A POWERLIFTER has opened up about why she is still lifting weights while 35 weeks pregnant.
Olivia Enriquez, 25, decided to keep up with her gym life despite being heavily pregnant.
She argues that she has continued safely lifting weights to maintain her fitness and hopes to maintain as much strength as possible.
The gym enthusiast lifted, with adjustments, throughout her pregnancy and loved that she could keep to her fitness lifestyle.
Olivia, from Houston, Texas, explained that she refused to let labor affect her physical health.
“I’m maintaining as much muscle and strength as I can!” she said.
“I plan on continuing to lift throughout my pregnancy with adjustments as needed.
“Overall, I feel that lifting weights has contributed to less aches and pains and I hope it aids in my postpartum as well.”
Olivia has shared videos of herself working out on TikTok, and viewers were shocked by her determination and perseverance.
One joked that weight loss, or a “cut,” will hit different post-pregnancy.
“The cut is gonna go crazy after this baby!” they said.
“Wow!” said another.
“Looking amazing! … And strong as hell!!” added a third.
Health professionals have revealed that workouts during pregnancy can continue under medical supervision.
“I always recommend that anyone who is pregnant, especially those engaged in high-intensity activities like weightlifting, should have a thorough consultation with their GP,” said Dr. Lawrence Cunningham from UK Care Guide.
“This includes continuous monitoring of their health and the health of the fetus, alongside adjustments to their routine as pregnancy progresses.”
Cunningham added that moms should exercise caution around strenuous and demanding activities.
“It is essential to listen to the body’s signals and reduce intensity when necessary,” he said.
“Additionally, maintaining proper form and technique becomes even more crucial to avoid injury.
“The safety will heavily depend on the individual’s pre-pregnancy fitness level, their experience with weightlifting, and their health during pregnancy.”
“I have seen cases where professional athletes have managed to maintain a high activity level throughout their pregnancy without any adverse effects.
“However, this should not be considered the norm and should definitely not be taken as a blanket endorsement for all pregnant individuals.
“The critical factor will always be the body’s response during pregnancy, which obviously varies significantly from one person to another.”
