While pregnant with her first child, Mandy Engle decides to continue working out with husband Chas at CrossFit Takeover in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I’ve cleared it with my doctor,” Mandy explains. “She says, ‘Just listen to your body.’”
Chas says people are sometimes surprised when Mandy declines help when carrying groceries or dog food, but the two agree she’s pregnant, not dead, and can handle daily life and fitness training.
Gym owner Andrew Gallego describes how the coaches at CrossFit Takeover approach training pregnant athletes: Weight and intensity decrease over time, he says, and certain movements are avoided.
Gallego notes mothers-to-be feel better when they’re able to get their workouts in, and Mandy agrees. She notices she sleeps better and her energy levels improve when she gets to the gym.
When it’s time to deliver the baby, Mandy does it for time, of course, and pushes for only 17 minutes.
With a growing collection of fitness-themed onesies, baby Emma Engle is all set to follow her parents to the barbell.
“I can’t wait to raise her in the gym,” Mandy says.
Originally published – June, 2014.
Pregnant, Not Dead