in my second trimester, when energy levels and the general mood are set to be higher than usual. Of course, there are days when I am more tired and feeling a bit insecure about what's ahead, and on those days there is only one remedy for me - working out! Cycling especially, gives me the boost I need to overcome any fear about becoming a mother and continuing to manage a business that needs me every day, as well as the opening of two new studios.

On days when I felt some aches and pains, especially in my back, the quickest way of getting over it was to get on the mat or the bike. I am so grateful to have been able to work out almost every day, and I wish more women would feel confident to continue with their workout routines during this time in their lives. It's surprising how often we get asked whether working out during your pregnancy is safe or not. As a general rule, everything that was practiced before pregnancy can be continued during pregnancy, unless it involves intense jumping or has an impact on the growing tummy.

Cycling is actually the ideal workout because it offers you the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, making your heart and lungs work, while improving your endurance. Stationary cycling is also approved by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), for example, listing it as one of the exercise routines that are safe during pregnancy. It helps to strengthen your legs and tone your perineum, important for the smooth unfolding of childbirth. You can opt to stay seated if it feels more comfortable or get out of the saddle. Most importantly, you can pace yourself on the bike.

Overall research has found that exercise during pregnancy reduces depression, releasing endorphins that help improve the mood, while diminishing stress and anxiety. It may also result in less lower-back and pelvic pain during late pregnancy.

I also did quite a lot of barre workouts and yoga. It just required a few adjustments during those core-focused exercises. My go to position has been the plank and remember to "hug the baby in", meaning to keep the tummy strong, drawn in and not letting it flop out.

My goal was to pay special attention to working my legs, hoping that this will help me during labour. Do ask me in a few weeks if it has actually made a difference or not! This is my first birth and while I’m definitely no expert, having read overwhelming evidence supporting the benefits of pregnancy fitness and feeling my body stay strong & responsive, has made for a very positive experience so far.

See you in the Ride room a couple more times hopefully ;)

Gundi

Disclaimer: this post is descriptive of the author’s personal experience only, and is not meant to serve as medical guidance. For specific medical advice pertaining to an individual pregnancy, please consult your doctor.

Cycling All The Way Into My Due Date