I'm Pregnant and I Know It!

You want a quick way to get some attention and have endless gawkers? Put on a pair of bright pink high heels, leopard skin tight pants, a blue mohawk wig, and go for a walk down rodeo drive. Or you can just be a pregnant woman in her 9th month walking into a gym!

Recently, a controversy arose when celebrity personal trainer, Tracy Anderson, slammed mothers who use pregnancy as a reason to let go of their bodies. Since that statement was made, mothers across the globe have stood up in protest, wanting to do everything shy of throwing Anderson in a black hole and letting her come out the other end in a galaxy far away where she would be eaten up by a space dinosaur. 

I do not pretend to understand what a woman goes through during pregnancy or the multitude of situations that prevent certain women from having a happy and normal pregnancy.  I can, however, defend a new movement that is taking place here in the United States - Exercising during pregnancy! 

Too many people buy into the notion that a pregnant woman's place is at home, either with her feet up or "eating for two". Call me progressive. Call me feminist. Call me the Harriet Tubman of fit pregnant women. Whatever it is, I believe we should live in a world where women everywhere should be allowed to do what they want, when they want. Even if one of those crazy choices is to work out at a gym with a big ol' belly and a baby on the way. I have seen the future and it involves stair masters, treadmills, and spin classes being taken over by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester baby makers. (**Always consult a doctor first).

I encourage you to spread the word and encourage pre, post, and current mommies to exercise! If you need some persuading, here is a short list of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy:

• 1. Boost your energy
• 2. Sleep better
• 3. Reduce pregnancy discomfort
• 4. Prepare for childbirth
• 5. Reduce stress and lift your spirits
• 6. Improve your self-image
• 7. Get your body back faster after childbirth

As I said before, I cannot begin to understand what a pregnant woman goes through, but I can say that if you are a healthy woman with a clean bill of health from you doctor....get your and your baby's booty into the gym! You'll thank me later.

My beautiful wife at 9 months pregnant! (45 minutes on the stair master)

Nicole, this goes out to you too!