Well, since I’ve already shared my thoughts on first trimester fitness, as well as my favorite workouts for second trimester fitness, I thought it was only fitting to keep the conversation going and chat a little bit about third trimester fitness.
It really is true what they say. That second trimester is like a little piece of heaven floating between two pretty rough patches. I was feeling absolutely fantastic for a good few months there, and then I swear I hit 30-31 weeks and BAM. A lot changed.
I had been averaging workouts around 4-5x/week up until recently, and I was feeling great. I was usually able to get up at least 2-3 times during the work for early morning workouts before work, and those have always been my favorite. I’m an early workout person at heart.
However, I’ve noticed lately (aka, the past three times I’ve attempted to set my alarm for those early morning workouts), my body is just craving more sleep. And thankfully, I’ve gotten a lot better about that whole “listening to my body” thing as I’ve gotten older, so I do what it tells me. And I sleep. Because I know I should be catching up on it now while I can.
So does that mean fitness has gone entirely out the window? No, not at all! It just means that I’ve started cutting back quite a bit on the quantity (not quality!) of workouts each week, as well as modifying what I’m doing.
What’s Not Working For Me in the Third Trimester
As I’ve continued to venture into the third trimester with this pregnancy, I’ve noticed that my legs fatigue extremely fast and tend to remain sore a bit longer. My doctor said this could also partially be related to the issue with the varicose veins I’ve been experiencing this pregnancy. I’ve also noticed where a number of lower body exercises aren’t as comfortable anymore in the pelvic region, so I’ve decided to take it easy on those.
I’ve also found that I’ve had to decrease my weights selections on some certain exercises just due to the fact that it either didn’t feel right or I was just fatiguing too quickly and winding up with improper form. Always have to pay attention to proper form, my friends!
What Is Working For Me in the Third Trimester
Walking is great, although I haven’t done all that much of it lately. But now that the weather is starting to warm up a bit again, I’m hoping to be able to get out out on my lunch hour for some short walks. Some days I wind up sitting at my desk for WAY too long before realizing I haven’t moved in hours. Yikes.
I still absolutely LOVE working my upper body and I’ve been doing quite a few workouts that target that area. I’ve recently found some awesome upper body strength and toning workout videos on Grokker, and I’ve been thrilled with the variety they have.
***FYI: The first 100 readers to sign up with Grokker get 14 days free AND 40% off an annual plan! Just use the promo code NEWYEAR16 at registration. CLICK HERE to get started!***
I’ve been able to find a number of workouts that still work for me in my third trimester, utilizing a bunch of different equipment and taking various lengths of time. And I really love how there are so many different ways to filter out the videos on Grokker to find exactly what I’m looking for.
I’ve also really been into barre workouts too, since they utilize lighter weights which tend to feel good for me overall.
Barre workouts in general just give the most incredible burn! They’re so different from other workouts because even though I may not finish a workout sweating, I’m certainly going to be feeling it the next day. And actually, Grokker has had some awesome videos that have continued to work for me so far through the third trimester.
There are a few that I’ve actually done randomly in the evening while hanging out in the living room with Jay just using their iPhone app.
It made it super easy, which means a lot coming from someone who typically doesn’t enjoy evening workouts.
I’ll tell you guys…if you haven’t already noticed, I have really been into the Grokker site lately. Have you heard of it? They offer over 1,500 full length, HD premium videos, with new videos being added weekly. The classes/videos range anywhere from yoga, to weight training, dance, and sports conditioning. There are SO many!!
There are also options appropriate for every level from beginning to advanced with durations from 10 minutes to 1 hour+. Literally, I don’t see how anyone could ever get bored with the workouts on Grokker because there is always something new to try and keep you challenged! The workouts are all led by expert instructors, too, who are available on the Grokker site to answer questions, share advice and more.
And not only that, but they’ve also got a huge portion of their site that focuses on cooking, too. Since we all know that keeping healthy is more than just exercising…it’s about the food, too!
Some of the recipes they have seriously sound amazing!
I had just been talking to Jay a few weeks ago about how I wanted to start up a gym membership again after the baby arrives because I was really missing the classes and group fitness aspect. Honestly, I was really just getting bored with what I had available here at home, but he promptly reminded me that it would be absolutely silly to start up a new gym membership at this point. The closest gym that has the classes I like is at least 15-20 minutes away (and the opposite direction from where I travel), and I have no idea when I’d ever find the time for an hour workout + travel time.
But it’s okay because I’m back to being happy with the workouts I’ve been doing at home (thanks in part to Grokker!) and I have no doubt that I’ll continue to use them as I venture into postpartum fitness, too.
Discount Offer!
And GREAT news for you guys –> The first 100 readers to sign up get 14 days free AND 40% off an annual plan! Just use the promo code NEWYEAR16 at registration. CLICK HERE to get started!
Questions for Today:
- For the moms – what are some of your favorite third trimester workouts?
- Have you tried out Grokker yet??
- Do you workout at home or in a gym?
This post is sponsored by Grokker. Thanks so much for your continued support of STSL!! <3
Brynn says
Walking, barre, the elliptical and some weights were my third trimester go-today for workouts. Good for you for still moving! Right now I do a combination of home and gym workouts.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
WALKING!! lol taht was my favorite form of workouts throughout my pregnancy – and swimming!
Marielle says
Looking good girl! I’m in the same boat as you….35 weeks and starting to just feel blah! :) I am still taking pure barre classes, heavily modified though and have to take more breaks because I get so out of breath. But it really does feel good to do something! I have been walking my dog most days but am also trying to sit and rest when I can!
Courtney says
Haha, seriously! Sometimes I forget and am like, ok why am I so out of breath from this workout?! Then I’m like, oh yeah…. ;)
Katie Bearden says
I did a lot of walking and elliptical during my third trimester. Also prenatal yoga really helped my anxiety and back pain. I remember getting Braxton hicks a lot if I went too intense or wasn’t drinking enough water.
Currently, I stay home with my two boys(4 and 2yr) so we go to the ymca where I take classes or run the track. Best money I spend each month because I get two hours childcare each day- time to exercise and shower! You will find what works best for your schedule and flows with your family
Courtney says
That sounds like an amazing win-win for everyone! :)
Catherine says
If you’re ever in search of workouts in addition to Grokker, I highly recommend Body Fit by Amy. She has lots of videos on Youtube and just recently gave birth so she even has some prenatal videos and is currently working on filming some postnatal workouts.
I have a subscription to Fitnessglo for the same reason that you use Grokker. I do at home workouts and was getting bored of the same old dvds all the time and even though I have a fun time coming up with my own workouts I like feeling like I’m taking a group fitness class in the comfort of my own home.
If I ever need a change from Fitnessglo, I will certainly look into Grokker because it seems like something I’d really like.
Courtney says
Thanks for recommending, Catherine. I’ll definitely look into the Body Fit by Amy workouts, too!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
You look fantastic! I’ve never heard of Grokker, but it looks like a great resource! I’ve been loving mixing up my workouts lately, and while I haven’t tried any Barre related workouts yet, I WISH that I had during my third trimester of pregnancy! I feel like they would have reallllly helped!
Emily says
Where did you get your maternity workout pants? I can’t find any!!! Thanks!!!
Courtney says
They’re actually not maternity! They just fit really, really well under the belly, haha. They’re from Reebok a couple of years ago!
Shawna says
i’m definitely an outdoor runner but get in a few gym sessions a week, which i guess can double as a home workout as well, in a sense, since my apartment gym is 2 floors down from where i wake up…soooo i really just have to stumble into gym clothes and down the stairs. :)
Elle says
Barre has been the best for me during pregnancy! Pretty much anything can be modified but its already really pregnancy friendly. But I am so ready to really sweat again (and not from sleeping)!
Courtney says
LOL YES!