When You Can't Find Energy to Exercise During Pregnancy

Find the energy to exercise during pregnancy with these 12 simple tips to stay motivated for your prenatal workouts.

Why is it so hard to workout while pregnant?

Increase in body weight and energy requirements along with hormonal changes can have you feeling physically an mentally unprepared for a workout.

Between the physiological changes, mental and emotional stress, and still maintaining your regular To-Do’s, it’s understandable, and even relatable, that you lack motivation to workout during pregnancy.

During my pregnancies I have felt great and energetic, like nothing could stop me. I have also felt like simply bringing the food to my mouth was too much work.

With every pregnancy, I have tried to listen to my body and adjust my fitness routine around what will supplement my body and mind, not take away.

Some days that may be a walk, stretching, or balance work. Exercise that is low intensity but still effective.

Other days, I am ready to take on a challenge but only in weight, pace, or duration to avoid burning out.

How to get energy to workout while pregnant?

Be productive. One of the best things I have found to get me motivated is to get the ball rolling with my task list. For me, knocking out some chores makes me feel accomplished and ready to take out the “task” of my daily workout. As a result, my body “wakes up” for the day.

Something is better than nothing. Keep in mind that any exercise, a walk in the park, a 10 minute workout, or even stretching is better than nothing. So just do something!

hip stretch to help get energized for exercise

Stay hydrated. Water, water, and more water! Drink enough to maintain that pale yellow color. A simple cue if you are hydrated. If you have a hard time try my Simple Hydration Hacks For Pregnancy!

Get the right nutrition. Be sure to take that prenatal vitamin and review your diet with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper nutrients.

Get those Zzzz’s. Try your best to get those 8 hours of sleep. Harder said than done but it makes all the difference. If you can squeeze a nap in, do it!

Find balance. Stress is cumulative. Work, relationships, kids; all the things that require you to pour from your cup can be adding up and draining your energy levels. Reevaluate and try not to spread yourself too thin while balancing fitness and motherhood.

Start the day off with your workout. Even if you did not get the best night of sleep, you will have the most energy at the beginning of your day. Schedule your morning workout like it’s an important meeting with yourself, because it is! Try my morning workout motivation tips if you need a little push.

Stay fit during your pregnancy

9-Month Prenatal Workout Plan

CHECK IT OUT!

How to get motivated to workout while pregnant?

Set a goal that has an impact. It could be as simple as getting 30 minutes of activity each day to boost your mood. Maybe it was to maintain your strength for a better recovery. Or to build stamina for labor. Whatever reason, it should be meaningful to your health and happiness.

Maintain consistency. Building a habit will help you keep your routine because you will be physically and mentally counting on that exercise time. Staying motivated over 9 months as your energy levels fluctuate may be a challenge, and that’s ok! Try not to be too hard on yourself and do your best.

Be flexible. Maybe your body is telling you to take a day to just rest even if you planned on working out. Or you are not feeling up to the HIIT workout you had planned. Go with the flow and opt for a light weight lift or slow stretch instead! It is easier to stay motivated when you do not feel drained or forced.

Set a routine. People are creatures of habit. We like it. Your body likes it. Try to maintain a consistent workout time each day or pattern throughout the week so your mind doesn’t try to talk you out of it.

Hold yourself accountable. That could be incorporating a workout buddy. Or telling your husband to ask how your workout went that day. Even keeping an accountability chart that calls for little rewards after you hit a goal, like a prenatal massage or new nail polish.

(Pssst! click the link above for your very own FREE accountability chart)

Finally, make it fun! Try new workouts. Put on your favorite music and dance for exercise. Get your kids involved. Whatever brings the most joy to your fitness.

Stay strong mama

You may feel like you have no energy to exercise during your pregnancy, but you just have to find it! Now scroll down for follow along workouts to help you get motivated on those lazy days.