At 33 weeks pregnant, the author shifted focus to walking as exercise, aiming for 10,000 steps daily. Benefits include relieving constipation, improving sleep, healthy weight gain, lowering risk of complications, boosting mood, and easing back pain. Walking also aids heart and lung health and promotes postpartum recovery. Listen to your body and stay hydrated.
During and following her pregnancy, a woman shifted her perspective and routine for exercise, emphasizing health as a feeling rather than appearance. Initially prioritizing strength training and spin classes, she now embraces gentle, low-impact activities like walking, yoga, and moderate strength training to accommodate her body’s changing needs and to maintain well-being for herself and her growing baby. Despite dealing with fatigue and illness, she adjusts expectations, focusing on flexibility and self-compassion, leaving her grateful for the experience’s impact on her exercise goals and focus.
