It’s no joke that there are so many changes your body goes through when you become pregnant. From parts shifting you never knew could shift (I’ll spare you the details…) to the surging emotions, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. All that being said, one of the biggest changes is the weight gain. While it’s all healthy and completely normal, it’s still something that takes some getting used to. At first, it’s the pants that feel a little “too snug.” Then it’s the fact that the pants just won’t button. Period. Then there’s the time when you’re putting on your leather pants and rip a huge hole down the crotch area (true story). Needless to say, it’s a reality. Despite all that I just said, it’s also a miracle, something I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to experience.
As I look forward into the New Year, post-Harper’s arrival, I’m also looking at ways to get myself feeling fit again. While there is a small (okay, medium) part of me that desperately will want to fit back into my jeans, my main concern is feeling athletically fit again. Pre-pregnancy, a 9-mile weekend run was a drop in the bucket. An hour long spin class was a piece of cake (okay, maybe not cake, but you know what I mean). Now, I jog… a 5mph pace… and spin classes are a thing of the past.
When I was approached by Orangetheory Fitness to partner up with them post-pregnancy I hopped on the opportunity (I’ll be documenting my experience after I get post-delievery medical clearance to work-out). I’d heard great things about the work-out from friends, and decided to try it out. I loved it. It’s a 60 minute HIIT (high interval intensity training), high energy, full body workout that utilizes cardio training, free weight training, body weight movement, and suspension training to optimize the results you see from your work-out (both during and after). Prior to the work-out I was fitted with a heart-rate monitor. Throughout the routine (which is different each class), I was able to track my heart-rate and see exactly how hard I was working (I stayed in a very safe zone for bebe and me, if you’re wondering).
One of the best parts of the work-out is that it’s completely customizable to where you are in your fitness journey. Being 7 months pregnant when I tried the class, on the treadmill I was a walker, using a steep incline to challenge myself. Whereas the person next to me was shifting between running and sprinting to increase her heart-rate and work-out gains. Have an injury? They can customize it to fit your athletic needs (i.e. think spin bike instead of the rowing machine).
And, because I’m always a firm believer in a little motivation for a work-out, a few new pieces of attire are just what I need. I’m love, loving, this get-up from Vimmia Active. Their pieces are excellent quality, comfortable, and they have the best prints and designs. I’m wearing this sports bra, top, and pants (which hug in all the right places).
Something that I’m really looking forward to is visiting some of my favorite spots with Harper. While I know she will be too young to understand any of it, I simply look forward to stopping by my favorite juice shop and healthy lunch spot, Ivy Cafe, to fuel myself and spend some QT with my little QT. And be sure to stay tuned in December (keep your eyes open for the “fitness fanatic” gift-guide) where we will be giving away something exciting with Orange Theory Fitness.
{Outfit Details || Sports Bra: c/o Vimmia | Top: c/o Vimmia (similar, and in multiple colors) |Pants: c/o Vimmia (similar) | Sweater: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nike | Bag: Tory Burch}
Photos by Taylor Cole Photography
