Trimester 3 Gym
Trimester 3 Gym
In-Gym Program Instructions & Overview: This program is built for trained individuals who are
pregnant. We recommend you have a base of strength training, and comfort and confidence with
compound barbell movements (squat, bench, deadlift, and overhead press). The program
includes 4 training days. Choose non-consecutive days when possible, and 3 full rest days from
resistance training. Pregnancy symptoms will happen! So whenever you’re able to fit training into
your schedule and around fatigue or nausea is best.
This block will mark the end of Trimester 2 and beginning of Trimester 3 (in week
WEEKS 25-28 28). Preparing for parenthood and going into the 3rd trimester can be tough in
many ways, so like always, rest when you can and be flexible with your workout
schedule. In order to prepare for scheduling or energy conflicts, the remainder of programming will consist of
4 full body workouts, instead of a traditional bodypart split.
The 3rd Trimester is a period of rapid growth for baby. Energy may be impacted
WEEKS 29-32 as pregnancy progresses, and you may experience aches and pains as you gain
weight and baby grows. Programmed exercises will keep these factors in mind,
but feel free to substitute variations based on your comfort level and positions feel best for you. We'll
continue with full body training days for the remainder of your pregnancy, and program rep ranges instead of
specific rep amounts to complete. Take diligent notes if you haven't already, and check in with how you're
feeling set by set, and how to approach intensities and loads each session.
The 3rd Trimester is a period of rapid growth for the baby. Energy may be
WEEKS 33-36 impacted as pregnancy progresses and you may experience aches and pains as
you gain weight and the baby grows. Programmed exercises will keep these
factors in mind, but feel free to substitute variations based on your comfort level, and positions feel best for
you. We'll continue with full body training days for the remainder of your pregnancy, and program rep ranges
instead of specific rep amounts to complete.
Welcome to the final block of programming. Our goal in this block is to maintain a
WEEKS 37-40+ comfortable level of activity, reduce any discomfort, minimize bulging or doming
of the anterior core, minimize downward pressure on the pelvic floor and maintain
as much muscle and strength as your body will allow.
WARMUPS 1-4 These 4 warmups include diaphragmatic breathing, belly
pump work and core activation, and primers on how to
best utilize the pelvic floor, connection breath, and core activation during
exercise. You may find that you prefer other exercises to prep for barbell lifts, so
feel free to substitute or add to this list based on your preferences. Please
watch the full warm-up videos to best understand cues and activations.
Notes: Sit on a deflated pilates ball and use a theraband. 10 Breaths focused on rib expansion,
10 breaths focused on rib + belly, 10 focused on 360 breath, 10 focused on syncing pelvic floor.
Notes: Complete seated or standing. Build on the diaphragmatic breath, and add an intentional
activation of the pelvic floor, deep core, and transverse abdominals. Incorporate a powerful 'SSSSS'
sound on the exhale, as you lift the pelvic floor. During the exhale, think about hugging your baby
with your TA, or try tightening the corset around your torso.
Notes: Complete transverse abdominis activations with the breath while on hands and knees.
Notes: Apply diaphragmatic breathing and the belly pump to exercise. During exercise, lower the
tension and core engagement depending on exertion of the movement. For light warm-up exercises,
try a 2-3 effort on a scale from 10.
4B - Band Pull-Aparts View demo 2-3x8+8 2 min
Notes: 8 Overhead + 8 Underhand. Continue syncing the breath, and transitioning into the
connection breath appropriate for exercise.
Notes: Sit on a deflated pilates ball and use a theraband. 10 Breaths focused on rib expansion,
10 breaths focused on rib + belly, 10 focused on 360 breath, 10 focused on syncing pelvic floor.
Notes: Complete seated or standing. Build on the diaphragmatic breath, and add an intentional
activation of the pelvic floor, deep core, and transverse abdominals. Incorporate a powerful 'SSSSS'
sound on the exhale, as you lift the pelvic floor. During the exhale, think about hugging your baby
with your TA, or try tightening the corset around your torso.
Notes: Apply diaphragmatic breathing and the TA Avtivation to exercise. During exercise, lower the
tension and core engagement depending on exertion of the movement. For light warm-up exercises,
try a 2-3 effort on a scale from 10.
Notes: Use a band to incorporate press. Maintain neutral spine alignment during the press.
Keep core activation for both portions of the exercise.
Notes: Sit or stand and take one hand and reach over to the opposite side. Slightly round in the
back as you gently lean to one side. Complete diaphragmatic breathing, focusing on side body
expansion. Relax the neck and shoulders, and do not bear down or over inhale into your pelvic
floor. You should feel a nice stretch along your side, lats, TA, QL and obliques.
Notes: Complete seated or standing. The TA activation is an extension of the diaphragmatic breath,
where we add an intentional activation of the pelvic floor muscles and the transverse abdominis.
Start with DB breathing, and exhale with an 'SSSS' sound. Think about the pelvic floor as a
diamond shape. As you exhale with the 'SSSSS' sound, draw the points together and into the
midline. Draw the sides inward and lift the pelvic floor up.
Notes: do a deep core activation on exhale and pull hip bones together. Next, focus on mid portion of
the belly, then go deeper and knit the ribs together, and finally go back down, ribs, mid belly, hips.
Notes: Get in a 90/90 shinbox position and transition to the other side and back again.
Notes: Sit on a deflated pilates ball and use a theraband. 10 Breaths focused on rib expansion,
10 breaths focused on rib + belly, 10 focused on 360 breath, 10 focused on syncing pelvic floor.
Notes: Complete seated or standing. Build on the diaphragmatic breath, and the TA Activation
warmup cues from earlier warmups. When the pelvic floor draws up, then wrap the transverse
abdominis or corset muscle around the torso. This is more of a 'hugging baby' rather than simply
bringing the belly button to the spine. Wrap and tigheten towards the midline.
Notes: Apply diaphragmatic breathing and the belly pump to exercise. During exercise, lower the
tension and core engagement depending on exertion of the movement. For light warm-up exercises,
try a 2-3 effort on a scale from 10.
Notes: Use a band or very light dumbbells. Continue syncing the breath, and transitioning into the
connection breath appropriate for exercise.
Notes: Complete front plate raise, and rear delt flys as a superset. Option to rest in-between
exercises if needed. View demo
Notes: Bend slightly so the chest is at a 45 degree angle. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and
raise each dumbbell out and away from the torso. Control the weight on the
way back to the bottom. View demo REST 1 min
Notes: Use either a barbell, or kettlebell front rack hold. View demo
Notes: Start in a quadruped position. Start rep by raising one leg off the floor, and then contract that
glute while dragging your heel back until leg is fully extended. Pause at the top. Do not let the back
arch, and maintain a neutral spine. Option to use a resistance band.
View demo REST 1 min
Notes: Take small steps, maintaining tension in the band throughout the entire 1 - 2 min
movement. View demo REST
Notes: Sit on the floor with legs in a V and complete an overhead DB press.
REST 1 - 2 min
Option to complete on a seated bench. View demo
5B - Suitcase Carry 3x20 sec 3x30 sec 3x40 sec 3x20 sec
Notes: Stack the shoulders over the hips and avoid letting the weight pull you 1 min
towards it throughout each set. View demo REST
Notes: Set up to complete a paloff press while in a standing position. Increase the
REST 1 min
range of motion at the top so arms are fully extended above the head. View demo
5 - Farmer Carry (for Time) 3x40 sec 3x50 sec 3x60 sec 3x40 sec
Notes: Complete for time, not distance. Take slow and steady steps focusing on
REST 1 min
keeping the shoulders aligned with the hips as you move. View demo
Notes: Widen stance to make room for belly. Use ring rows or a TRX to support balance and
decrease the loading in the legs. View demo
Notes: Complete high rep cable pull throughs with either a cable + rope
REST 1 min
attachment or a resistance band. View demo
Notes: Use a light kettlebell or dumbbell to add resistance. Shoulders and hands should be stacked
on top of eachother at the bottom of each rep, when the free hand makes
REST 1 min
contact with the ground. View demo
Notes: Attach a resistance band at kneeling hip height to an upright. Start in a kneeling position,
stitting on the calves and the band around the upper thighs. Move the hips forward to get into a
kneeling position as you pull on the resistance band with the hips. View demo
Notes: Keep an upright posture throughout the movement, slowing each rep
REST 2 min
throughout the range of motion. View demo
Notes: Use a cable machine with handles, or two resistance bands. Complete a chest fly while
standing, ensuring a full stretch of the pecs at the start of the movement.
REST 1 min
View demo
Notes: Use a band or a cable machine. Keep the upper arms parallel to the floor.
REST 1 min
View demo
Notes: Complete off of an elevated surface. For resistance use a band around the knees or anchored
under the feet. View demo
2B - Goblet Squat w/Band Around the Knees 3x8 3x8 3x8 3x8
Notes: Use a kettlebell in one hand and an upright for balance if needed. Option to use rings for
support on both hands and to decrease some of the resistance.
REST 2 min
View demo
Notes: Begin with both dumbbells at the top, then bring one dumbbell down for
REST 2 min
a single arm rep, then alternate. View demo
4A - Single Arm Cable Curl (2s Negative) 3x8/side 3x10/side 3x12/side 3x10/side
Notes: Perform using a cable machine and handle. Control negative and continue breathing through
the slow eccentric. View demo
4B - Standing Blackburns 3x6 3x6 3x6 3x6
Notes: Complete either standing with back against the wall, or slightly bent over
REST 1 min
with forehead resting on an incline bench. View demo
Notes: Choose 3 tricep exercises to perform continuously with no rest inbetween exercises.
The 3 tricep exercises should have different tricep (humerus) positions relative to your torso.
Start with something in front of torso, then overhead, then behind.
Example: 1- Rope push downs 2- OH Extension 3- Tricep Kickbacks. REST 1 min
Opt to lower reps if needed. View demo
Notes: Slowly lift dumbbells out to the side until arms are parallel with the floor. Can be completed
standing or seated. Avoid any recruitment of the traps.
View demo REST 30 sec
Notes: Maintain a neutral spine and reach down for a full stretch in the hamstrings.
REST 30 sec
If needed, opt for a wider stance. View demo
Notes: Use a supported seat to avoid any arching of the back. You can complete with dumbbells
facing eachother for a neutral grip. View demo
Notes: 21s are performed as prescribed reps for the first half range of motion, then prescribed reps
for the second half range of motion, then prescribed reps for the full range of
motion. View demo REST 2 - 3 min
Notes: Use a cable machine with handles or two resistance bands. Complete a chest fly while
standing, ensuring a full stretch of the pecs at the start of the movement.
View demo REST 1 min
Notes: Use a band or a cable machine with a high anchor. View demo
5B - Farmer Carry 3x40 sec 3x50 sec 3x60 sec 3x40 sec
Notes: Stack the shoulders over the hips and maintain alignment. Take short
REST 2 min
steps and perform this exercise for time, not distance. View demo
Notes: Use an upright or ring rows to assist reverse lunges. View demo
Notes: Use a mini band around the knees to complete a monster walk. Keep
REST 2 - 3 min
constant tension in the band thorughout the entire set. View demo
3 - Single Arm Seated Row (Band or Cable) 3x15/side 3x15/side 3x12/side 3x12/side
Notes: Complete either seted or standing with a cable or a band.
View demo REST 1 min
Notes: Use a mini band around the knees and complete hip thrusts. Push out
REST 1 min
into the band while completing reps. View demo
Notes: Perform a normal concentric leg extension with both legs, then using a single leg, perform a
slow controlled eccentric. Use both legs to extend again, and repeat the slow
eccentric with the opposite leg. View demo REST 1 min
Notes: Use a band at hip height to complete standing pallof press. View demo
Notes: Hinge at the hip with a slight bend in the the knee. Push the feet into the floor while squeezing
your glutes and pushing hips forward to return to standing. Option to complete 2-3 sets between
6-10 reps depending on energy and fatigue for that session.
View demo REST 2 min
Notes: Keep shoulders stacked over the hips through each step. Complete each set for time, not for
distance - keeping each step very controlled and balanced.
View demo REST 1 - 2 min
Notes: Option to use either a dumbbell, kettlebell, or using a resistance band. View demo
Notes: Use a mini band around the knees while in a seated position. 2 min
View demo REST