Before I started exercising regularly and eating healthily, I thought I was still in pretty good shape. It wasn’t until I started my Bikram yoga practice that I realized how sluggish and moody I’d actually been feeling for years.

Being active, staying adequately hydrated, taking time to meditate/relax/enjoy solitude, and eating well, I’ve learned, are essential to my well-being. By drinking enough water, my skin improved. By being active, I felt less sluggish during the afternoons and slept better through the night. By focusing more on my inner self through yoga, I became aware of how I treat others and controlled my moods better.

Now that I’m pregnant and experiencing a plethora of new emotions, physical sensations, and body changes, I find it even more important to continue this way of living. In fact, in the 2 weeks (or so) I took a break from exercise and gave into my junk food cravings, I felt a little off. Sure, part of that was due to my head cold, but I really think it was my body telling me to get back on track!

Thank goodness I have a supportive blogging community, family, and doctor to encourage me along the way. It also helps to have fun fitness gear like my brightly colored weights, floral yoga mat, and favorite workout top (that I reviewed here) from For Two Fitness!

For Two Fitness has a variety of high-quality apparel specially designed for active mothers-to-be. Their products include racerback and camisole-style tanks, capri and yoga pants, jackets, and accessories—all of which are designed for comfort, support, and showing off your baby bumps.

Want some FTF active wear for yourself or a pregnant friend/family member? From today until Friday, June 27, For Two Fitness is running an Instagram campaign where one lucky winner will receive a $100 FTF gift card. Read below for contest rules and guidelines.

To enter:

One lucky instagrammer will win $100 gift card to For Two Fitness – the very best in maternity activewear. Simply post the above image on your instagram feed along with the tag #fortwofitnessgift and mention @fortwofitness. Include in your comment the item or items you love the most. A minimum of 50 reposts will be required to unlock the prize, so share with all of your pregnant friends, and good luck!

• What was the biggest physical and/or mental change you noticed when adopting an active, healthy lifestyle?
• For moms and moms-to-be: how did/do you stay active during pregnancy? Did you find it helped with any of your pregnancy symptoms?

**This post is written as part of the For Two Fitness Ambassador Program. The product pictured was purchased by me, and as always, all opinions are my own.**