How to exercise during pregnancy when you don’t feel like it

The first and third trimesters can be particularly difficult for expectant mothers, and the large belly that comes with the third trimester can be a large excuse for not working out. However, despite fatigue and exhaustion, it is still possible for mothers to keep up with exercise routines. One of the best ways to do this is by understanding how a recumbent bike works what muscles and the impact it has on the gluteal muscles, the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the gastrocnemius muscle. Through my experience, I hope to help other mothers stay active and motivated while they await the arrival of their little one.

Please tell me your tips too! I have 7 weeks to go and need all the help I can get.

How to Exercise During Pregnancy When You Don’t Feel Like It

1. Make Everyday Activities Heart Pumping

Whether you are taking your kids to the park, sweeping the floor or folding laundry – add moves to it that get your heart pumping. If you take your kids to the park move around with them, chase them around the equipment.  In the first trimester I walked down my 1/4 mile long drive way with David in a carrier instead of driving there. When it was time to tidy the house (before the belly) I set a timer and tried to see how much I could pick up off the floor before it dinged.  This really burned calories!

2. Maximize Your Efforts

When going for a walk, put on some weights (or wear your baby like I did). This increased the amount of work I did and burned more calories.  Another tip is to purchase shoes that increase the work your muscles do so you don’t have to work as hard.  My personal favorite are the EasyTone shoes from Reebok.  They are designed to make even simple walking more work for your muscles. The design on the soles simulate walking on sand.  My experience? They are very comfortable – even for swollen pregnant feet! I felt the most toning in my upper legs and butt, right where I need it this pregnancy.

3. Just Start Small, Fight the Fatigue

It is a well known fact that exercising releases endorphins – the happy, feel good hormones.  But when you feel sluggish, fat and would rather watch a movie than bust a move you have a huge hurdle to overcome. That is when tip #1 comes into play, but do it small when you feel like crud. Instead of jumping up and running around the house I just started to pick it up.  Then, as my blood started flowing I received an increase of energy that inspired me to keep moving and move more. The best way to overcome fatigue is to move – sounds ironic but it is true.

4. Stay comfortable

When you start working out you don’t want to put on an uncomfortable pair of work out clothes because when you are low on motivation that will be an easy excuse to quit.  Reebok just partnered with Destination Maternity to release a new line of comfortable maternity fitness clothes. There are sweats, pants and shirts and all of them are designed to move with your body to keep you feeling comfortable as you move and work out.  Find some clothes that fit you and your growing body correctly so that they do not give you reasons to quit!

What are your tips for working out when motivation is lacking?

I received a pair of Easy Tone shoes from Reebok for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.