I absolutely love swimming and just floating around in pools plus it’s a great way to exercise especially when pregnant.  Knowing that summer was quickly approaching and that I would need a maternity bathing suit I began searching all over the internet for a reasonably priced suit.  It really amazes me how much maternity clothing costs when we only wear it for a few short months – especially bathing suits and since we live in Ohio I will only be using it for about ten or so weeks before Willow arrives.  Anyhow, I finally found the one I wanted at Figleaves.  It had a super trendy style and better yet  a great price at only $36!  Now that price is definitely great, but being the frugal mom I am you know I couldn’t stop there and that is why I visited PromotionCode.org where you can find coupon codes for just about every store you can think of – yes, even Figleaves!  And so I was able to get a bit of a discount and free shipping too which definitely made this momma happy.

The first time I got to try out my new suit was when our family headed out to a local swimming pool to celebrate Memorial Day and I think I totally rocked it.  I know you can’t really see the bottoms too well, but they have an adorable polka dot print and pink contrast trim at the top which matches the bow on the top.  I absolutely loved how it fit and I have plenty of room to grow.

Seeing my girls enjoying the pool that day and realizing how good it felt to be back in the water sparked me to finally get us all signed up for lessons!  The girls will be starting swimming lessons in just a few days every Friday morning for 6 weeks and I will be starting Prenatal Water Fitness classes every Monday evening until Willow makes her arrival sometime in August.  As I mentioned earlier swimming is a great way to exercise and especially while you’re pregnant – this is why:

*The weightless feeling of being submerged in water provides relief from the ever increasing body weight…. though getting back out of the pool really stinks, hehe.

*Swimming is considered a cardiovascular exercise which means that you are strengthening your heart and lungs while working out. Your heart rate will increase, but keep it within a moderate exertion level. Basically you should be able to talk without stopping to catch your breath.  I took this same Prenatal Water Fitness class while pregnant with Kaelyn and we stopped frequently to check out heart rate.

* Swimming strengthens all muscles in every direction since the water provides 360 degrees of resistance around your body.  And unlike strength-training exercises on land, water exercises are nonimpact on your elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees and hips to prevent injuries.  This is ideal for me because I have terrible knees…. in fact I have already had three surgeries.

* Plus participating in water fitness can also help improve your mood and sleeping habits.  I was always in a great mood when I left my Prenatal Water Fitness Class and I slept awesome that night as well.  Swimming can also reduce blood pressure and help control your blood-sugar levels – great for mommas with Gestational Diabetes like I had with Kaelyn. The cool water temperature may also help reduce any swelling in your legs…. cankles anyone? Hehe.

Have you thought about taking water fitness classes whether you are pregnant or not?  I highly recommend them and the PreNatal Water Fitness classes I take are great because I’m floating about with a bunch of other pregger mamas who all are huge with stretch marks just like me, hehe.