My name is Rachel Stinchcomb. I grew up and live in Pasadena. I am a Kindergarten teacher in Anne Arundel County. I ended up at Wreck Room because my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law were members and would talk about how much they loved it. I knew I needed something different in my workout routine and something to push me out of my comfort zone. I’m glad I joined and wish I would have joined sooner!
My main focus while working out during my pregnancy was to maintain my physical fitness level. I didn’t want to make any excuses just because I was pregnant to not come to the gym anymore. I have read several articles and received a lot of advice from my doctor explaining how important it is to exercise during pregnancy. It will help with labor and my recovery afterwards.
I am almost 30 weeks pregnant and there are some things I now have to modify during my workouts. The first thing I had to modify were my burpees. I use 2 abs mats for this movement to protect my belly from hitting the floor. Also, I had to modify my power/hang snatches. Instead, I have been working on dumbbell snatches. I am sure in these last couple months of pregnancy, I will have to modify more movements but I am happy to show up and get a good workout in! I plan my week around the gym. My weeks can be very busy! Some days I tutor after work or I have trainings or meetings. My goal every week is to get to the gym at least 3x, if not more. My goals right at Wreck Room are to maintain my current fitness level and be consistent in my workouts.
I feel just as good now as I did during pre-pregnancy training. I do take more breaks during my workouts than I normally would, however, I have more energy and I feel great about myself after each workout! Even in my first trimester when the fatigue and nausea was getting the best of me, I still showed up (that’s the hardest part!) and did what I could.
I would say the main thing that has changed (besides my belly getting much bigger) is my mentality during my workouts. I do not doubt myself or think I cannot do something because of my pregnancy. I surprise myself after each workout and I am proud that I came in that day and finished the WOD.
My favorite Wreck Room moments during this change would have to be everyone’s encouragement at the gym. Hearing a lot of positive feedback and encouragement is very motivating especially when I am working out for two.
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