Boxing and Pregnancy, Featuring Monica Lerin

When it comes to training while pregnant, there are, often, several myths and misconceptions that circulate the discussion.

This is why The Kingsway Boxing Club would like to introduce you to Monica Lerin, a member of the KBC family.

8 months pregnant and continuing to outwork the majority of her classmates, Monica will talk to us about the benefits of training while pregnant and also squash some of the misconceptions around the sport.

When did you start boxing?

I started with kickboxing in 2017. Because I was boxing prior to my pregnancy, it was easier for me to keep going throughout the last few months.

What were some of the misconceptions/wrong information you heard, around Training and Pregnancy?

I personally received tons of comments or wrong information on why I should stop working out while my doctor and my body told me the opposite. Some of these misconceptions were: “Do not jump”, “Do not push your body right now”, “stay in bed as much as you can”

The doctor consulted that as long as there’s no blurry vision or you feel out of breath, it is okay to keep training.

Your strategy/Precautions while training right now

“I did reduce the number of days I train. I also do not jump rope because I do not want to get tangled and trip. It is not that I CANNOT jump while pregnant or SHOULD NOT, instead, it is an active and mindful decision I have made as a mother carrying her child. I still do jumping jacks.

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SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND TRAINING WHILE PREGNANT:

1. When it comes to exercise, you should take it easy and/or keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute
2. You can’t play sports when you’re pregnant
3. Exercise leads to overheating and dehydration
4. Running during pregnancy is unsafe
5. Too dangerous to lift weights
6.  Only prenatal exercise classes are safe for pregnant women
7. You can’t exercise your abs during pregnancy

MISCONCEPTIONS SQUASHED:

1. It is perfectly safe to continue with your regularly scheduled workouts even after you get pregnant as long as you listen to your body.
2. Avoid sports that come with a risk of falling/imbalance. Consult with your doctor.
3. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after exercising (but no more than 16 ounces at a time).
4. As long as you do not overdo it and limit your distance, you should be fine.
5. Performing multiple reps with light to moderate weights is perfectly safe and encouraged. 
6. Always let your fitness instructor know you’re pregnant before class — and never perform a move that makes you feel uncomfortable regardless of a trainer’s instruction.
7. During the first 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, traditional abs exercises are safe to perform and even help with the expected back pain that comes with pregnancy. After those months, consult your trainer/doctor.

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What are some benefits you are experiencing while pregnant and training?

“My baby is healthy. All ultrasounds have come back fine and I haven’t gained too much extra weight.” Monica is in her 40’s and has, thankfully, experienced no problems during the pregnancy.

Any favorite workouts/classes?

I enjoy the overall training process. Oh, and punching bags is really fun (haha).

“What I like about boxing is that it pushes your mind to work with your body. No moving for just the sake of moving. You cannot have one without the other (physical and mental). Also, it gives a lot of confidence to girls and women, which is something everyone lacks at some point. It is very encouraging and boosts self confidence.”

MORE BENEFITS OF TRAINING WHILE PREGNANT:

• Reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling
• Boost your mood and energy levels
• Help you sleep better
• Prevent excess weight gain
• Promote muscle tone, strength and endurance
• A lower risk of gestational diabetes
• Shortened labor
• A reduced risk of having a C-section

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Any final comments?

I really enjoy Jennifer’s Tuesday class. The Kingsway Boxing Club has been so accommodating of my situation. For example, Jennifer always keep me near the fan so I do not overheat.

I plan to workout to the very end and want to come back as soon as I can. My partner has also been very encouraging and supportive of my boxing journey.

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