(L-R: 10 weeks, 18 weeks, 37 weeks, and 7 months old)
So I am 18 weeks, which means I am just about half way done with pregnancy… THAT is crazy, my friends. Like, actually mind blowing. To be honest weeks 17 & 18 have been the weeks I have said, “Oh, dang. I really am pregnant.” Yesterday morning, I cried (like wept) because I didn’t know what to wear to church. All my jeans were too tight and I found myself crying while my sweet husband steamed the dress I had on, because it was wrinkled… We are talking WEEPING you guys.
Halfway through my meltdown, I thought to myself, “Oh crap- this will be funny in a couple of hours, I am sure.” It certainly wasn’t in the moment, though. Week 17 I started to have pain in my belly for the first time, which made me call the 24 hour care line at almost midnight for my practice, because if I could imagine what contractions felt like… this was it. Turns out, my belly was just growing finally… ha. Round ligament pain… who knew? Not me. But, a few days later, my belly was indeed noticeably larger and is legit growing daily now. It’s… both exciting and slightly terrifying ha. I ordered leggings yesterday at 6 AM, because… well, my pants just ain’t gonna last much longer.
Week 17 was my first workout at Pure Barre, too, that I actually contemplated leaving in the middle of class about 6 times. I legitimately was calculating my escape route because I just straight up felt PREGNANT. From the very first second of warm up, barely able to lift my knees, I knew it was going to be a rough workout. We all have days like that, pregnant or not. But, I knew I could finish and I fought for it. See, when I got pregnant I was so thankful for Pure Barre. I knew I was in the best shape I have ever been, which will help make pregnancy and labor easier, but I will also be able to continue with my routine to maintain my health and fitness goals throughout my pregnancy. I had taken class next to multiple women in the middle of their pregnancies, and taken tons of classes taught by these ladies who I have had the joy of watching kick everyone’s butt all while pregnant themselves. (And then, go to class afterward.) They are rockstars and gave me hope that I could do this, too.
Each of us in these photos have done barre throughout pregnancy, and everyone (besides me) have had healthy babies with seamless labor before. (Pictured are 7 barre babies: 3 babies in bellies and 4 out of the womb.) You just can’t deny Pure Barre and staying active throughout pregnancy played a huge role in both of these. Doing Pure Barre throughout pregnancy equips you for labor. When I want to give up in the middle of class, I fight and tell myself I can do it, and it will be the same mindset in my birth of baby boy. I know classes are mentally preparing me and empowering me, all while keeping my body in shape and ready.
I am so grateful for Pure Barre, but especially throughout my pregnancy. I also know that post-pregnancy, getting back in shape will be easy with Pure Barre. All my fears about my body changing really have been settled because of the barre. I can’t suggest it enough, and I may sound like a broken record at this point… but, if you haven’t tried Pure Barre, what are you waiting for? It really is the best workout. Whether it is the only workout you do or is a supplement to running or something else, it’s the best toning results you’ll ever see.
Love you guys! Who is going to try out barre this week for the first time?! If you are in Allen or Mckinney, our studios are doing first week free. (SAY WHAAA?) You can’t beat that! So, see you there right?
xoxo- Han
All photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah
Hannah, thank you so much for writing this post! I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and also a Pure Barre instructor in Tyler, tx. Being an instructor I was already obsessed with this workout but i have become even more passionate about it while being pregnant. It has helped me stay strong and confident while my body undergoes many many changes.
I am so glad you have chosen to continue with Pure barre classes during your pregnancy. Keep it up! I’ll be praying for a smooth and healthy pregnancy for you! Let me know if you’re ever In Tyler, I’d love to have you in class!