I’ll be honest – sometimes lying on the couch watching Netflix and munching on popcorn is all I want to do during pregnancy. That’s pretty much how I spent the entire first trimester during both of my pregnancies!

 

But I also know how important it is to exercise during pregnancy and how good it makes me feel, which is why I try to stay active most days.

 

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY

The benefits of prenatal exercise are endless, but some of the most notable include improved digestion, increased energy and endurance, more restful sleep, and improved circulation. And if that isn’t enough, exercise during pregnancy can also have positive effects on labor and delivery – including a decrease in the need for pain medication and a shorter length of labor.

 

Normally, I prefer going to a studio to do yoga and pilates rather than working out at home, but since we’re still under quarantine, home workouts are the next best thing! So today, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite free online prenatal workouts.

 

I often find that workouts for pregnancy are easier than I would prefer, but these are different. While they’re all quick and fun, they’re also effective and provide just the right amount of challenge. Plus, you can do them on your own time – so they’re super convenient for those of you who already have kids.

 

Fyi, many of these fitness coaches offer videos for everyone – so you can follow along even if you’re not pregnant. My husband does them with me frequently and finds that simply by using a higher weight, he’s just as challenged as I am.

 

So let’s “lunge” right in! 

 

Lindsey offers a variety of workouts – from yoga to strength training to barre to HIIT – and they’re all full-length videos. Personally, I find it much easier to follow along with a full video vs someone just showing me the moves and then telling me to repeat them 10 times.

 

Lindsey is a mama of two with an endearing midwest charm. I think you’ll come to look forward to her expression, “Holy bananas!” after a hard workout just as much as I do!

 

If you’re looking for challenging but doable exercise videos, check out her page.

 

Taylor Walker Fit

 

If you’re more into live workouts where you get a similar feeling to actually being in class with a trainer, Taylor’s free Instagram live and IGTV videos are perfect for you. She offers a variety of exercises including HIIT, barre, strength training, and bodyweight-only.

 

Taylor is an elementary school teacher turned model turned fitness guru and a mom to an adorable 2-year-old. She’s a trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp, so she knows her stuff, and she hooks it up with quick, sweaty, workouts on the gram.

 

Taylor and I also worked together on a campaign a few years ago, which was a blast! 

 

Sara Haley is a pre-and postnatal fitness expert and a mom of four. I seriously don’t know how she does it but this mama balances all those babes, a full-time job, and maintaining her fitness routine.

 

Not only is she an incredible trainer, but she also offers tons of important info on exercise during pregnancy, including how to prevent diastasis recti (abdominal separation or a “post-pregnancy pooch”). Sara’s workouts are safe but effective, challenging, and I highly recommend them for all pregnant mamas.

 

Check out her free pregnancy workouts here and her full prenatal exercise program here.

 

Robin Long – The Balanced Life

 

If Pilates is your jam, Robin is your gal. Robin Long is a pre-and postnatal pilates expert and another mama of four – most recently twins!

 

Robin offers hundreds of free full-length videos on her YouTube channel, and she also frequently hosts free challenges, which are a ton of fun.

 

A couple of years ago, Robin and I filmed a series of three prenatal pilates videos during my last pregnancy, which you can find here!

 

 

Sarah Beth Yoga

 

To all my fellow yogis – you have to try Sarah Beth’s videos. Sarah Beth is a mama of two who offers a ton of free pre-and postnatal YouTube videos for all occasions.

 

Sarah’s videos are all about 20-30 minutes, so they’re perfect for when you want to get in some quick but efficient movement. She also has a calming voice and an encouraging vibe, which I absolutely love. I used her videos frequently postpartum as well because they were the perfect length for baby’s naps and easy to do with baby right to the side of my mat.

 

Some of her workouts are more gentle, while some are more vigorous, so play around and find which ones you like best.

 

My Free Prenatal Workouts

 

Last but not least, make sure to check out all of the prenatal workouts and advice here on the blog:

 

And for your postpartum journey, I have some fun, free mommy + baby workout videos! >>

 

And if you want to learn more about prenatal nutrition, check out these posts! >>

 

 

And for a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know to have a happy, healthy plant-based pregnancy, be sure to check out Plant-Based Juniors’ Predominantly Plant-Based Pregnancy Guide!