When I found out in February that I was pregnant, I had just completed a pretty intense bootcamp  to become a CycleStar at CycleBar® (the boutique indoor cycling studio I work at in OKC). Two weeks before, I was riding everyday for hours at a time sweating, practicing and training towards becoming an instructor. I worked my butt off! I was determined to not let it hold me back from teaching at CycleBar. Teaching all the way up until I have this babe wasn’t an option, I was going to do it. And I have. Well, I am going to stop teaching two weeks before I have her. But I’m still going to ride until she comes!

Looking back on these last 8 months, I can see how much working out has positively impacted my pregnancy. Mentally and physically I feel awesome. I haven’t had any real complications, my feet and hands aren’t swollen and no issues sleeping.

I have stayed consistently active, working out 4-5 times a week. Honestly … I can’t believe I did it! I say all of this to say: I feel amazing at 35 weeks of being pregnant and I feel like a lot of that has to do with low impact, consistent cardio and working out.

Here’s how I did it:

1. Accountability
   Decide you are going to be active, no matter what. Tell the people around you about your commitment, broadcast it! So when you want to quit, you will remember all the people you told = automatic accountability! When I wanted to quit (and believe me, I thought about quitting every Wednesday at 4:15am when I had to get up!), I remembered all the people who believed I was in it to win it. I’m a woman of my word! Oh, and find some pals to workout with — this is key for me to stay committed pregnant and non-pregnant.
2. Month to month
   When it started getting harder and harder, I decided I was going to take it one month at a time. July came around and I mentally told myself, just get to the end of this month. Then August came and I told myself the same thing. Now we are halfway through September and I’ve only got six more classes to teach before I’m peacin’ out!
3. Consistent
   Put yourself on a schedule and stick with it. I knew the days I had off and that’s what pushed me to get through my workout days. Don’t get me wrong, I love working out. I always felt/feel so much better after class. But I also love to sleep — especially that 1st trimester. Holy moly, how can one be so tired? But I sleep better by working out so might as well get my butt in the studio!
4. Perspective
   When I start feeling sorry for myself, I check my perspective. First off, I am truly blessed to be pregnant. I recognize and don’t ever want to forget that there are women who will never get to experience pregnancy. And that pushes me to appreciate the tiredness and gaining of weight (just because I’ve worked out, doesn’t mean I haven’t gained weight — because I have!). This also motivates me to take care of myself physically and mentally. I would never want to take for granted the situation I am in. Carrying my child in my womb is a blessing and such a miracle.

Let me tell you, if I can workout during my whole pregnancy — you can too. It is hard but so worth it. Not only has it helped me but I have no doubt, it is going to pay off as I bounce back post-pregnancy. I’ll keep you all updated on how that goes!