Let me be upfront: pregnancy has not slowed me down! That’s not me being superhuman; that’s me being intentional. Moving my body every single day has been one of the most grounding things I’ve done this pregnancy, and I genuinely believe it’s making me feel better, sleep better, and stay more present. For all of you mamas out there that want to stay healthy and fit during pregnancy… this one’s for you! I put together exactly what my routine looks like right now, the challenges I’ve hit along the way, and what’s actually helping. Let’s get into it!
Movement Every Single Day
Seven days a week… that’s my baseline. It doesn’t always look the same, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. Some days I get a full 60 minutes of strength training with light cardio tacked on at the end. Other days, it’s a reformer Pilates class or a yoga flow that leaves me feeling totally reset. And then there are the days when life happens, 20 minutes is all I get, and that’s enough too!
The goal has never been to be perfect. Pregnancy can be hard enough! It’s consistency. Staying strong during pregnancy has been so important to me, not just physically but mentally. I genuinely feel like the days I move are the days I feel most like myself.
My Weekly Workout Routine
- Strength training (ideally 60 min with light cardio) — the foundation
- Reformer Pilates — incredible for core connection and mobility
- Yoga — for the days my body needs something slower
- Doing a minimum of 20 minutes of movement on the days life gets in the way
- 10,000 steps per day as my non-negotiable baseline
Athleisure I’m Loving
My Trainer Matt
Here’s the thing about being a working toddler mom: It is so easy to get sidetracked. There’s always something more urgent than the gym. That’s exactly why having a trainer has been non-negotiable for me this pregnancy. I work with Matt Tralli three to four days a week, and the accountability alone is worth everything. When someone is expecting you to show up, you show up.
Matt and I also share our pregnancy-safe movements on Instagram, which has been such a meaningful part of this journey — both for me to stay consistent and for other mamas who are looking for real, safe guidance on staying active while pregnant. If you’re not already following along, I highly recommend you do! Check it out here.
Matt also helped me lose 50 pounds in 8 months after my first baby. An experience that changed everything about how I think about food, my body, and what I know I’m capable of!
That history is genuinely what motivates me now. I know what happens when I let the sugar cravings run the show (hi, first pregnancy). I know what the road back looks like. And at 43 years old, I also know that my metabolism is not going to carry me the way it might have at 23. That’s not a complaint, it’s just reality, and I’d rather work with that reality than against it. Which means being more intentional during pregnancy so I’m not starting from scratch postpartum.
Morning Walks & the Cortisol Reset
Whenever I can, the very first thing I do is leash up my dog and walk for 30 minutes. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most intentional things I do for my body. Morning sunlight exposure is genuinely one of the best tools we have for balancing cortisol! That early light signals to your body that it’s daytime, helps regulate your circadian rhythm, and sets you up for better sleep that night.
There’s something about that morning walk that also just clears my head before the day gets loud. Highly recommend it to any pregnant mama looking for a gentle, low-stakes way to get steps in and feel good. Throw on your favorite podcast or playlist and get walking!
Dealing With…
The Iron Situation (An Ongoing Battle)
Okay, this one has been humbling. My iron has been consistently low, confirmed by my doctor and also through my own Superpower Lab testing, which I’ve been doing to get a more detailed look at my bloodwork. I’ve been doing everything “right”: iron-rich foods, iron supplements paired with vitamin C for absorption, keeping coffee away from my supplements. And my levels are still coming up low (ugh).
It’s frustrating, but I’m staying on it and working with my doctor. Pregnancy is genuinely hard on iron stores, and some bodies just need extra support. I’m sharing this because I think it’s important to be real! You can be doing everything and still struggle with something. It does NOT mean you’re failing. It means you keep going and keep advocating for yourself. You got this, mama!
The Pickleball Ankle Incident
So… I sprained my ankle playing pickleball. The wild part? It didn’t even hurt when it happened. But then the bruising showed up and stuck around for over six weeks, which (understandably) had me concerned. I got an ultrasound done to rule out a blood clot, and thankfully we were in the clear. I’ve been wearing compression socks since, which has genuinely helped with swelling and circulation.
I’ve also made the call to step back from pickleball for now and stick to occasional tennis instead. It feels a little safer, a little more controlled, and honestly? My body is telling me to be a bit more thoughtful about lateral movements right now. Listening to that.
Supplements I Actually Love
I alternate between two brands I really trust, and between them I feel like I’m covering my bases well during pregnancy. In addition to my prenatals, I also take omegas daily and magnesium glycinate — and that last one has been a game changer! Leg cramps and charley horses are no joke during pregnancy, and magnesium glycinate has helped keep them at bay. Bonus: it also helps with constipation, so it’s doing double duty, which we love.
Perelel
Prenatal supplements formulated specifically for each trimester. I also use their protein powder in my daily smoothies!
Needed
Another brand I rotate in — comprehensive and clean formulas designed with pregnancy and postpartum in mind.
Coconut Cult
My probiotic obsession, and it tastes amazing! Gut health during pregnancy is everything, and this one is seriously potent.
Nunona Bites
Nutritional food bites I’ve been loving — easy, real-food nourishment that doesn’t feel like “health food.”
What I’m Eating (and Avoiding)
First trimester? I ate whatever I could keep down. Now that those cravings have subsided, I’m being much more intentional. Sugar and super salty foods are mostly off the table, not because I’m being strict, but because my body reacts instantly. Bloating is immediate and uncomfortable, so it’s genuinely not worth it to me.
Constipation is real during pregnancy (I know we’ve all been there), and I’ve tackled it head-on by incorporating a lot more fiber into my day. My smoothies have been a huge part of this. I blend dates (nature’s magnesium bomb), Perelel protein powder, and whatever else sounds good. It’s become a daily ritual I genuinely look forward to.
Coconut Cult also deserves another mention here because the probiotic support has made a noticeable difference for my digestion. If you haven’t tried it, it’s worth it!
Nutrition I’m Focusing On
- Iron-rich foods paired with vitamin C — eating intentionally for absorption
- Daily smoothie with dates + Perelel protein
- High fiber foods to support digestion
- Coconut Cult as my probiotic anchor
- Avoiding sugar and high-sodium foods that cause instant bloat
- Nunona bites for easy, nutritious snacking
Pregnancy is not the time to disappear into survival mode. It’s an invitation to take care of yourself more intentionally than ever. We can do this!
With so much love and gratitude,
Jo
Questions, Comments?