As someone who has been plus size most of their life, it irks me when people just assume plus size people are lazy and do nothing. What someone else does is really no one else’s business. However, these toxic statements have an unhealthy effect as to how plus size pregnancy is looked at and treated. Since I recently did a virtual 5K for Wounded Warrior Project, I want to share about how I prepared for this event. Today, I am sharing my best tips and practical advice on exercise, fitness, and health for a happy plus size pregnancy!
Plus Size Pregnancy and Fitness
The assumption that all plus size people are just lazy really irks me. It makes me pretty angry when I see people spout nonsense on how being plus size and pregnant is one of the most awful things in the world. These statements are usually made by people who really have no idea what they are talking about and need to take several seats. The toxic statements towards plus size folx contributes to them not being treated properly for medical issues and has sometimes dangerous consequences because of it. I would know as I have experienced it first hand. It is a big reason it took so long to get proper treatment for the issues that have plagued me over the last several years.
There are many plus size people, like myself, that are very physically active. Before my health issues brought me to my knees, I used exercise as a form of therapy. It was one way that helped me get through the pain of secondary infertility. It helped me work through the pain of losing two pregnancies back to back in less than a year. When I was pregnant with Crankles, I managed to do some hard hiking throughout my pregnancy. I built up my stamina to be able to keep active all the way until delivery. Physical fitness has always been super important to me.
It is also possible to start a fitness journey while you are pregnant. Always make sure you talk to your doctor when doing anything new. Also, never do anything that could put you or your baby in danger. Make sure you work your way up to things and never overdo it.
My Physical Fitness Plus Size Pregnancy Journey
If you would have told me a few years ago that I was going to be pregnant at 41, I would have laughed at you. The health issues I faced had me wondering at times if I was going to live to see 40. Sadly, a lot of what happened to me was the result of not being able to be properly treated and being misdiagnosed several times. It took being a better advocate for myself and not settling for anything less than answers to finally get to where I am now.
The impact of all the health issues took me back several steps as to where I was fitness wise. I started working towards getting back to where I was when I got pregnant. Since I used to walk, hike, bike, and do cardio like it was my job, I made it my goal to eventually get there again.
Being pregnant obviously brings some new challenges. A pregnant body changes constantly. Pregnancy brings along new pains and sensations. Plus, it makes you super tired too!
My Plus Size Pregnancy Fitness Journey
The first thing I did was tell myself to take it slow. When I first started, I could only stay on my exercise bike for about 10 minutes. I worked my way up to doing that a few times a day. When it started to get warmer, I added walking into that. Living near one of the nation’s largest metro parks made finding places to walk easy. It also helped me find ways to challenge myself with hills and various terrain.
Deciding to participate in a virtual 5K gave me a goal. It gave me a date to get myself ready. Over the summer, I worked at getting stronger and getting my stamina back. It wasn’t easy though as this summer was bad for allergies, and I have asthma. Often times, I had to be creative to keep going. I used my bike, my pregnancy fitness videos, and stepper to keep going.
However, it paid off! I was sore, but I made it through the path we chose for the virtual 5k and felt great! Not only did I make it, but I did this at 8 months pregnant!
My Best Tips for Plus Size Pregnancy Exercise and Fitness
Just because you are plus size doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy. If you want to exercise and get fit during pregnancy, I say go for it. However, be safe about it. Here are my best tips for Plus Size Pregnancy Exercise and Fitness. Be sure to pin them or save them for later!
Final Thoughts
If you are plus size and pregnant, don’t let people put you in a box of how your pregnancy should be because of your size. Toxic statements towards the plus size community are harmful and often untrue. If you want to start a fitness journey as a plus size pregnant person, go for it. Just be sure to be safe in all you do!
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Great tips, thank you for sharing!
Awersome!! and I love your style and attitude , Thanks for sharing this with us.
@tisonlyme143
If you don’t mind me saying so, you articles are truly a breath of fresh air!! Finally someone telling it like it is about plus size women, especially while they are pregnant. After my first two pregnancies, it didn’t take me long to get back into shape. After my last two, it took longer, and by no means was I lazy!! But I did have totally different experiences! I had a DVT after both of them. I had gestational diabetes. There definitely was a difference in the way I felt and the weights of my babies! That might even be why my babies birth weights were heavier and all that pressure on my leg’s circulation caused my DVTS. The doctor warned me about not having any more babies after my third one – that the next blood clot could kill me. Stubborn me though, wanted one more, because I didn’t want my third child to grow up by herself. There were 10 years separating my first one and her. There were 5 years separating her and my second baby. It doesn’t sound like a lot now, but back then, it was. Sorry I went off on a tangent. The point I was trying to make was, it was extremely difficult to bounce back after all that. I still worked full time, was raising a family, and trying to be a good wife. I used to stress, because I wasn’t losing any weight and I had to buy a new wardrobe. I definitely not lazy! I barely had time to sit down or take care of myself!
I finally had to realize, like yourself that it is nobody’s business, but my own. That there is usually other factors in your life that are going on. I did become a Diabetic. Plus if I told you what happened to me just a few years later, I would have to write a book! I was just happy that my children were healthy and beautiful 😍
This article was definitely a sharer – on Pinterest, Facebook, & Twitter.. Thank you for sharing!
I am so happy that you found this helpful. With this being my last baby, I want to make sure that I am sharing anything I can that will help others!
This was so informative to read and I thank you so very much for sharing it.
Great advice for anyone! You look beautiful!
Thank you!
Can’t wait to see photos of the baby!!! 🙂
In about 2 weeks, the photos will probably begin 🙂