Alignment is key to feeling your best. During pregnancy, your body is working overtime to accommodate that adorable little belly, but all those changes can throw your posture out of whack. You might find yourself slumping forward or developing a “duck” back posture. Uh-oh! Bad posture during pregnancy can lead to back pain, tension in your shoulders, and a whole lot of discomfort. So, let’s talk about good posture (the kind that’ll have you feeling like the strong, empowered mama you are). Here’s what you want to keep in mind: Ears Over Shoulders: Imagine there’s a string pulling your ears straight up toward the ceiling. You want your neck to be aligned with your spine. Keep that chin up and avoid letting it poke forward. Shoulders Back and Down: Your shoulders should be in line with your hips, not rounded forward. This will help reduce tension and avoid that “hunched” feeling Ribs Over Pelvis: We’re not saying you have to stand like a soldier, but try to make sure your ribs don’t jut out. Instead, think of bringing them gently over your pelvis to keep your spine in its natural alignment. When you sit, aim for those sitz bones (those two bones in your bum). They should be pressing into the chair, not your tailbone. Tucking your tailbone can mess with your glutes, core, and back. Not cute. So, sit tall and proud! Aligning your body might feel like a workout at first, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. Once you get the hang of it, your body will thank you by feeling stronger and more supported throughout pregnancy.
Hey mama, how are you doing? Not the "smiling for visitors" version or the "I’m fine, just tired" response. We mean, really ; how are you? The 4th trimester (those first 12 weeks postpartum) can feel like a whirlwind of feeding schedules, healing bodies, sleepless nights, and trying to figure out who you are now. Everyone’s asking about the baby, but we’re here to ask about you . At ABC Fit Collective, we know that those early weeks can be both beautiful and brutally hard. You’re doing your best to take care of a brand-new human while trying to recover physically and emotionally. It’s a lot—and we want you to know you don’t have to do it alone. So we put together this guide with our top 4th trimester do's and don'ts to support you during this incredibly important (and often overlooked) phase. No perfection required; just support, encouragement, and some gentle guidance.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show love—and let’s be real, as moms, we often forget to love ourselves first. Between the kids, work, and everything else, it’s easy to put ourselves at the bottom of the list. But this Mother’s Day, we want to encourage you to put yourself at the top of that list. Whether you’re buying a gift for yourself or suggesting ideas for someone else to gift you, it’s time to prioritize self-care. Let’s be honest, moms, you deserve it. So, we’ve come up with a few Mother’s Day gift ideas that focus on what really matters—taking care of YOU. We know the drill—Mother’s Day comes around, and we’re busy taking care of everyone else. Maybe you’re planning a special day for your kids, juggling the kid’s schedule, or running around handling all the other demands of the day. At the end of the day, the last person we think of is ourselves. But we’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A couple of years ago, one of us found herself feeling totally drained, unable to focus on fitness or even enjoy little moments of peace. That’s when we realized: we need to take a step back and invest in ourselves, and Mother’’s Day was the perfect opportunity to start that journey.
Your Fitness Journey Through Pregnancy: What to Expect & How to Adjust
Let’s be real: Pregnancy is magical, but it can also come with its share of challenges. From weight gain to back pain to those super fun mood swings, there’s a lot going on. But did you know that strength training during pregnancy can help lower the risk of common complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even a C-section delivery? By staying active and strengthening those core muscles, back, legs, and pelvic floor, you’re giving your body the support it needs to handle the growing baby bump. Plus, strength training can help you recover faster postpartum. So, let’s keep that alignment, breathing, and core strength in check to help protect your body and reduce the likelihood of those pregnancy complications!
Have you ever found yourself staring at a plate of food, wondering if what you're eating is actually doing anything for you or your growing baby? Or maybe you’ve Googled "best foods to eat during pregnancy" one too many times, only to end up overwhelmed and more confused than before? We get it. Nourishing your body during pregnancy can feel like navigating a maze. Between the cravings, the morning (or all-day) sickness, and the never-ending stream of advice from the internet, friends, and strangers in line at the grocery store, it's a lot . But here’s the good news: fueling your body during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, a few simple nutrient-focused tweaks can make a world of difference for both you and baby. Let’s break it down together.
Your Fitness Journey Through Pregnancy: What to Expect & How to Adjust
Oh hey, mama! You've made it to your second trimester, and we’ve got some great news: It’s time to get moving! Your body is starting to settle into the groove of pregnancy, and now is the perfect time to engage in a safe and fun exercise routine. The morning sickness is fading, your energy is coming back, and that “pregnancy glow” is real—let's take full advantage of it! Whether you’ve been active before or are just starting your fitness journey, exercise in the second trimester is a game-changer. But, like everything else in pregnancy, it’s important to listen to your body, go slow, and always prioritize alignment, breath, and core. We’re here to help you get the most out of this time while keeping both you and baby safe and strong! Ready to learn the do’s and don’ts of a safe, fun prenatal exercise routine? Let’s dive in!
Congrats, mama! You’ve made it to the third trimester! Whether you’re feeling a little exhausted, a little excited, or a whole lot of both, you’re getting closer to meeting your sweet baby. But one question on your mind is probably: Can I still work out? The answer is YES, absolutely! Fitness during the third trimester is not just safe, it’s essential for both you and baby. At ABC Fit, we believe that the training goal in the third trimester should be about maintaining the strength you’ve built during the first and second trimesters. You’ll need all that strength and power for the big day—labor and delivery. So, let’s break it down! Here's how to keep moving, stay strong, and prepare your body for the main event: birth.
The Benefits of Strength Training While Pregnant: Feeling Strong, Confident, and Ready for Anything!
Pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster, right? Between the hormones, the body changes, and the constant ‘where did I put my keys’ moments, it’s no wonder you’re looking for something to help you feel a little more like yourself again. Well, we’ve got news for you, mama: strength training might just be your new BFF. 🏋️♀️ We know, we know—lifting weights while pregnant doesn’t exactly sound like a walk in the park, but stick with us. Strength training during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby—and trust us, it’s not just about looking toned (though that’s a nice perk too!).
Did you know that your sense of smell goes into overdrive when you're pregnant? Your heightened estrogen levels can make you extra sensitive to certain odors, which can easily send your stomach into a tailspin. But here’s a trick that can totally help: Take a deep breath of a calming scent, like lemon, rosemary, or mint! These fresh, zesty aromas can help reset your senses and ease nausea. Whether it’s a lemon-scented candle or a sprig of fresh mint, getting a pleasant scent going through your nose is like a little burst of energy for your stomach. So, the next time you're feeling queasy, sniff away—and feel the magic! Pro tip: Essential oils in a diffuser or a few drops on a cotton ball can work wonders, too!
Hey mama, how are you doing? Not the "smiling for visitors" version or the "I’m fine, just tired" response. We mean, really ; how are you? The 4th trimester (those first 12 weeks postpartum) can feel like a whirlwind of feeding schedules, healing bodies, sleepless nights, and trying to figure out who you are now. Everyone’s asking about the baby, but we’re here to ask about you . At ABC Fit Collective, we know that those early weeks can be both beautiful and brutally hard. You’re doing your best to take care of a brand-new human while trying to recover physically and emotionally. It’s a lot—and we want you to know you don’t have to do it alone. So we put together this guide with our top 4th trimester do's and don'ts to support you during this incredibly important (and often overlooked) phase. No perfection required; just support, encouragement, and some gentle guidance.
Step 1: Give Your Body Time to Heal
Diastasis Recti is when the rectus abdominis muscles—aka your “six-pack”—separate, creating a gap in your abdominal wall. This happens during pregnancy as your body makes room for your growing baby. But, here’s the kicker—this separation can stick around postpartum, which means your core may not feel as strong or supportive as it used to. Imagine a thinning of the linea alba (the connective tissue that holds those abs together). The result? A soft, sometimes “puffy” belly, and a core that feels a little… well, weak. Here’s the deal: Up to 60% of women experience DR during or after pregnancy, but it’s not just a “mom thing.” Men can also suffer from it, especially if their abdominal muscles aren’t balanced. So, it’s not just about looking pregnant—it’s about feeling supported in your core again.
Let’s get real for a second—how long will it really take your postpartum body to fully recover? If you’ve recently had a baby, or you’re about to, you’ve probably found yourself wondering this exact question. And, honestly? The pressure to “bounce back” is everywhere—from social media to well-meaning friends and family. But let's put that myth to rest right now: your postpartum journey is NOT about bouncing back. It’s about healing, reconnecting with your body, and embracing the incredible transformation you've just gone through. You’ve just grown and birthed a human. That is nothing short of miraculous. And trust us, your body is NOT in a race to go back to “normal”—because normal is already behind you. You are a new version of yourself, and that’s something to celebrate!
Parenthood— It’s not just an emotional rollercoaster; it’s also a physical workout! Between holding your baby for hours on end, lifting them in and out of cribs, carrying all their seemingly endless belongings, and performing the daily squat-a-thon of picking up toys, you’ll quickly realize: that baby isn’t getting any lighter. Don’t worry, though. At ABC Fit Collective, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help you build the strength, stability, and stamina you need for the ultimate fitness challenge: parenthood. Whether you're expecting or already deep in the trenches of diaper duty, these four exercises will help you stay strong, pain-free, and ready to take on the day-to-day demands of raising a little one.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show love—and let’s be real, as moms, we often forget to love ourselves first. Between the kids, work, and everything else, it’s easy to put ourselves at the bottom of the list. But this Mother’s Day, we want to encourage you to put yourself at the top of that list. Whether you’re buying a gift for yourself or suggesting ideas for someone else to gift you, it’s time to prioritize self-care. Let’s be honest, moms, you deserve it. So, we’ve come up with a few Mother’s Day gift ideas that focus on what really matters—taking care of YOU. We know the drill—Mother’s Day comes around, and we’re busy taking care of everyone else. Maybe you’re planning a special day for your kids, juggling the kid’s schedule, or running around handling all the other demands of the day. At the end of the day, the last person we think of is ourselves. But we’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A couple of years ago, one of us found herself feeling totally drained, unable to focus on fitness or even enjoy little moments of peace. That’s when we realized: we need to take a step back and invest in ourselves, and Mother’’s Day was the perfect opportunity to start that journey.
1. At-Home Gym Equipment for Busy Moms
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show love—and let’s be real, as moms, we often forget to love ourselves first. Between the kids, work, and everything else, it’s easy to put ourselves at the bottom of the list. But this Mother’s Day, we want to encourage you to put yourself at the top of that list. Whether you’re buying a gift for yourself or suggesting ideas for someone else to gift you, it’s time to prioritize self-care. Let’s be honest, moms, you deserve it. So, we’ve come up with a few Mother’s Day gift ideas that focus on what really matters—taking care of YOU. We know the drill—Mother’s Day comes around, and we’re busy taking care of everyone else. Maybe you’re planning a special day for your kids, juggling the kid’s schedule, or running around handling all the other demands of the day. At the end of the day, the last person we think of is ourselves. But we’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A couple of years ago, one of us found herself feeling totally drained, unable to focus on fitness or even enjoy little moments of peace. That’s when we realized: we need to take a step back and invest in ourselves, and Mother’’s Day was the perfect opportunity to start that journey.
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