Hump Day-Bump Day Special Feature…
Fit & Healthy Mommy-To-Be of the Month
I’ve decided to feature an Expecting More™ mommy-to-be once a month on Hump Day-Bump Day. I’m so proud of all the women who’ve reached out to me about their positive experiences in using the program, so I thought it would be fun to hear from some of them.
Up first is Lauren Senter. No doubt, there is some bias here, but hey, it’s my first one! Lauren is a new friend of mine. I actually met her husband, Nate, first. Nate Senter will definitely have his own shout out on here soon, as I am super privileged to have him kick my butt in the gym on a regular basis. He’s one of the best trainers I know. The Senters are also one of the tallest and funniest couples I know, so make sure you read on. Some of Lauren’s responses will definitely make you chuckle.
So introducing the beautiful Lauren Senter (Did you check out her hot mama picture?) . . . She is a first time mommy-to-be due with her first baby on August 10 (That’s this week!). Lauren moved to Los Angeles two years ago with Nate, who is a personal trainer, from Chicago. Lauren works full time in sales & marketing for Equinox Fitness health clubs, and she is also a pilates instructor, a marathon runner, and a former college athlete (volleyball), so fitness is simply part of her life.
Read on for a little Q & A with Lauren:
So what kind of workouts did you do during your pregnancy?
Before I was pregnant I ran, did Pilates two to three times a week, and did a lot of circuit training with weights and kettle bells. I have not ran since I’ve been pregnant. During my first and second trimester I was exhausted so instead I chose to walk. A lot! My 3rd trimester has actually been the easies,t and I’ve had the most energy. I wasn’t going to start running now, so I walk a lot faster and longer. I still do Pilates and it has been amazing!! I may not have a lot of core strength at this point, but I still feel extremely strong through my center and pelvic floor (those muscles to help push out baby). Also, it’s helped in keeping my upper back strength and flexibility in my hips and low back. Circuit training was not happening, so I switched to doing mostly kettle bells three times a week – lots of swings, squats, lunges, dead lifts, rows and planks. I felt so strong after every workout and I got a bit of cardio too. My FAVORITE exercises are single leg step ups on a box to reverse lunges or lateral step ups to a curtsy squat – all done with my own body weight. It gets harder every week because of that natural increase in weight. Love, love, love!
I started using Expecting More™ during my third trimester, when all the comments (positive and negative) at the gym became overwhelming. I love Disc One, Sweat Strong Up and Sweat Strong Down. The workouts were a perfect compliment to what I was already doing. The best part of the DVD is I felt like I was in the room with Sara. I wanted to talk to her and say “Hey, my preggers friend, thank you being with me, and I’m happy I’m not doing this alone.” I wish I would have started it sooner and with my next pregnancy I definitely will. The best thing about Expecting More™ is that because of the way the provided calendar works, you’re always doing something different, so you don’t have to fight the workout blues.
What has been other people’s reactions to you working out during your pregnancy?
I have received mixed reactions, I get a lot of “Wow! I cannot believe all the exercises you can still do, that is so inspiring!” This is not only fantastic to hear, but it’s kept me motivated. I also get a lot of “Do you think you should be doing that?” or “You’re going to work that baby right out.” My reactions were never snide or rude, instead I would opt for something short and sweet like “I love this exercise, it feels great on my back.” Guys especially love to chime in. They’ll NEVER know how it feels to be pregnant, so the fact that they comment at all is beyond me, but I cannot blame them for their ignorance in thinking that we’re fragile.
Why was staying fit during your pregnancy so important to you?
First and foremost, a healthy mommy equals a healthy baby. Additionally, I want to be able to bounce back after pregnancy. I’m not talking about bouncing back to pre-baby body (of course this will take time), but more knowing that my recovery will be shorter and easier. I look at birth the same way I looked at the marathon. I am training for an event! If I do nothing, then my body will give me nothing in return. Plain and simple, labor is demanding. Why would I go into something knowing it’s going to be a physical but not properly train for it?
Do you have any favorite products you used during your pregnancy that made you feel sexy and strong?
There are certain things I couldn’t live without like cocoa butter (for itchy tummy days), Ingrid & Isabel maternity leggings (I lived in these 4-5 days a week) and a really great pair of heels. My feet didn’t swell or grow during my pregnancy, so I actually bought a pair in my third trimester. It seems to boggle people when an eight month pregnant woman is wearing three inch heels. I say who cares, if it makes you feel good. They think it’s bad for your back, but all of my workouts have kept my back in tip-top shape so give me my heels!
What was your diet like during your pregnancy?
I already ate pretty healthy, so I didn’t have to change a lot, however, I’ve never drank so much water in my entire life. I feel like a camel. I am always extremely thirsty, but I stick to water; there is no nutritional need for juice and I haven’t had soda in over 3 years (humble brag, I am quite proud of this). The only thing I crave is citrus, eggs and yogurt/cheese, but they were never intense cravings. I hear “craving” and I picture a pregnant chick knocking people over to get what she wants. I need to come up with a new word it’s too intense for me. I have not been able to eat salmon. I loved it before I was pregnant, but I cannot stand it now. I think it’s the smell.
What has been the best part about being pregnant?
The random conversations I’ve had with people. Your belly becomes a conversation starter. I could be in a room full of strangers and have ten new friends by the time I left. People are curious about pregnancy and I will delightfully indulge them.
What has been your least favorite thing about pregnancy?
Least favorite thing is my insane sense of smell. I can smell a fart from a mile away. It’s mind boggling.
Do you have any fears about labor or being a new mom?
I have no fears about labor. My motto is ‘bring it on.” I told my husband I need to rock a cut off belly shirt and some sweat bands when we go to the hospital. Remember, I’ve been training. I think it’s natural to be nervous about being a new mom. I think I’m more curious than anything. Life will be different, but I cannot even imagine how much more fulfilled my days will be!
Do you have any advice or information about pregnancy that you learned through your experience that you wish you had known before you were pregnant?
I say listen to your doctor, maybe read 1 or 2 books (too much info is bad news), and brush off any advice. Everyone thinks they’re an expert. I think it’s disrespectful to assume that my experiences will be the same as someone else’s. Pregnancy and especially labor are different for everyone, so who am I to say what someone should expect? Also, what a beautiful way to bond with your baby by figuring it out together.
Lots of thanks to Lauren for being the first EXPECTING MORE™ Fit & Healthy Mommy-To-Be of the Month. If you want to be considered for September, or you know of someone who worked out during their entire pregnancy, and even used the Expecting More™ pregnancy workout program, email your or her info to info@sarahaley.com. All mommies-to-be chosen will receive a gift bag with some of Sara’s favorite pregnancy and new mommy items.