The CrossFit "Off-Season" (Pregnancy Induced)

     As much as I had hoped to continue with modified CrossFit training throughout the pregnancy, my baby and body have decided otherwise.  Due to some back issues and just that gut feeling of "maybe I should chill out", I stopped all olympic lifting movements at Week 26 and put the barbell away shortly after.  I have been receiving regular prenatal care to include modifying vitamins/minerals/and supplements for the growing baby, network chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, reiki, and massage.  My workouts have shifted to walking (for the first time in my life), swimming, and yoga.  Any resistance training is solely body weight and mild in intensity.  I'm currently at Week 31, and have to admit, my endurance is great and my body has not completely atrophied due to lack of strength training.  For those of you who did/do maintain a CrossFit program throughout pregnancy, great job!

     While I am disappointed that I cannot fulfill the role of a CrossFit Prego Success Story, I was looking at my exercise journal and came to a realization.  Other than a week or two off periodically, I had been constantly training, competing, and refocusing my CrossFit goals for well over 3 years.  Even when I ran marathons, I would take a good month off before training for my next race.  I see this forced break as a blessing to let my body take an extended breather and re-calibrate itself for what lies ahead.
     My personal CrossFit goals may or may not include re-entering the competitive circuit.  I do intend to reach some target strength and olympic lifting goals while maintaining a balance of family, school, and career priorities.