Breaking news: Kayla Itsines announces second pregnancy with Women's Health
Just over a week after announcing her engagement to partner Jae Woodroffe, WH cover star and Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines has more exciting news: she’s expecting her second child, due early 2023.
The PT shared the update exclusively with WH, telling us: ‘I am so excited to start this next chapter with Jae and have never felt happier.’
Kayla and Jae's new baby will have Kayla’s daughter Arna, 3, as an older sibling.
‘Family is so important to both of us and I can’t wait to watch Jae become a dad, he has so much love to give and is amazing with Arna and his nieces and nephews,’ Kayla added. ‘Arna is so excited that there is a baby in mum's tummy - she’s so caring and I know that she is going to be the best big sister.’
After her first pregnancy, Kayla spoke openly about her postnatal fitness journey being a ‘confidence shock’, since she was back to being a ‘total beginner’ in the gym, but she's extra appreciative of the process this time around, and she’ll be taking things slowly when it comes to rebuilding fitness.
‘It's pretty incredible what the female body is capable of doing and the changes it goes through during pregnancy and birth,’ she says. ‘During my first pregnancy I experienced morning sickness until about 26 weeks, so I wasn’t able to move my body much at all during the first and second trimester.
‘However, this time round, thankfully I only experienced morning sickness until about week 9 and so far I’m feeling happy and healthy. This pregnancy definitely feels a lot different; I have a better understanding of what happens to the body during pregnancy and what to expect - I feel much calmer and more relaxed. I think most second time mums would agree that your second pregnancy doesn’t feel as overwhelming or scary.
‘I am taking it one day at a time and trying to enjoy being pregnant as much as I can. Having said that, you think you know what your pregnancy and your birth is going to be like - but you never know until you're in it, each pregnancy is so unique.
‘As for my return to fitness postpartum, I’m not focusing on that right now, but I will of course be working closely with my doctors and will be easing back into exercising to slowly rebuild and regain my strength.’
As for the backlash she received for posting pictures that some of her followers said suggested she had “bounced back” too quickly after giving birth to her firstborn, she says she doesn’t want anyone to compare their journeys to hers.
‘I think it's important to remember that every woman's body, their pregnancy and their postnatal journey is very different. As women, it's so easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to other women and their journeys, particularly when it comes to pregnancy. I always say to my clients and women that use my programs that it's about embracing where you are at. Although it can be hard at times, there is absolutely no point in comparing yourself to anyone else that you see on Instagram, including myself, because your body and your pregnancy and postnatal journey is unique to you.
‘I have been sharing my life and workouts with my community on social media for more than 10 years now, and as a personal trainer, for me movement is a big part of my life and is always going to be a big part of my pregnancy and postnatal journey. My hope in sharing how I'm moving my body throughout the various stages of my pregnancy and postnatal journey is to show women that exercise can be a great way to help you regain strength and care for your physical and mental health throughout all phases of your life.
To that end, while Kayla goes on to share exactly how she’s working out during pregnancy, know that what she’s doing may not be right for you.
She tells us: ‘At the moment, I'm still trying to be active and move my body when I can. I'm just taking each day as it comes, listening to my body and resting when I need to rest. I have stopped jumping exercises, ab workouts, sprint training and skipping, but I am still training pretty consistently as I feel strong and am focussing on strength training and light cardio workouts. Right now, I am testing out some of the new workouts from my pregnancy program which will be launching in September, and am particularly enjoying weight training with high reps. I am also loving my walks, I try to get my steps up as much as I can each day.’
If you’re also pregnant, remember that no two days will be the same.
‘The biggest thing that my first pregnancy taught me about prenatal training is that it's really important that you listen to your body and that you are in tune with how you are feeling,’ Kayla says.
‘When you’re pregnant each day is different, so it's important to be flexible with yourself and listen to what your body is telling you to help you adjust your training. During my first pregnancy I had morning sickness and nausea until about 26 weeks, and didn’t have the energy to move my body as much as I thought I would. In my second pregnancy, thankfully the nauseous feeling stopped at about week 9 and I have been feeling pretty great ever since. I'm just taking it day by day and getting some movement in or my workouts when I feel up to it.’
WH is so happy for you both, Kayla!
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