EP 193: Building and Maintaining Strength & Athleticism in Pregnancy/Postpartum w/ Brianna Battles

Having this conversation with Brianna was so impactful as my life partner, Wytia, is currently in week 28 of her pregnancy and is an woman dedicated to fitness and staying athletic and this pregnancy has been very challenging for her. I talk with Brianna who is an expert in the field of continuing to be an athlete postpartum, as we discuss and dive into the so many misconceptions of training during and after pregnancy to build and rebuild fitness and athleticism.

Brianna is a lifelong athlete and strength and conditioning coach. After having her first son over a decade ago, she realized how underserved, misunderstood and shortsighted the advice was for pregnant and postpartum athletes like herself, and so many of her athlete and coaching peers.

She is the CEO and Founder of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. This business has grown from a local coaching program into an internationally recognized brand for education, coaching, resources, fitness programs and a certification program for coaching professionals, Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> What made Brianna go into learning more about training the pregnant and postpartum athlete.

=> While there’s a lot of information (much of it not great on social) about pregnant and postpartum training, there’s very little about building and maintaining athleticism as Mom.

=> Athleticism doesn’t end when motherhood begins; and why this message is not a belief system shared enough or often.

=> Adapting your training to seasons of life that fit best and not falling for “social media viral advice.”

=> Why pregnancy is SO different for so many people and what training advice is wise for women that feel they lost a huge part of their identity.

=> What is “athlete brain” and how it affects women’s mindset that feel “sidelined” during pregnancy.

=> Why the desperation to “get back” and feel like yourself again can lead women to train in a way that hurts more than it helps.

=> “Staying in the game as the game changes” and why you’re not washed up, but you need to know which season of athleticism you’re in.

=> The reason you should keep lifting and doing cardio during pregnancy BUT this is the key principle people miss that you must adhere to.

=> How does intensity look like during training in pregnancy.

=> A changing or changed body requires shifting the training variables (loading, volume, intensity, movement, etc).

=> Why pelvic floor health is so important and its often overlooked during pregnancy and postpartum.

=> Understanding Diastasis Recti and how it’s related to pelvic health, symptoms, how to address it, and what to do to overcome it.

=> The reason “gripping your glutes” and creating tension can affect your pelvic floor in negative ways; and how to “tension techniques” can be something to stay away from.

=> Going “hard” after pregnancy is not a good idea considering that your lack of sleep, stress levels are extremely high; so high intensity training is not a good idea right away.

=> Why postpartum is NOT the time for weight cuts, especially when nursing.

=> A calorie deficit right after birth will create other set backs; learn how to fuel the right way to get your athleticism back.

=> Understanding how long it takes to get “back” and breaking down timelines.

=> The similarities and differences between rehabbing from injury and coming back to full athleticism postpartum.

=> Why the “4th trimester” is challenging and the mindset that will help you adapt and overcome that phase of your life.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Brianna's Site https://www.briannabattles.com/

Brianna Battles IG https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/

Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coach

8-week Postpartum Training Program https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program

Luka’s Courses & Workshops www.LukaHocevar.com

Luka's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber