5 exercises you can do with a belly bump: pregnant fitness trainer
Share and Follow

Think you can’t exercise with a baby bump? Think again.

Alissa Mosca, who is 33 years old, works as both a USA Weightlifting coach and a trainer at Planet Fitness. She is currently six months pregnant with her first child. Despite being pregnant, she has continued to do burpees as part of her fitness routine.

“My workout routine has stayed the same since getting pregnant,” she told The Post. “I work out five days a week. The only adjustments that I have had to make are reducing my weights on heavy load days. Where I would normally be able to max out pre-pregnancy, I strength train at around 60-70% of that currently.”

Granted, in her first trimester, she wasn’t entirely at ease doing crunches, which she chalks up to “more nerves than anything” — as it’s generally considered safe to do abdominal exercises while pregnant so long as you consult with your healthcare provider and make modifications to avoid putting too much strain on your muscles.

“When I took the time to really listen to my body and try modifications, I was much more comfortable,” she said. “During the second trimester, I am more aware of my growing body, but I can still do things like burpees, pull ups, push-ups, etc. I just need to take it a bit slower.”

That being said, if you’ve never considered yourself a fitness junkie or you’re just looking for a workout that’s a little less intense, Mosca has a few recommendations that should suit mommies-to-be of all levels.

Start slow with the gym equipment

“If someone is just starting a fitness journey to stay healthy while pregnant, machines are a great place to start,” she said. “The positioning is always controlled, the body is always in a great place to experience a full range of motion, and the weights can be easily controlled.”

Swing those kettlebells

If you’re more experienced in strength training and want a little more mobility, Mosca suggests giving kettlebells a go.

“Kettlebells are a great piece of equipment to incorporate as they are so versatile,” she said. “Kettlebell swings are great with a bigger belly because it supports the positioning more and forces you to activate the hips and glutes accordingly.”

Embrace resistance bands

“There are a lot of benefits to doing a full routine with just resistance bands if weights seem too intimidating at first,” she said.

“Shoulder press, bent over rows, bicep curls, leg curls and extensions all can be done with a band and still have an amazing effect on the overall strength routine.”

Swap burpees for squat thrusts

Obviously, everyone’s favorite exercise is a burpee, right? Probably not. That’s why Mosca recommends squat thrusts as “a great alternative” that will yield “the full benefit of the movement” without letting your bump ever hit the floor.

Burpees involve starting in a standing position, jumping into a plank, doing a push-up, jumping your feet back to your hands and standing up.

Squat thrusts are similar but sans the push-up and jumping, making it a lower-impact exercise.

Stretch it out

Stretching is another activity that Mosca believes is “still considered an exercise but is incredibly underutilized.” It may not burn that many calories, but stretching comes with health benefits you can reap during — and long after — your pregnancy.

“Forty-five minutes of stretching is a great routine to incorporate, as it helps to keep us limber, our joints loose and prepared to accept any extra weight that we are carrying around and will allow the highlight of the tighter areas,” she said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Arlington Heights couple says free smoke detector installed by fire department helped save their lives during kitchen blaze

Arlington Heights Couple Credits Fire Department’s Free Smoke Detector with Life-Saving Role in Kitchen Fire

In Arlington Heights, Illinois, a couple is sharing their story, highlighting a…
Patriots star Christian Barmore is hit with domestic assault charge

Shocking Turn of Events: Patriots Star Christian Barmore Faces Serious Domestic Assault Charge

Christian Barmore, a prominent player for the New England Patriots, is facing…
Kohberger plea, Cincinnati beating, Read verdict fuel 2025’s most viral, controversial moments

Top 2025 Headlines: Kohberger’s Plea, Cincinnati Assault, and Read Verdict Spark Widespread Debate

This year has seen a surge of stories that sparked nationwide discussions…
.GIF of lethal kinetic strike on narco-terrorist vessel

U.S. Military Confirms Fatal Strike on Narco-Terror Vessels: 5 Dead in December 31 Operation

In a decisive military action on December 31, the U.S. Southern Command…
All the eclipses, supermoons, meteor showers and planets to spot in 2026

Celestial Events to Watch in 2026: Eclipses, Supermoons, Meteor Showers, and Planetary Alignments

In 2026, the night sky promises to be a spectacle for astronomy…
Is Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper’s New Year’s Eve Special Streaming on HBO Max?

Will Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper’s New Year’s Eve Bash Stream on HBO Max? Find Out Here!

Welcoming the new year comes with endless possibilities. Whether you prefer the…
Truth about Mounjaro and its dreaded side-effects...

Unveiling Mounjaro: What You Need to Know About Potential Side Effects

Just a year ago, I embarked on my journey with Mounjaro. At…
Trailblazing US Senator who competed at the Olympics dies aged 92

Pioneering US Senator and Former Olympian Passes Away at 92

A trailblazing Colorado senator, renowned for his political party switch and his…