Pregnant Woman's Exercise Routine Sparks Debate Around The Internet
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- CrossFit has become a popular fitness craze, but one woman has drawn a lot of criticism for her recent workouts.
It's because she is eight months pregnant and pictures of her lifting heavy weights have sparked concern among some people, CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported Friday.
Lea-Ann Ellison can lift more than most people and has the pictures to prove it. But, instead of a six-pack she has the belly of a woman who is just a few weeks from giving birth.
"It's very shocking," Erin Gourley said.
Gourley is seven months into her own pregnancy and said she still exercises but has reduced the frequency of her trips to the gym.
"I still do cardio sculpt, which I love," she said.
Gourley's trainer, Nicole Glor, was less surprised by Ellison's picture.
"Basically, if you have your arms above you and you're squatting that's your quads and your glutes. So, that isn't really so much affected when you are pregnant. You really just have to look out for your abs and back area," Glor explained.
Medical experts pointed out that Ellison appears to be an experienced exerciser.
"That's for her. She's probably built up that muscle strength," OB/GYN Dr. Lois Brustman said.
Via Facebook Ellison said that she has been participating in CrossFit for two-and-a-half years.
Still, some doctors don't advocate such heavy weights for pregnant women.
"Your balance in pregnancy is really not the same. You could fall with it or fall backwards," Dr. Brustman said.
Glor agreed.
"I probably wouldn't have her do that much weight that far along. However, if you're used to working out, now is not a time to stop because labor is labor and you have to train for labor," she explained.
Glor added that pregnant women should always consult a doctor if they plan to exercise.
This is Ellison's third pregnancy.
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