Here, we want to share stories about people who use functional fitness to stay ready for their main sport. About people who need to be fit for their jobs. About mothers who keep training during pregnancy and return to training after giving birth. And about people living with medical conditions who, thanks to training, manage their symptoms better.

Today, Michelle shares her personal experience with training during pregnancy—and how staying active supported her well-being.

ABOUT MICHELLE

  • Age: 38
  • Family: One son (almost 21 months)
  • Sports background: Several years of regular CrossFit (2–3×/week) & gymnastics; intensive road cycling before and during pregnancy
  • Location: Düsseldorf
  • Box: CrossFit 40477

THE INTERVIEW

Who are you, how old is your child/are your children—and what sports experience did you have before your pregnancy (pregnancies)?

I’m Michelle, 38 years old, living in Düsseldorf, and I have a son who is almost 21 months old. I was 36 during my pregnancy. Before that, I did CrossFit and gymnastics very regularly (2–3 times per week). I also did fairly intensive road cycling for about a year before and during pregnancy—that became a bit of an addiction for me.

How did you modify your training during pregnancy (scaling, intensity, coaching, medical clearance)—and how did it feel?

I had a very pleasant, uncomplicated, almost relaxed pregnancy. In the first trimester I didn’t change anything—except that fatigue slowed me down. That changed abruptly in the second trimester.

My gynecologist was very relaxed about my sports: “The fetus is well protected—just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Your body will show you the limits.” That’s exactly how I experienced it.

I stopped road cycling when my body signaled, “No, this doesn’t feel good anymore”—around month six. I think the tight cycling gear was the main reason it became uncomfortable. From then on I focused on CrossFit, gymnastics, and yoga. Of course, I adjusted small things (e.g., no burpees onto the belly, no bar path pulled close in front of the bump, no direct abdominal work).

I felt very well supported by the coaches—their competence gave me confidence. For me, not every day feels the same; accepting that matters even more during pregnancy. Check the ego at the door, listen to your body, keep your head strong—and you get that really good loop: movement makes me mentally strong, and when I’m mentally strong, my body feels even better.

What worked particularly well during pregnancy (e.g., specific workouts, breathing, mobility, coach tips)?

Basically anything I felt comfortable with. Sure, the body gets heavier and at some point you notice: you’re working for two. We have roughly 1.5 liters more blood and are supplying two hearts with oxygen—that alone is an athletic achievement. My heart rate was higher, so I generally took things a bit easier.

What was challenging (e.g., nausea, pelvic floor, back, fatigue, motivation)—and how did you handle it?

The only real challenge was fatigue in the first trimester. Even so, I often “dragged” myself to training because I knew I’d feel better afterwards—fitter, more awake, and more centered.

Another motivator: at that point I was still on my own and could manage my time freely. That changes quite radically after birth—so I wanted to consciously enjoy that self-determination.

What would you say to women who are unsure whether to continue exercising during pregnancy—or not?

First things first: every pregnancy is completely different—no two are the same. I’m only speaking from my own little universe.

I’m very intuitive and have a lot of basic trust; I firmly believe the body shows us what’s possible and what isn’t. As long as we listen closely, stay clear-headed, and treat ourselves kindly, we’re capable of remarkable performance even during pregnancy.

I loved riding my bike intensively—even at larger events during pregnancy—and yes, objectively that’s riskier than a gymnastics class, but I trusted myself. Because body and mind were in sync, it worked.

My tip to other pregnant women: listen to your body, be gentle with yourself, and keep moving when it feels good. Your body will thank you. What’s right for me doesn’t have to be right for someone else. Stay with yourself.

Note: This is Michelle’s personal experience and not medical advice. Please speak with your physician or midwife about what’s appropriate for you.

OUTRO

You can find more inspiring stories in our Member Stories. If you have questions about getting started or individual modifications, talk to us in coaching—we’re here to support you. For Pre- and Postnatal Training, please contact Vanessa.