Stay active during pregnancy with this FREE First Trimester Workout Plan for weeks 1 – 12 of pregnancy! This early pregnancy workout plan is designed for expecting moms who were active pre-pregnancy and are looking for a structured workout program to safely maintain strength and muscle tone during pregnancy.
This first trimester exercise program was created by Lindsey Bomgren, Certified Personal Trainer and PROnatal Fitness Certified for Prenatal Training and Postnatal Training.
“I just found out I’m pregnant — what workouts should I be doing?”
As someone who was strength training 5-6 days a week prior to pregnancy, I had trouble finding pregnancy workout videos that actually challenged me. That’s what inspired our pregnancy workouts and Free 30-Day Pregnancy Workout Plans. But we wanted to customize it even more to offer workouts designed for each specific trimester of pregnancy.
Enter today’s post: a structured first trimester exercise program designed for Week 1 – Week 12 of pregnancy.
I know that first trimester in particular can be really tough to keep moving. Between the pregnancy fatigue, nausea and aches and pains, it can be hard to stay active. You do your best and forget the rest, and just know I’m right there with you.
This 4-Week Workout Plan is designed to be repeated 2-3 times until you reach your second trimester (13 weeks) of pregnancy. These exercises are safe for pregnancy, with options to scale each move up or down.
Of course, every body (and every pregnancy) is different. You should consult with your doctor or midwife if you have any questions. Listen to your body – it really does know best.

A Set of Dumbbells. Most of the daily workouts require a set of dumbbells, but they can also be done with bodyweight alone. Each workout will have a recommended dumbbell weight, usually between 8-15 pounds for the strength training workouts and 2-5 pounds for the barre workouts. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to decrease weights or drop them completely and do exercises with just your bodyweight.
Optional Exercise Equipment:
Mini Loop Resistance Band. A great way to add intensity to low impact exercises. These are the mini loop resistance bands I have (DISCOUNT CODE: NML).
Chair, Bench or Exercise Ball. Pregnant women may need additional balance support or to gradually modify exercises to an incline position as their belly grows.
Kettlebell. Optional (you can sub one dumbbell instead). I personally love kettlebell training during pregnancy as a low impact way to get the heart rate up.
Varies from 10-40 minutes a day, 6 days per week.
You can always take more rest days as needed. And scale back to 3-4 days a week, if choosing 3-4 workouts I suggest:
This is a Pregnancy-Friendly Workout Plan. The daily workout videos do offer exercise variations, modifications and options to increase or decrease the intensity as needed.
FREE! No sign up needed, this is a FREE Prenatal Workout Plan.
This Pregnancy Workout Plan is for anyone who:
Generally, yes. If you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal, it is safe to continue regular physical activity. Pregnancy exercise can actually help decrease first trimester pregnancy symptoms like pregnancy fatigue and morning sickness.
Regular exercise during pregnancy can help reduce backaches, improve sleep quality, and lower the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women (Mayo Clinic). There’s also some research that indicates that an active pregnancy provides a boost to baby’s brain and heart health as well (What To Expect).
Strength training and low impact moderate intensity cardio are the best form of pregnancy workouts. These both support healthy weight gain during pregnancy and can help reduce common pregnancy aches and pains. Many women also enjoy prenatal yoga classes during pregnancy.
In general, you can continue your pre-pregnancy workouts through the first trimester. Exceptions include contact sports like horseback riding or ice hockey. You should also avoid getting ‘breathless’ during pregnancy workouts. It’s ok to raise your heart rate, but remember the ‘talk test.’ You should be able to comfortably hold a conversation with a friend while exercising during pregnancy.
From the maternity leggings I lived in, to my go-to nursing sports bra, you can find all of my favorite fit pregnancy products in this post. And I’ve compiled all of our pregnancy resources on this page.

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This plan allocates one rest day a week to use when you need, but of course, you can take more rest days as needed. That might look like doing nothing, going on a long walk, or following one of our popular stretching and recovery workouts:

This plan allocates one rest day a week to use when you need, but of course, you can take more rest days as needed. That might look like doing nothing, going on a long walk, or following one of our popular stretching and recovery workouts:

This plan allocates one rest day a week to use when you need, but of course, you can take more rest days as needed. That might look like doing nothing, going on a long walk, or following one of our popular stretching and recovery workouts:

This plan allocates one rest day a week to use when you need, but of course, you can take more rest days as needed. That might look like doing nothing, going on a long walk, or following one of our popular stretching and recovery workouts:

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Did you love this workout challenge? We would truly appreciate a review! Every single one helps us keep creating free fitness content that supports you in your health journey.
I cannot describe how grateful I am to have found these postpartum workouts. I not only feel like I have found a trainer, but a much-needed tribe member on the other side of the screen.
I really appreciate Lindsey’s dedication and how she brings her real self to each workout, since being a mom of three small kids can feel so lonely. She is great company and makes it much easier. Thank you!
I have been really enjoying Max 20! Unfortunately joining the app to access the additional week of workouts isn’t in my budget at the moment, but I love the 10 days that are available for free. I am on my 4th week(day 7) of doing this program and I can see myself repeating the 10 day program throughout the summer. My strength has improved since beginning this program on 6/1 and I would even say this is my favorite NML program I’ve tried so far.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Thank you for sweating with us! We’re so glad you’re enjoying Max 20. Keep up the great work!!
I am 64 and still working so it has been hard to get to the gym. I love these short,effective workouts and modifications. My adult daughter is following along and we send each other sweaty selfies to encourage each other haha. Thank you so much for providing this resource for free Lindsey.
This is the first program I’ve been excited to complete in a long time! I was feeling burnt out by weight training and needed something different for little bit that’s also effective. This is perfect! I notice my range of motion improving and it also provides a good refresher on proper form without the added weights. I love Lindsey’s enthusiasm and that my young daughter hears her encouragement and joins me and cheers me on. I’m excited to dive into her other programs as well!
I want to sincerely thank you, Lindsey Bromgren, from the bottom of my heart for all the content you create.
I’m here to express how grateful I am for your work. Before I found you, I was already training, but I felt like I was missing something more structured and motivating for this phase of my life.
I had been training intensely before pregnancy, but during pregnancy I reduced the intensity. Now, in the postpartum period, I’m getting back into it with full commitment.
I found you about 1 month and 2 weeks ago, and I’m about to complete 3 weeks in your postpartum program. I’m already repeating the program for the second time, so technically I’m in my third week — and I’m also combining it with your diastasis program.
It has been an incredible experience.
During this time, I’ve already lost 22 lbs out of the 35 lbs I gained during pregnancy, just 4 months postpartum, and I’m almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight.
More importantly, training with your program has been extremely motivating and consistent for me. I feel stronger, more confident, and very supported throughout this journey.
Thank you so much — I truly needed to express my gratitude for this.
I am getting back into shape! I am premenopausal, overweight, and lazy. And you inspired me to move. I just started the 30-day beginner workout in conjunction with a good diet and walking workout. I am feeling great and can’t wait for more!
I was unsure where to start in my workout journey at 6 weeks postpartum with my second baby. I did not prioritize exercise after having my first baby just 2.5 years ago so I knew I needed a specific program for postpartum. It has helped me so much! I feel so much stronger and confident. I plan on continuing a new NML program next!
Lindsey is a great instructor. She has great energy and has great workout plans. I love how she keeps it real, she doesn’t pretend to be perfect and lets you know when she is feeling the burn and struggles right along with you. Her co-instructors are wonderful too. I love how they do the modified version of the exercise, which is the version I have to use about half the time.
Day 2 arm day! Wow! Seemed easy when I started and now my arms are burning. Grateful for a good 20 mins!
I have been doing NML workouts for over a year now and find the variety and time limit very doable for this extremely busy time in my life. As someone who has done every single program NML has, getting a new one in time for summer is a dream.
I love this program and the ease of turning on the tv and getting it done. I love that Lindsey is encouraging, knowledgeable, and has put together such a well thought out plan. I’ve been going for a few months and I’ve really seen improvements . Thank you NML!
I love these short effective workouts. I’m older(56) and longer workouts are very challenging for me. But Max 20 is exactly what I need and love. Going heavy and building strength. All part of my nursing home prevention program and I love you are a part of it too.
I started weight training again in January after taking a break due to life and I’m so glad I came back to what got me going again. I’ve loved these workouts for years and after doing this program I have never felt stronger. I’m on my 2nd go and I already feel the gains and can’t wait to try increasing weight ❤️.
Over 70 mom and grandmother, who is trying to set an example for the next generation. Love ths workout my goal is a real pull up in 6 months and better muscle definition. It takes longer for senior but it’s possible. Thanks Lindsey andz Rachel
I was looking for an injury friendly workout. As someone who enjoys HIIT training, I had to step away from this style due to a tear in my hip labrum. I wanted to work on muscle building while giving the high impact a rest. After completing this workout for 4 weeks, I noticed muscle strength by bringing them to fatigue (lower weight/higher reps) and surprisingly my VO2Max also increased. I can only attribute it to the 2 min hiit finishers. I love the adding this on the end, getting my hiit fix/my HR high but also preserving my injury. Do Not underestimate this style of workout. I was very impressed with this program!
I started Overload 30 back in November 2025 and went through it 1.5 times before the holidays; took me about 3 weeks. Travelled, took some time off, then started it again. Did Overload 30 3 times over 1.5 months and I feel AWESOME! Had to do some of the modified moves, but I finished!! Thanks Lindsey and Rachel, you gals are great!
Seven months ago, I had open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. My sternum was literally cut open and bound together with wire. After eight weeks, my movement and lifting restrictions were lifted, and I was off heavy pain meds, unable to start driving and back to life with five kids. I completed cardiac rehab rehabilitation, but I had not lifted more than 5 pounds the entire time. I was a long way to go to recovery and regain my strength. A friend recommended this program and I started on it and was able to do a few days in a row and then rest for a few days but I was able to do it. I started out at 5 pounds and then increased to eight and then 10 and then 12 pounds. I’m about to finish the program tomorrow and I’m so much stronger and more capable. I also am able to do walks and runs and longer cardio exercises and yoga. This is absolutely changed my life for the better. Thank you!
Great program! I really like how this athlete-style workout combines strength training with mobility, balance, and conditioning—it makes the routine more functional rather than just focused on aesthetics. The use of trisets, HIIT intervals, and progressive overload is a smart way to improve both muscle and athletic performance over time. Training 25–30 minutes a day with a structured plan like this is practical and sustainable for long-term results
Absolutely love this 4 day workout split!! It’s challenging but doable and I feel so strong after completing it!! Please do more videos like these, especially with the rep drops!
I’ve been doing a different plan for the last year on repeat, had some good results. Injured my knee and recovered and tried to get back into that program, but it felt boring. Found this one, and the muscle gains have been incredible. Symmetry in my legs is almost if not fully equal now, my arms are more defined than they’ve ever been, and I always feel great after I finish the workout. They are fun and encouraging to work out with as well. Definitely recommend!
I love adding these workouts first thing each morning before the rest of my workout session. I have noticed my waist slimming and core tightening. My one and only complaint/observation is that day 10 and 24 are the same. I don’t know if that’s intentional or not, but I wanted to let you know 🙂
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
So glad you’re enjoying our ab challenge! Yes the repetition of day 10 and 24 is intentional — we want to be able to measure your core strength gains and progress. So repeating day 10 approximately 2 weeks later is a great way to measure progress!
I found NML when I was pregnant with my second baby and wanted to continue a fitness regimen but one tailored to prenatal needs. I am SO happy I did. Started NML’s postpartum plan at 8 weeks postpartum. It took me 3 months to complete the plan 2x as recommended. This was because my baby wasn’t the best sleeper and some days I just needed to rest/nap. Do your best and forget the rest, as Lindsey would say. Still I see progress and I feel SO much stronger and better than I did during postpartum with my first baby. Progressed from only 10 lb weights to 15 lb for most exercises and even 20-30 lbs for certain ones! I am really happy with progress and can’t wait to move to Strong 20!
Great advice and precise with a sunny atmosphere. Lindsey and Rachel are a great pair!
After about 10 years of really not exercising or working out, this 30-day ab challenge (along with your cardio workouts!) was just what I needed! I’m actually repeating it so I can challenge myself to not make modifications! Love all that NML offers, thank you!
I completed the 30 day beginner program and am working on doing it again. I haven’t lifted weights since I was in high school, 17 years ago-yikes, this was a great start and because I loved it so much I’m doing it again as I continue to get stronger!
Note: before beginning any new exercise program you should consult with your physician or midwife. The information provided with this workout challenge is intended for general information and use; it does not include specific, individualized recommendations and is not intended as medical advice. Before you begin any new exercise program Nourish Move Love recommends that you consult with your physician. Nourish Move Love primarily educates clients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.
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