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Pregnancy Training: What I Didn’t Know
An Athlete’s Perspective
It’s a common misconception that you have to stop exercising when you’re pregnant. This is not the case! Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my own personal pregnancy training journey.
The Truth About "Morning Sickness" and Pregnancy Training
The first thing I realized is that "morning sickness" is a misnomer. It can last the whole day and night for the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy. Why do they even call it morning sickness? It should be renamed "All day sickness".
Luckily, I figured out some tricks that helped me feel better and maintain my pregnancy training routine. The more frequently I ate, the better I felt. It was challenging to shift from three big main meals to smaller amounts every 90-120 minutes. Mentally, it was tough to eat even when I wasn't that hungry, but it helped me stay on track with my pregnancy training.
A New Level of Fatigue During Pregnancy Training
The fatigue you experience during pregnancy training is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I've completed several long endurance challenges in my life, but never have I encountered this kind of tiredness. I'd close my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, only to find that two hours had passed.
My "Ultrahuman Ring," which records sleep data, revealed shockingly little deep sleep. Normally, I would average 90 minutes of deep sleep per night, compared to just 10-15 minutes during my first months of pregnancy. No wonder I was knocked out on the sofa all afternoon, making pregnancy training sessions a real challenge.
Balancing Training Intensity and Pregnancy
As an athlete, figuring out training intensity during pregnancy was a real challenge. How hard is too hard when it comes to pregnancy training? I've spent my whole life setting athletic goals and working towards them, so it was difficult to shift my mindset from training with a purpose to just exercising.
But that's not entirely accurate – the purpose of my pregnancy training has simply changed to delivering a healthy baby. Still, that mental shift wasn't easy to make. I love training and pushing myself hard in sessions, and I didn't want to give it all up. It's what I enjoy about pregnancy training, after all.
So, I did some research to set guidelines on what intensity would be okay for my pregnancy training routine. A study on elite athletes who trained during pregnancy suggests that exercise intensity over 90% of maximal heart rate might negatively impact fetal well-being. This became my ceiling – if I get close to 180BPM (which is 90% for me), I ease off and give my body time to calm down.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that this is my personal pregnancy training story, not advice for other mothers-to-be. Do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider about your pregnancy training plan. If you're interested in reading more on this subject, check out this study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703311/
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
It’s a common misconception that you have to stop exercising when you’re pregnant. This is not the case! Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my own personal pregnancy training journey.
The Truth About "Morning Sickness" and Pregnancy Training
The first thing I realized is that "morning sickness" is a misnomer. It can last the whole day and night for the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy. Why do they even call it morning sickness? It should be renamed "All day sickness".
Luckily, I figured out some tricks that helped me feel better and maintain my pregnancy training routine. The more frequently I ate, the better I felt. It was challenging to shift from three big main meals to smaller amounts every 90-120 minutes. Mentally, it was tough to eat even when I wasn't that hungry, but it helped me stay on track with my pregnancy training.
A New Level of Fatigue During Pregnancy Training
The fatigue you experience during pregnancy training is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I've completed several long endurance challenges in my life, but never have I encountered this kind of tiredness. I'd close my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, only to find that two hours had passed.
My "Ultrahuman Ring," which records sleep data, revealed shockingly little deep sleep. Normally, I would average 90 minutes of deep sleep per night, compared to just 10-15 minutes during my first months of pregnancy. No wonder I was knocked out on the sofa all afternoon, making pregnancy training sessions a real challenge.
Balancing Training Intensity and Pregnancy
As an athlete, figuring out training intensity during pregnancy was a real challenge. How hard is too hard when it comes to pregnancy training? I've spent my whole life setting athletic goals and working towards them, so it was difficult to shift my mindset from training with a purpose to just exercising.
But that's not entirely accurate – the purpose of my pregnancy training has simply changed to delivering a healthy baby. Still, that mental shift wasn't easy to make. I love training and pushing myself hard in sessions, and I didn't want to give it all up. It's what I enjoy about pregnancy training, after all.
So, I did some research to set guidelines on what intensity would be okay for my pregnancy training routine. A study on elite athletes who trained during pregnancy suggests that exercise intensity over 90% of maximal heart rate might negatively impact fetal well-being. This became my ceiling – if I get close to 180BPM (which is 90% for me), I ease off and give my body time to calm down.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that this is my personal pregnancy training story, not advice for other mothers-to-be. Do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider about your pregnancy training plan. If you're interested in reading more on this subject, check out this study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703311/
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
It’s a common misconception that you have to stop exercising when you’re pregnant. This is not the case! Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my own personal pregnancy training journey.
The Truth About "Morning Sickness" and Pregnancy Training
The first thing I realized is that "morning sickness" is a misnomer. It can last the whole day and night for the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy. Why do they even call it morning sickness? It should be renamed "All day sickness".
Luckily, I figured out some tricks that helped me feel better and maintain my pregnancy training routine. The more frequently I ate, the better I felt. It was challenging to shift from three big main meals to smaller amounts every 90-120 minutes. Mentally, it was tough to eat even when I wasn't that hungry, but it helped me stay on track with my pregnancy training.
A New Level of Fatigue During Pregnancy Training
The fatigue you experience during pregnancy training is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I've completed several long endurance challenges in my life, but never have I encountered this kind of tiredness. I'd close my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, only to find that two hours had passed.
My "Ultrahuman Ring," which records sleep data, revealed shockingly little deep sleep. Normally, I would average 90 minutes of deep sleep per night, compared to just 10-15 minutes during my first months of pregnancy. No wonder I was knocked out on the sofa all afternoon, making pregnancy training sessions a real challenge.
Balancing Training Intensity and Pregnancy
As an athlete, figuring out training intensity during pregnancy was a real challenge. How hard is too hard when it comes to pregnancy training? I've spent my whole life setting athletic goals and working towards them, so it was difficult to shift my mindset from training with a purpose to just exercising.
But that's not entirely accurate – the purpose of my pregnancy training has simply changed to delivering a healthy baby. Still, that mental shift wasn't easy to make. I love training and pushing myself hard in sessions, and I didn't want to give it all up. It's what I enjoy about pregnancy training, after all.
So, I did some research to set guidelines on what intensity would be okay for my pregnancy training routine. A study on elite athletes who trained during pregnancy suggests that exercise intensity over 90% of maximal heart rate might negatively impact fetal well-being. This became my ceiling – if I get close to 180BPM (which is 90% for me), I ease off and give my body time to calm down.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that this is my personal pregnancy training story, not advice for other mothers-to-be. Do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider about your pregnancy training plan. If you're interested in reading more on this subject, check out this study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703311/
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
It’s a common misconception that you have to stop exercising when you’re pregnant. This is not the case! Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my own personal pregnancy training journey.
The Truth About "Morning Sickness" and Pregnancy Training
The first thing I realized is that "morning sickness" is a misnomer. It can last the whole day and night for the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy. Why do they even call it morning sickness? It should be renamed "All day sickness".
Luckily, I figured out some tricks that helped me feel better and maintain my pregnancy training routine. The more frequently I ate, the better I felt. It was challenging to shift from three big main meals to smaller amounts every 90-120 minutes. Mentally, it was tough to eat even when I wasn't that hungry, but it helped me stay on track with my pregnancy training.
A New Level of Fatigue During Pregnancy Training
The fatigue you experience during pregnancy training is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I've completed several long endurance challenges in my life, but never have I encountered this kind of tiredness. I'd close my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, only to find that two hours had passed.
My "Ultrahuman Ring," which records sleep data, revealed shockingly little deep sleep. Normally, I would average 90 minutes of deep sleep per night, compared to just 10-15 minutes during my first months of pregnancy. No wonder I was knocked out on the sofa all afternoon, making pregnancy training sessions a real challenge.
Balancing Training Intensity and Pregnancy
As an athlete, figuring out training intensity during pregnancy was a real challenge. How hard is too hard when it comes to pregnancy training? I've spent my whole life setting athletic goals and working towards them, so it was difficult to shift my mindset from training with a purpose to just exercising.
But that's not entirely accurate – the purpose of my pregnancy training has simply changed to delivering a healthy baby. Still, that mental shift wasn't easy to make. I love training and pushing myself hard in sessions, and I didn't want to give it all up. It's what I enjoy about pregnancy training, after all.
So, I did some research to set guidelines on what intensity would be okay for my pregnancy training routine. A study on elite athletes who trained during pregnancy suggests that exercise intensity over 90% of maximal heart rate might negatively impact fetal well-being. This became my ceiling – if I get close to 180BPM (which is 90% for me), I ease off and give my body time to calm down.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that this is my personal pregnancy training story, not advice for other mothers-to-be. Do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider about your pregnancy training plan. If you're interested in reading more on this subject, check out this study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703311/
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
It’s a common misconception that you have to stop exercising when you’re pregnant. This is not the case! Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my own personal pregnancy training journey.
The Truth About "Morning Sickness" and Pregnancy Training
The first thing I realized is that "morning sickness" is a misnomer. It can last the whole day and night for the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy. Why do they even call it morning sickness? It should be renamed "All day sickness".
Luckily, I figured out some tricks that helped me feel better and maintain my pregnancy training routine. The more frequently I ate, the better I felt. It was challenging to shift from three big main meals to smaller amounts every 90-120 minutes. Mentally, it was tough to eat even when I wasn't that hungry, but it helped me stay on track with my pregnancy training.
A New Level of Fatigue During Pregnancy Training
The fatigue you experience during pregnancy training is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I've completed several long endurance challenges in my life, but never have I encountered this kind of tiredness. I'd close my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, only to find that two hours had passed.
My "Ultrahuman Ring," which records sleep data, revealed shockingly little deep sleep. Normally, I would average 90 minutes of deep sleep per night, compared to just 10-15 minutes during my first months of pregnancy. No wonder I was knocked out on the sofa all afternoon, making pregnancy training sessions a real challenge.
Balancing Training Intensity and Pregnancy
As an athlete, figuring out training intensity during pregnancy was a real challenge. How hard is too hard when it comes to pregnancy training? I've spent my whole life setting athletic goals and working towards them, so it was difficult to shift my mindset from training with a purpose to just exercising.
But that's not entirely accurate – the purpose of my pregnancy training has simply changed to delivering a healthy baby. Still, that mental shift wasn't easy to make. I love training and pushing myself hard in sessions, and I didn't want to give it all up. It's what I enjoy about pregnancy training, after all.
So, I did some research to set guidelines on what intensity would be okay for my pregnancy training routine. A study on elite athletes who trained during pregnancy suggests that exercise intensity over 90% of maximal heart rate might negatively impact fetal well-being. This became my ceiling – if I get close to 180BPM (which is 90% for me), I ease off and give my body time to calm down.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that this is my personal pregnancy training story, not advice for other mothers-to-be. Do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider about your pregnancy training plan. If you're interested in reading more on this subject, check out this study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703311/
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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