Fit-City Guide Talks Prenatal Fitness With Yoga Mamas

Special Guest Contributor Tabitha Vallierie from Fit-City Guide

We recently sat down with  Fit City Guide founder {and beautiful mama-to-be}, Tabitha Vallierie, to learn more about her growing company, her growing belly, and how pregnancy has changed her own health and fitness routines. Keep reading for the inside scoop!

What is your favourite thing about what you do for Fit City Guide?
That's actually such a hard question, because I love EVERYTHING about what we do! But if I absolutely HAD to pick, it would be getting to know the students and instructors of the studios we review- there are so many amazing fitness entrepreneurs, experts and overall fabulous "fitties" in these cities! I love getting to know the stories of these people, and understanding how fitness and fitness classes play a role in their lives. I find diving into what people are looking for so interesting because it's so different for everyone and people have different expectations of classes, studios and workouts. I also just love getting out there and supporting these incredible businesses and teachers. The network of people I've come across through doing this really is one of the most supportive ones I've experienced.

How has your fitness regime changed since becoming pregnant?
Well, I've had to tone it back and listen to my body instead of my head. I'm normally all about a big, sweaty workout and from about the middle to end of my second trimester onwards, my fitness regime has changed from hardcore spin classes, running and boxing to yoga, pilates and barre classes.

What is something that has surprised you in terms of fitness and your pregnancy?
Something that surprised me in terms of my fitness regime in my pregnancy was actually that I couldn't run all the way to the end like I thought Charlotte did in SATC (Sex and The City). After about month 5  of my pregnancy, my body physically hit a max speed. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but my body wasn't havin' it, so speed walking became a thing.  

What is your best advice for a mama-to-be on how she can continuously work out throughout her pregnancy?
Stay moving - even if it's just a little bit, everyday! I've found that on days that I was too busy or feeling ill and had a very sedimentary day, I would feel worse that day and even on the following day. I would recommend trying to do anything between at least a 10-minute yoga sequence before bed to going for a walk with your partner. Whatever it is, just moving and staying limber is my biggest piece of advice.

As far as classes, I recommend mixing in prenatal yoga and pilates classes with regular barre classes. Between these three styles of fitness, you'll get a great mix of full-body cardio, be able to tone, and build flexibility with low-impact at a good pace. 

What is your personal health philosophy? Has this changed since becoming pregnant?
My health philosophy (eating and working out) is all about balance and versatility. Variety is totally the spice of life and I think the more you can keep your body guessing and trying new things, the better. It's more fun this way! 

What excites you most about becoming a Mama?
Loaded question! I'm the most excited to share the world with my new little buddy- it already feels like he's my mini BFF, and experience the world through his fresh, curious, pure and non-judgemental eyes. That was a lot to say in one sentence, so I think a different way to say it is that I'm the most excited about being a mama that gets to learn from him. He's going to be the best. :)

Are there any other things you do besides working out, that has helped you throughout your pregnancy?
A pregnancy pillow for sleep, a chiropractor that also does active release technique, tons of massages and lots of walking. Eating smaller meals has helped me, especially at certain growth spurt stages. "Teeny tiny snacky" meals every couple hours was the name of the game.

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Fit-City Guide is a platform run by a group of people, with the intention to help others navigate the incredibly diverse fitness class scene in many major cities. Fit-City Guide seeks to offer an unbiased and authentic breakdown of the spaces and classes they visit.