My fitness journey started many years ago as a cardio bunny, always losing and gaining the same 5-10 lbs without ever feeling comfortable in my body or seeing exercise as anything more than just a tool to change your body. Luckily, I eventually figured out that weight lifting and trying to build muscle was the key, made some big physique improvements, became a coach and have embraced and sustained fitness as a lifestyle ever since. Fast forward to my second pregnancy: I’d been lifting seriously for about five years and was no stranger to using bulks and cuts to induce physique changes. So, I decided to treat my pregnancy like a building phase: I used the principles of effective training and continued to lift, while fuelling my body with high quality foods and plenty of protein, eating to my hunger and in a caloric surplus. I knew I would gain weight, but I tried to build/maintain as much muscle as possible along the way. And it worked: I felt strong through my pregnancy without any of the aches and pains I experienced with my first; and, because of the metabolic benefits of adding muscle, I was able to lose the weight after pretty quickly. That’s not to say that there isn’t nuance to training while pregnant and postpartum, because there is. There are various factors to consider during both periods, and there are lots of misconceptions out there - like that you’re automatically cleared for exercise at 6 weeks and can/should do whatever you want after that point (not true!). But don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t train through pregnancy, or achieve your best physique ever after having a baby. You absolutely can - you just have to do it the right way. Better yet, hire a good coach to walk you through it (hint, hint!)