Rocking it Hot at 39 weeks

Sometimes I feel like a traitor to women worldwide, many of whom at 39 weeks are generally uncomfortable, anxious and ready to get this baby out already!! But I don't feel this way. Yes I'm getting bigger every day, but at the same time, I've not been plagued by the discomforts that seem to dominate the last days of pregnancy - such as back ache, swelling of the face, hands and feet, pelvic pressure, constipation, urinary incontinence, insomnia and more. Some women even experience this throughout their entire pregnancy.

I have a fairly good idea why I've been so blessed; I hope I'm not speaking too soon, but to have had 39 weeks of relative ease has a lot to do with my level of fitness prior to the pregnancy. In the year prior to trying to conceive, I consciously and purposefully put myself in the best shape of my life. I'd always enjoyed great health generally, but knowing that I would eventually have a baby, I decided to push myself like never before. The key to fitness lies in many aspects of physical exertion and includes the development of the cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory system - enhanced by aerobic exercise such as running which in turn increases stamina. There's also the development of strength by anaerobic exercise such as functional and weight training. Development of strength in the core has been key in helping me carry the baby more efficiently as she grows heavier by the day. I learned that my strong abdominal muscles have helped distribute the work more evenly putting less pressure on my back for the overall weight. My back muscles were also strengthened and therefore more equipped to handle the weight.

The fact that I continued to work out throughout my pregnancy has also contributed to my energy levels, kept my weight gain in check, reduce stress and improve overall mood, made me feel good about getting bigger, and it's supposedly good for the baby and my body post birth, so we'll see! You might wonder what it is I'm doing at 39 weeks (nothing compared to before), I walk twice a day, half hour in the morning and half hour in the evening plus I do an hour of yoga 3 times per week (or more if I can).

I'm dedicating this post to Natasha Leybush, my friend and trainer for many many years. She owns Rock It Hot Fitness Studio on Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Natasha I miss you!! You changed my life for the better and taught me why taking care of my body is such an important thing; and the only way to do it is to make fitness a priority. No-one says it's easy, but it certainly is worth it!!

Have to make special mention of Evgenia Bondarenko, my #1 running partner and co-founder of the Provo Running Club!!

Tanisa Samuel