Some women are nervous about exercising because they're worried about how their unborn child will feel. However, it's healthy to do regular exercise while you're pregnant. Working out can help prepare your body to give birth, boost your energy levels, reduce aches and pains, and improve your emotional wellbeing.
After consulting your doctor, try these great prenatal exercise classes that you can do from the comfort of your own home to stay in shape while you've got a bun in the oven.
1. BodyFit By Amy's 32-Minute Prenatal Bodyweight HIIT Workout
If you're looking for amazing prenatal workout classes, Amy's YouTube channel is quintessential. There are so many prenatal videos that you might not know where to begin! But a good starting point is Amy's HIIT workout video, which is perfect for all trimesters. The workout starts with a short warm-up, which is followed by exercises like squats, jumping jacks, and side knees.
The BodyFit By Amy YouTube channel features a lovely, pregnancy-safe workout playlist with more than 80 videos to choose from. If you feel more comfortable doing a light exercise, you can start with Amy's 10-minute seated yoga stretch (YouTube). But always remember to listen to your body and don't exhaust yourself.
2. Pregnancy and Postpartum TV's 23-Minute Prenatal Pilates Workout
If you're looking for prenatal and postpartum fitness videos, Jessica is your ultimate guide. Her Pregnancy and Postpartum TV YouTube channel consists of HIIT, yoga, and Pilates workouts.
The Pregnancy Pilates video is safe for all trimesters, and all you'll need for the workout is an exercise mat and some water. From there, you'll progress to the exercises. The class consists of gentle movements, but you'll certainly feel the burn.
Jessica's website is also a fantastic resource that's full of helpful pregnancy resources like labor guides, information about gestational diabetes, and a weight loss course.
3. PopSugar Fitness 20-Minute Full-Body Pregnancy Workout
The PopSugar Fitness YouTube channel offers several prenatal workout videos, like a second-trimester toning workout (YouTube) and a playlist dedicated to your changing body.
In this class, you'll join Anna for a 20-minute full-body workout. You'll benefit from some light equipment, like a resistance band or some weights, but you can take part in the workout without equipment too.
Anna has a prenatal workout series called Sexy Confident Mama. To join, all you have to do is pay a small monthly fee, and you'll have access to safe prenatal workout videos to keep you feeling healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy.
4. Nourish Move Love's 10-Minute Pregnancy Abs Workout
Every woman feels different throughout their pregnancy. Some have more energy, while others feel sick and sluggish. Sometimes, you might only have the energy for a quick, 10-minute workout.
This workout, led by Lindsey from Nourish Move Love, is all right for all trimesters and can help you strengthen your core muscles. The class begins with some belly breathing before moving on to eight ab exercises.
The Nourish Move Love YouTube channel provides a playlist with over 70 prenatal and pregnancy workouts. In addition, there is a range of postpartum workouts if you need help figuring out how to lose the baby weight afterward. Lindsey even has a 30-day pregnancy workout YouTube playlist that you can follow.
5. Boho Beautiful Yoga's 25-Minute Prenatal Yoga Workout
The Boho Beautiful Yoga YouTube channel offers light, lenient prenatal yoga workouts that'll leave you feeling stronger and better connected to your mind, body, and baby.
Join expecting mom Juliana as she gently guides you through a 25-minute yoga class. If you're in your second or third trimester, Juliana recommends having a wall or chair close by, just in case you need something to hold onto.
The class consists of soft yoga movements, like Child's Pose and Downward-Facing Dog. Along with the yoga poses, it includes some strengthening exercises that will work on your lower body.
6. FIT by Larie's 45-Minute Prenatal Strength and Conditioning Workout
On the other end of the scale from yoga, we have a strength and conditioning workout that can be pretty challenging for some expecting mothers.
The FIT by Larie YouTube channel has a lovely range of free workouts on her prenatal workout program YouTube playlist. There's a selection of classes available for all skill levels. If you're looking for an effective beginner workout, go for her 20-minute low-impact cardio class (YouTube).
For those looking for a full-on sweat, grab your dumbbells and join Larie for this 45-minute workout video. The workout class consists of alternative strength blocks and cardio blocks, including exercises like squat side shuffles, reverse lunges, and hip thrusts.
7. Fitnessa's 14-Minute Advanced Pregnancy Kickboxing Workout
Join Jenessa, who also has a bun in the oven, for an active, 14-minute, online kickboxing class! It's a workout that aims more toward advanced people rather than rookies as it involves a lot of movement.
A few of the moves you'll perform include sweeping punches, uppercuts, and high kicks. Just remember to listen to your body and do what feels most comfortable for you and your baby.
Jenessa has even more prenatal workout classes on her Fitnessa YouTube channel. A few must-try pregnancy workouts include her 30-minute walking YouTube workout and 20-minute booty and legs YouTube workout.
8. GlowBodyPT's 30-Minute Hot Prenatal Cardio Workout
Do you want to work up a sweat and feel a burn? If so, the GlowBodyPT YouTube channel has a challenging 30-minute cardio workout just for you. The cardio workout starts with a quick warm-up and ends with a cool-down stretch. In between, you'll be doing vigorous, fat-burning exercises like single-leg sprinters, wide squats, and plie squat punches.
Take a look at Ashley's prenatal workouts YouTube playlist that has almost 50 prenatal workouts, all of which are free and fun to take part in. Additionally, there are several playlists dedicated to workouts for the first, second, and third trimester, as well as prenatal upper-body workouts.
Expecting Moms Can Stay Active With These Prenatal Exercise Classes
When it comes to physical activity while you're pregnant, it can be tough to have the energy to get up and go to the gym every day. That's why it's great to be able to work out from home, all you need is an internet connection and YouTube.
If you want to improve your mental health and well-being as well as stay fit and energized while pregnant, these online exercise classes are sure to help!