Photo credit: Allison Andres Photography. Model Lilea Duran.

WHY SHOULD YOU STAY ACTIVE DURING PREGNANCY?

Did you know that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day or two? (Unless you have a medical or pregnancy complication.)
 
Exercise increases our natural vitality by stimulating blood flow and oxygenating the body. It awakens the mind and may also help to ease or prevent depression. It has been known to prevent gestational diabetes, pregnancy pains and aches, and it even helps you sleep better!

PART 1:
​HULA HOOPING THROUGH POSTPARTUM

​​I remember my first dance experience at a Quinceañera party. I stood awkwardly in a circle of teenagers and tried to move my very stiff body, feeling terrified about being ridiculous and way too nervous about the way I would look dancing.

That self-consciousness was part of my life for a very long time.
 
I was never the “fit” type.
I always struggled with body image.
I was always one of the last to be chosen for sport teams and I hated PE more than anything.
I hated running.
 
Sure, I was on the swim team when I was ten and I did some yoga for a while when I was in college, but I never felt super passionate about any kind of physical exercise. I always had to force myself to do it.
 
During my pregnancy I did yoga a lot more because I was set on being as healthy as possible, and spent tons of time outdoors in nature. It really helped me connect with my body.
 
But it wasn’t until about two months after my son was born, one sunny afternoon on a San Diego beach, that I discovered a passion to move my body.