Annoyed with holistic health posts?

I am writing about this as I can see a lot of negative comments - especially from women - all over the internet.

People see a pregnant woman exercising and here they go:

• -"Why do they all feel obliged to work out during pregnancy?"
• -"Do you know that you have to gain weight, no matter how much you exercise?"
• -"This is dangerous for the baby!"

I can't complain because my friends and followers have mostly been supportive. But when I see those comments on other accounts, I think some people around me might feel the same. So here is my take.

1. Pregnancy is Not a Medical Condition

Of course, some pregnancies are more risky than others, and I would always advise getting cleared by your health practitioner before exercising. But for women who have been exercising regularly before getting pregnant, continuing this healthy habit can only help their body stay strong and functional throughout pregnancy.

I wouldn't start something completely new that I've never done before. But my body is used to Back Squats the same way it's used to walking. So yes, Back Squats are still fine for me as my belly grows - at maybe 50-70% of the weight I used to lift, and only what feels good.

Listen to your body. Do only what feels good, physically. Your body has a lot of energy to put into this growing baby, so it is more than normal to feel more fatigued and have less strength than before.

2. Staying Active is Important

To the contrary of what most people think, working out is not all about staying fit or losing weight. There is so much more to it.

Some women will feel like training, some will feel like just walking, getting some fresh air - and this is totally fine. Life is movement. Staying active by moving your body is crucial and will help you feel good throughout pregnancy.

Oxygenating your body is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Gentle movements like Tai Chi or Qi Gong make wonders to increase your inner energy levels.

3. Each Pregnancy is Different

Social media can be awesome in many ways. But unfortunately, people tend to compare themselves to the images they see. If they don't feel good about themselves, they hate to see those images and feel the need to criticize.

No one should ever compare themselves to anyone else - only to how they were yesterday. If you don't feel like exercising because you feel too weak for that, don't! Be happy for the people who feel good, but don't compare yourself to them.

4. It Is Not Only About Working Out and Looking Good

Working out has benefits that go far beyond looks: it boosts your immune system, your digestion, increases bone strength, and makes you emotionally and mentally stronger.

But more than that - I am not only working out and then eating badly, sleeping poorly, or drowning in stress. I am truly living the HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE:

• -Meditating every day
• -Eating organic fresh whole foods as often as possible
• -Respecting my sleeping patterns
• -Getting back in touch with who I really am
• -Using whole foods as medicine
• -Listening to all my body's signs

This whole lifestyle is what allowed me to have an amazing pregnancy the whole way through. Not one infection, not one flu or cold in 4-5 years - not even during pregnancy, when the immune system is much weaker. And no medication whatsoever.

I hope I can inspire some people with the exercises and videos I post. But most transformations happen behind the scenes, in the daily decisions you make for yourself. The most successful coaching clients I've had are not necessarily the ones who work out the most - they are the ones who decided to put their health and wellbeing as a priority.

In Health and Happiness,

Stephanie