Exercise during pregnancy..YOU can look and feel GREAT!

So we enter into that 9 month period where we seem to have NO control over our bodies...we eat strange foods, we feel strange movements and pains, we do weird things...WHAT in the WORLD is going on?? Could this little being inside that is not even the size of a grain of rice the first 2 months be responsible for all this?
Now just how do we feel? Sluggish, naseous, excited, hungry, hormonal, sleep-deprived,... you name it. Is it possible to feel GOOD while we're pregnant? Yes. Do we have to work hard to feel good...yes, if you're among the majority! It may take a little more 'effort' on your part to keep up the activities that you are used to. But the benefits FAR outweigh those feelings of wanting to become a couch potato! Some women feel great and have lots of energy during their pregnancies. Others, not so much. And if you're already chasing at least one child around, it can leave you weary and without much time for yourself.
So what can you do when you're pregnant to have energy and stay fit and happy? We have several moms in StrollerFit now who are pregnant and are doing well, despite the fact that it's summertime, and the heat is upon us (which can be draining on just about anyone!). Several moms have told me throughout the years that making that effort to do some type of activity (like StrollerFit or getting out for a walk with a little one in the stroller) most days of the week keeps them happy and fit and it keeps their children happy too. It seems that in that first trimester, when most moms feel the 'yuckiest', they do feel better just getting out and getting fresh air and moving, even if they can't do what they used to do. And if you can keep up activity in the first 3 months, there is a good chance you will be able to keep on going throughout most of that pregnancy. That could mean an easier labor, faster recovery, and quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
You can see and feel the results of exercise while you are pregnant. Keeping a balanced exercise schedule of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility is important. Of course you always want to discuss your desires with your doctor, but for most women, staying active and continuing your pre-pregnancy exercise regime is recommended. The ACSM guidelines changed some years back to be a little more 'flexible' in that a certain heartrate limit is not suggested anymore, but more to go on perceived exersion and previous exercise experiences. Chances are some things WILL need to change when you become pregnant...intensity level, resistance levels, duration of exercise, etc. But remember your body thinks that it's working just as hard, relatively speaking. It's busy doing some extra work already by protecting that little life inside you. So give your body some 'say' in what you choose to do. Do what feels good!
What types of activities did YOU do when you were pregnant that felt good? If you're pregnant now, share what you are feeling and what works for you when it comes to making sure you are staying fit and healthy!