These women are taking ‘yummy mummy’ to the next level. Time to meet the Fit Moms of Instagram who are riding the latest social media fame train.
Have you heard of “Fit Moms” yet? Maybe you’ve met one, maybe you are one! Fit Moms are known for their dedication to exercise during pregnancy, even up until labour, and of course after.
Mums across the globe are posting viral videos and images showcasing motivational workouts and positions for other mums to get inspiration for their own fitness.
Shaming
Despite having 215K followers on the @fit_moms_of_ig Instagram feed. Recent virtual fame has caused both adoration and outrage and many people believe they are harming their unborn babies with some of the more strenuous exercises they perform.
Through social media conversations and online articles, it’s now clear that even though all women are different, it is generally safe to exercise during pregnancy. Of course, you have to remember that you should always check with a doctor before doing any exercise to make sure it is safe for you and your pregnancy.
But remember exercise should be an enjoyable part of your pregnancy so don’t miss out! Mums everywhere should get inspired by these ladies to stay fit before, during, and after their baby bump
Read: This workout could be an answer to your prenatal fitness dilema
Meet the Fit Moms of Instagram
We asked a couple of frequently featured fit_moms_of_ig to tell us a a bit more about themselves and their journeys. They are truly amazing ladies!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFYq9gAsdM6/?taken-by=bwmcfitness
Jennifer, @bwmcfitness
- What made you want to stay fit throughout pregnancy? Have you always been fit?
Before having children I was very active. I swam competitively in high school and college and loved biking and running. I often competed in shorter distance triathlons and running races, including my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. Due to my passion for fitness, I stayed active throughout my pregnancies. I really enjoyed swimming because it took the extra weight off of my feet and yoga felt amazing for alleviating many of the aches and pains pregnancy can bring.
- What was your workout routine and diet like while pregnant?
During my first pregnancy I maintained most of my pre-pregnancy fitness activities. I continued with swimming, yoga, spin classes, and lifting weights. I did limit my running after the first trimester because it didn’t feel comfortable. With each pregnancy after my first, I was so busy running after toddlers that I didn’t go to the gym, but I did most of my fitness on the way to the park with my boys. I continued with swimming and yoga as well.
I enjoy eating small, frequent meals, and this worked well for me during pregnancy. I also took a prenatal vitamin that included folic acid that helps prevent neural tube defects. As for my diet while pregnant, I did my best to fill half my plate with fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors, as well as eat whole grains. I limited my consumption of sugared drinks and caffeine and avoided alcohol, raw meat, lunch meat, and unpasteurized cheeses, all based on recommendations from my physician.
- Do you think exercising helped your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience?
Definitely! Pregnancy causes many changes in the body that can result in aches and pains, and swimming took the weight off my feet and yoga stretched everything out. Delivering a baby requires endurance and stamina, and fitness throughout pregnancy is a wonderful way to build these areas to prepare for labor and delivery!
At my 4 week postpartum check-up I was cleared to exercise with each pregnancy. I was eager to workout, and it always felt great to get back into a routine that gave me a boost in mood and energy. The first few weeks and months after having a baby are an incredibly special time, but it can also be stressful adjusting to limited sleep and learning to care for a new baby. Making time for my own health during this time helped me feel better and be ready to take on the demands of parenthood. I truly believe staying active helps with all pre and post natal stages.
- What are the cultural views towards exercising while pregnant where you’re from? We know many moms come under fire by those who think some of the exercises could harm babies, but what do you think about this?
I am from California, a generally very fitness friendly location, and from what I have seen most people support staying active during pregnancy. When I have shared other fit moms on my Instagram page that are pregnant and exercising, there have sometimes been comments about pregnancy not being a time to be active or focus on how your body looks. When these types of comments come up, I have shared the information I have learned as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Group Fitness Instructor with a speciality in Pre and Post Natal Fitness.
With a doctor’s clearance, working out during pregnancy has many benefits including fewer prenatal discomforts. It can control gestational diabetes, prevent urinary incontinence, pregnancy-induced hypertension, diastasis-recti, as well as other conditions. In addition, fitness can help improve posture and energy during pregnancy, two areas commonly affected. The benefits are many as long as a doctor has approved exercise.
- What advice would you give women, especially moms-to-be, about health and fitness based on your experience?
Once you have talked to a doctor and have been cleared to exercise, I recommend starting where you are comfortable. Walking is excellent during pregnancy, but if you were doing other fitness activities before pregnancy and you are not at risk, then continuing this type of exercise can be very beneficial. I also recommend listening to your body. If something doesn’t feel comfortable, try a different activity. For me, running wasn’t comfortable after the first trimester, but for others it feels fine. Trust your gut and talk about any concerns you have with your physician. If you weren’t active before pregnancy or throughout part of your pregnancy, it’s not too late to take steps to be active. Small steps can make a big difference in how you feel. I am a big fan of snack-size exercise, short sessions of exercise that you can perform a couple of times each day, which can work well for busy parents or parents-to-be.
For me, exercise gave me energy during pregnancy, prepared me for the strength I needed during labor, and helped me recover quicker after my deliveries. It has so many benefits beyond how your body looks. Now is a great time to make healthy habits that will help you continue to be strong after your baby arrives and be ready to take on the demands of parenthood!
Read: Your pregnancy timeline checklist
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF2TVgDSfby/?taken-by=baby_fitgym
Kristy, @baby_fitgym
- What made you want to stay fit throughout pregnancy? Have you always been fit?
I have always been very active. I was a competitive springboard diver for 10 years before becoming a mom. Shortly after finishing up my diving career I became a personal trainer and then got pregnant. I was eager to continue my exercise routine. Exercise has always been apart of my everyday life and I couldn’t imagine not working out throughout my pregnancies! It is essential for my mental health and well-being.
- What were your workout routine and diet like while pregnant?
I workout for 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. I do a lot of resistance and body weight exercises. For my diet I eat low-carb and high protein. I make sure I get enough healthy fats in my diet and I try to stay away from grains. I have been gluten free for 15 years now!
- Do you think exercising helped your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience?
I believe that exercising during my first pregnancy really made a difference when it came to my postpartum experience. I was stronger for my delivery and I definitely think it helped make a difference when it came to my recovery. I feel like I bounced back pretty fast and was eager to get back into my workout routine. I am blessed that I have been feeling well during my current pregnancy and have been able to continue exercising. I cant wait to meet baby #2 in July!!!
- What are the cultural views towards exercising while pregnant where you’re from? We know many moms come under fire by those who think some of the exercises could harm babies, but what do you think about this?
People are definitely wary of moms working out during pregnancy. I still get weird looks and comments about how I need to be careful and that I shouldn’t be pushing myself. However every parent and mom out there know that a mothers FIRST priority is their baby’s safety. I think people need to start respecting pregnant women that exercise because we would never put our unborn children at risk for a workout. I listen to my body and make adjustments all the time during my pregnancy workouts. It is safe and healthy to continue exercise during pregnancy. There are benefits for both baby and mom.
- What advice would you give women, especially moms-to-be, about health and fitness based on your experience?
Having kids will definitely change your life. I want moms to know that it is still possible to workout after having kids and while pregnant. Everyone can squeeze in 20 minutes a day to do some squats and lunges. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to put your health on the back burner. Get creative and make it fun! You are the biggest role model for your kids.
Read: 6 ways daddy can make pregnancy a smoother journey
Thank you, beautiful fit moms, for the inspiration! Check out fit_moms_of_ig to get you going.
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