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Back at the end of November, I shared my thoughts on fitness in the first trimester. For me, it was a rough ride. Between the nausea, the exhaustion, and everything in between, I went weeks with barely doing a thing. I didn’t sweat it…I honestly, just tried to power through and take it one day at a time.
By the time I made it to about week 13, I was finally starting to feel like I could muster up the energy for a few small workouts. They were lower intensity, but it just felt so good to be able to move again.
Around week 15 or so is when I really started to feel like myself again. So I figured I’d try to jump back into my routine as usual, and for the most part, it’s been pretty smooth sailing ever since. Even though there are a number of workout DVD’s or online videos that I use that require a few modifications here and there, they still work great.
If I can’t do a particular move at all (i.e., anything in a prone position/laying on my stomach), I’ll usually just substitute something in on the fly. If there are moves that require me to lay in a supine position (lying face up), I’ll usually prop some pillows behind me so I’m not laying totally flat. For now, most of the modifications are minimal, but it’s all working.
So what am I doing these days, you ask?
Well, here’s a list of some of my favorite workouts these days…
21 Day Fix workouts – my favorites are the upper body, lower body, total body cardio, and Dirty 30.
T25 workouts – I stick mostly with a couple workouts from beta and gamma, since they’re more strength focused and not quite as high-intensity cardio.
Strength workouts on our new weight machine – I’ve only used this a couple of times so far, but I’m looking forward to doing some more soon.
Pinterest workouts – I’ve been doing a few of the various workouts I have pinned on my upper body board on Pinterest, which you can see here
Follow Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life’s board Upper Body Workouts on Pinterest.
The most recent workout I did was this upper body workout from Julie and it left me smoked!
10lb Slimdown/10lb Slimdown Xtreme DVD’s – my love for these workouts still runs strong! The Xtreme workouts are great when I have a little more time (closer to 40 minutes) and the regular ones are better when I’m shorter on time and/or energy (20 minutes). I have the DVD’s, but most of them are available for free on YouTube!
PiYo workouts – these are still some of my favorites because they’re so different from the others, yet leave such a great burn!
10 Minute Solution Prenatal Pilates – I LOVE this DVD. It’s broken into (5) 10-minute segments (Pilates for Buns & Thighs, Standing Pilates, Core Pilates, Pilates for Flexibility, and Total Body Pilates) and is customizable so you can choose which/how many you want to do for one full workout. It’s a much lighter pace than say, T25, but I always feel great after I do it. I’ve been trying to incorporate these once a week.
Summer Sanders’ Prenatal Workout – I don’t do this DVD as often, but it’s another one I enjoy. Summer is cute, and the workouts are broken down my trimester, as well as time (a “full length” and “express” workout for each).
Barre workouts from Gina (The Fitnessista) – Gina has a TON of amazing videos on her YouTube channel, but my favorites have been her barre workouts. I actually started easing back into workouts with these weeks ago, but have kept them in the rotation because I love them.
Jessica Smith TV – I came across Jessica’s channel on YouTube a few weeks ago, and I swear, I wind up adding new videos of hers to my “favorites” folder almost every week. I just love her!! Here are a few of my favorite workouts from her right now…
- Kickboxing Ballet Body Sculpt (30 mins) – this was the first workout of hers that I found and I LOVE IT
- Ballet Body Sculpt (30 mins)
- 20-Minute Prenatal Total Body Strength Workout
- 35-Minute Straight Up Strength Training (this video actually left me quite sore, so I may hold off on this one again until after the baby and/or figure out a way to modify a bit…the last move with pressing against the wall left my core more sore than I was comfortable with, even though it felt fine while doing the moves)
- 30 Minute Total Body Fat Burning Workout Video | Chisel & Burn
- 30 Minute Total Body Sculpting Fat Burning Exercise Video
- 20 Minute Cardio Sculpting Full Body Workout
We also just recently finally got our treadmill back up and running, so I’m looking forward to breaking out some of my favorite walking treadmill workouts (I honestly forgot how many I have!).
How often am I working out?
It really depends on the week. Most weeks, I aim to get up for 3 early morning workouts plus 1 or 2 on the weekends if time and our schedule allows. Some weeks, I only muster up 2 early mornings…others, I manage 4. Some days, I’ll do something quick after I get home with Lucas and it’s hilarious, because he tries to mimic everything I’m doing. A great way to lead by example, right?!
So overall, I’m probably averaging 4-5 workouts per week, which I am more than okay with. And I’m sure as time goes on, that will likely lessen a bit.
As for my outfit featured above, it’s courtesy of CALIA by Carrie Underwood. The line is available exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods and at caliastudio.com, where I challenge you to find something you don’t fall in love with. There are a ton of adorable tanks, sweaters, and bottoms on there right now!
The top is the Women’s Ruched Racerback Tank Top (in winetasting) and I just love it (especially since I can still currently wear it comfortably).
Isn’t the detailing and the back gorgeous??
The bottoms are the Women’s Cold Weather Printed Tight Fit Leggings (in dark cable) and they’re great, although not super stretchy so they’re a little tough to wear comfortably right now. I’ll be looking forward to having them fit a little better once the bump is gone though.
And just a reminder…the CALIA line has way more than just the workout apparel. They also sent me this ridiculously cozy Women’s Wide Collar Fleece Coat along with the Women’s Hooded Infinity Scarf.
The added hood on the scarf is so cute and totally warm, too.
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So there’s a recap of what fitness is looking like for me these days!
How about you? What is fitness looking like these days? Anyone doing any big training? Following a particular program?
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Get Social with CALIA (and use the hashtag #StaythePath!)
- Facebook: https://goo.gl/07JdeO
- Twitter: @CALIAbyCarrie
- Instagram: @CALIAbyCarrie
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caliabycarrie/
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of CALIA.
Brynn says
Love your workout top! I’m with you, once I had energy working out with modifications actually made me feel really good! The summer sanders video is good as is Tracy Anderson’s prenatal (on YouTube).
Andrea @ Pencils and Pancakes says
I just did that kickboxing/barre one that you had on your blog a couple weeks ago yesterday! It was perfect for getting a great sweat without any difficult pounding/high intensity moves that I try to avoid while pregnant. Thanks for this!!!!!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I got a FitBit for Christmas this year and included was a free trial for their FitStar Personal Trainer app so I’ve been doing those. They’re HIIT circuits and they’ve really been getting my heart rate up. While running has become very difficult again, I’m still loving it and trying to stay with it until it starts to ease up.
Lori says
I also love Jessica Smith and her workouts. I’m doing her 6-Week Total Transformation right now. Love it!
Marielle says
I’m pregnant as well with my second and also in my second trimester…..feeling so much better! :)
I try to do a mix of barre workouts and getting in some long walks with my dog. I want to check out Gina’s YouTube channel to mix up some of my barre workouts!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
I want that fleece it looks so incredibly cosy!!!
Shawna says
that coat is so cute and cozy. love the thumb holes and the wide collar – great elements. i’ve yet to try anything from her line but there are a lot of cute pieces, and i’ve heard only good things.
Andrea @ Chasing Strength says
Thanks for the great workout suggestions, I am definitely going to check out a few of these, I have been looking to mix things up lately.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Sounds like a great mix! I love Jessica Smith videos, too! And all that CALIA stuff is adorable :)
Taylor says
Love the back of the red workout top! I am doing a lot of body pump classes, running and walking these days!
Suzanne @ Life is Mix says
I love, love, love Jessica Smith. I discovered her when I was pregnant with Lane and never turned back. As a matter of fact, I did one of her workouts this morning and I’m 14 months post pregnancy. She really does have something for everyone and I truly enjoy working out with her.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
This is an AWESOME round up of pregnancy workouts! Definitely pinning this for later. All the clothes are so adorable. I really love the maroon top!
shelly says
When I was pregnant, I didn’t have energy to do anything. I started to get my energy back, right at the end. Good job getting it in!
Olivia @cravebalance says
That workout tank is super cute! I’ve been doing p90x3 with my fiancé. It’s intense but the workouts are only 30 mins long so that’s nice.
Annette Perkins says
That coat looks so comfy! And way to go on keeping up with fitness throughout the 2nd tri!
Kendra says
I love using FitnessBlender for at-home workouts!
Bethany says
Love that you are staying active while pregnant and looking cute while doing it! I am 29 weeks and DVDs, the row machine and the elliptical are my favorites these days. Running makes me hips so sore!
While I’ve been researching and studying prenatal workouts, I’ve now come to learn that organizations like Healthy Mom’s Prenatal Fitness and other sources are advising expecting moms to stay away from any type of plank exercises after the first trimester. The reasoning in the downward weight and strain can increase the chance for the women to develop diastasis recti. I notice at about 20 weeks push-ups where just not feeling right so I stopped all lateral workouts. I focus now more on thrusters, squats, and deadlifts for my core. We are all different I just wanted to share! =)
Keep up the good work momma!
Cindy says
Hello Courtney, very inspiring blog! I really like your workout program. I will also follow this workout tips.
Robin says
Hi Courtney! I’ve been reading your blog for a while but wanted to come out of the shadows to comment on an old post to thank you for sharing these free youtube video workouts! What a great option for working out at home. I am now obsessed with the Jessica TV workouts thanks to you :) Thanks for always having a great attitude and honest approach to everything you do!
Courtney says
Aww thanks so much, Robin! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the workouts!
Have a great day!!