35-year-old, Lea-Ann Ellison, is pregnant with her third child. While most soon-to-be moms are taking it easy while being 8-months pregnant, Ellison is doing something that has everyone talking.
Ellison is a CrossFit enthusiast and says that she has been doing it for over 2 years. The pictures, that have gone viral, show Ellison lifting 75-pound weights over her head while she is 8-months pregnant. It was reported that she has been known to lift nearly 190-pounds but has altered her regime to suit her pregnancy.
The caption on the photo posted on CrossFit’s Facebook profile read: “8 months pregnant with baby number 3 and CrossFit has been my sanity. I have been CrossFitting for 2 1/2 years and … strongly believe that pregnancy is not an illness, but a time to relish in your body’s capabilities to kick ass.”
According to the CrossFit Mom website, “CrossFit is a strength and intensity based fitness program. However, during pregnancy you want to concentrate on strength and keeping your body healthy, rather than the intensity.”
“A woman’s overall health, including obstetric and medical risks, should be evaluated before prescribing an exercise program,” the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ guidelines say. “Generally, participation in a wide range of recreational activities appears to be safe during pregnancy; however, each sport should be reviewed individually for its potential risk.”
The photos have sparked controversy and have received thousands of comments, both good and bad.
Amanda Cinq-Mars commented on the photo saying: “This is actually sickening, I hope pregnant around the world do not do this kind of crap. I am a crossfit enthusiast but I DO NOT recommend this at all. Doctors always strongly suggest to not lift heavy because you can sever your placenta and cause major damage an early labor and it miscarriage …. Posting this picture goes people the wrong message that this is OKAY when it’s not!!!!”
Stephanie Herrera also commented: “Sure you look and sound cool, but we’re only human…why would you risk hurting your baby just to stay in shape? That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s not a time to kick ass, it’s a time to be protective of your unborn child. Normally I’m for crossfit, but this doesn’t make any sense to me”
There were many people, including doctors, that came to Ellison’s defense.
Idiots criticizing Lea-Ann Ellison for @Crossfit while pregnant are the same ignorant schmucks gaining 60 + prego pounds on burgers & fries
— Alfonso Moretti (@AngryTrainerFit) September 20, 2013
All I have to say about Lea-Ann Ellison, 8 months pregnant with her third child, doing CrossFit is…Women Rock!! Pregnant and taking names!
— Julie (@BooksDogsChoc) September 20, 2013
Ellison is not letting the negative comments bring her down. She responded to the “haters” by saying: “I want to thank everyone for their kind and supportive responses! Haters will hate and it’s ok. My life is not their life thank goodness! Lol! Again, thank you! It means so much to feel this much love from a community I adore.”
Image via Facebook