Fitness is an important part of my life. Being fit is not simply about how I look on the outside, rather, it is also about staying healthy and being able to keep up with my kids. Like many moms, I do not have a lot of free time. Thus, my workouts often have to involve my kids. Now, that I am pregnant, I have had to change up my exercise program. Here’s a look into my weekly fitness routine, before and during pregnancy.
Running
Before I got pregnant, I used to run on the treadmill at the gym two times a week. With a growing interest in short races, I tried to run a mile, walk a half-mile and then run another. I then finished up with walking another mile at a slight incline. In May of 2011, I competed in the four-mile Coronado Bay Bridge run. Shortly after, I found out I was pregnant. Now, instead of running, I walk two miles when I go to the gym.
Walking
Since I am with my three year old a lot, I try to get exercise while I am taking care of her. Thus, two times a week, I will walk to the park with her. I have a jogging stroller so this is a convenient way to get exercise. There is a park that is ¾ of a mile from our house. Living in a neighborhood with numerous steep hills, this short walk can turn into a good workout. Roundtrip, the walk is one and a half miles. In the cooler months, I walk to a park that is a mile and a half away. This walk is mostly flat but twice as far.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is the only aerobics’ class I have been able to stick with. My favorite class is on Tuesday nights. The class is an hour long and does various kicks, squats and stomach work. Since the class is crowded and high impact, I do not take the class while I am pregnant. However, after I have the baby, I will be right back in there.
Weights
As someone who wants to be tone but not bulky, I do light weights and higher reps. Typically, I use ten to fifteen pounds dumbbells to do arm curls. I do three sets of fifteen. I also use a pulley rope to work on my triceps. Setting the machine to twenty pounds, I do three sets of fifteen also.
Squats, Lunges and Leglifts
These can be done anywhere. I do three sets of each in my backyard with my three-year-old. She likes to participate too. For squats, I go down for five and up for five. I do this ten times. Then, I do ten sets of forward lunges. I always focus on keeping my knees behind my ankles. Finally, I do twenty standing leg lifts while holding onto a bench.
Fitness has allowed me to stay healthy and be a good role model for my daughter. I rarely get sick and am at an appropriate weight. Over the years, exercise has become a way of life for me.