karischneider.com

    Wow, it's been a long time since I did a personal blog.  Hmmm, I wonder why?  Ok, so I've moved from Turkey to Canada, moved from Winnipeg to London, had a baby 2.5 months ago and have been relocating and reopening my business.  Just business as usual right? 

    Those who know me are aware that I believe in practicing what I preach.  I believe in a physically active lifestyle.  I love to eat healthy fresh food and try new things and despite the fact that I was pregnant I don't think that people should lead sedentary lifestyles.  

    You guessed it...I did not stop working out while pregnant.  Oh what a hard road that was!  Don't think that I want every pregnant woman to do what I did...but know that every healthy pregnant woman should stay active and exercising.  I really think that the "condition" of pregnancy is too often used as an excuse to stop moving and start eating twice as much.  Wrong.  Yes, the pregnant population needs a few extra calories...but not more than an extra snack/day.  Yes, it gets harder to move around the bigger you get but it is so worth it in the end!

    Did you know that pregnancy is the leading "cause" of obesity in women?  Yikes!  If you are a healthy pregnant woman who was previously exercising...then continue on and listen to your body to find your limits.  If you lifted heavy weight before you will usually know how to gradually change the weight load.  If you ran you will know if you can continue based on how your body feels.  For your own health and your baby's I would suggest that you stay as active as your energy levels permit.  

    Here are some tidbits about my training and pregnancy:

• Ran throughout this pregnancy but only to 8 months on my first pregnancy.
• Lifted 2-3x/week.  Usually circuits or supersets
• Continued with chin-ups to term and could do 2 sets of 6 reps at 40 weeks pregnant
• I gained about 9kg and lost the weight within 2 weeks of delivery
• My baby girl was born a few days past her due date and weighed in at 8lbs 1oz!

    Tips for training while pregnant:

• Hydrate!!  You will feel bad and get headaches pretty easily if you don't stay hydrated!  Baby needs the fluid environment!
• Have your Dr's support.  If your Dr is aware of what you are doing they can better advise you if any health issues do arise.
• While running watch your surfaces...don't be navigating the icy spring sidewalks...default to a treadmill.
• When lifting, have a spotter for dealing with any heavy weight.
• Be sure to be well fuelled.  The nausea is terrible on an empty stomach and you need the fuel for the workout and for baby!
• Don't be silly and expect your training to make for an easier delivery!  Ha!  We wish...12 hours of hard labour later.
• Do expect that your body will bounce back more quickly post pregnancy!
• Don't let anyone tell you that your body will never be the same after a baby.  It can be and it can be even better! 

Train Smart!