6 exercises you can do while pregnant #TryALittleGoodness #ad

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One of my main goals this pregnancy was to not stop exercising. My other goal was to not gain weight too fast – or starve when I’m working out. Exercising while pregnant can be tricky. I have to have a lot more water on hand (where as before, I could get through a workout without my bottle of water.) I tend to keep snacks with me – like the goodnessknows® snack squares – because I can go from not hungry to famished in about 3 seconds.

Way back in August, I finally felt like I was at a good point with my workouts. Running was decent and I had two long-at-the-time runs in DC. Then I hit a wall…..and learned I was pregnant. I was lifting weights more consistently and running was fun. I was trying new things and I didn’t want to lose that.

At the end of the summer I also started feeling nauseous at all hours. The only thing that helped with my nausea was eating small snacks constantly. I keep snacks in my office, purse, gym bag, lunch bag, car. Everywhere I may need something. The goodnessknows® snack squares are so convenient for this because they aren’t huge portions, and they’re easy to grab at you’re local Walmart. (They happen to be in the check-out line near the registers.) They come in three flavors: Cranberry, Almond, Dark Chocolate; Apple, Almond & Peanut, Dark Chocolate; and Peach & Cherry, Amond, Dark Chocolate. The goodnessknows® snack squares in Apple, Almond & Peanut, Dark Chocolate is a personal favorite of mine.

In addition to keeping my snacking in check, I really wanted to continue weights during my pregnancy. I did talk to my doctor from the get-go to make sure I had all of the permission I needed to continue with my regular exercise. That said, here are a few of my favorite exercises.

1 – Bent over row with dumbbells – Using a chair or a bench for support, hold one weight with a straight arm, and raise so your elbow is at the same level as your back (or the weight is chest level.)

2 – Bicep curls – Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate bicep workouts into your routine. These are fairly common and you hold light weights in each hand, in front of you. Bend one arm at the elbow until the weight is at chest height. 15 times on each side for 3 sets. I alternate arms.

3 – Tricep Extensions – Holding a light weight (I’m down to about 8-10 pounds), lean on a bench or chair for support. Bend your arm, and raise it behind you. Repeat 15 times on each side for 3 sets.

4 – Fire hydrant kicks – This is just how it sounds. When you’re on all fours, keep your leg bent as you raise it to the side – as if you’re a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. Repeat 15-20 times on each leg for 3 sets.

5 – Glute kickbacks – No weights necessary, you just have to be on all fours. And kick one leg back (straight) and repeat 15-20 times. (3 sets on each leg.)

Bonus – Oblique Side Bend – for this one, hold a weight in one hand and lean to that side until the weight is close to your knee, then stand back up straight. Repeat 20 times on one side, then switch sides. (I’ve seen people do this with weights in both hands, but I only use one weight.)

I try to do weights at least twice a week, with the rest of my workouts focusing on cardio. With these exercises, I will do 15 reps (on each side) three times. I alternate between the weights I use – anywhere from 5 to 12 pounds at this point.

I don’t leave home without my water bottle, and I don’t go anywhere without food in my bag. The goodnessknows® snack squares are convenient and I love knowing I can have them at the gym with me, or I can eat one right before a workout. When I workout at lunchtime, I need something to hold me over until I eat a full meal. These do the trick.

Do you snack throughout the day? What is your go to snack when you’re on the go or heading into an intense work out?