CrossFit aficionado Lea-Anne Ellison sparked a debate after posting photos of herself lifting heavy weights just two weeks before her due date.
According to an article in the Daily Mail, the viral images of the 35-year old mom of two have elicited a very mixed reaction, ranging from supportive to downright horrified.
"This is actually sickening," wrote Amanda Cinq-Mars. "I hope pregnant [women] around the world do not do this kind of cr**."
Some commenters labeled Ellison 'selfish' for potentially endangering her fetus, while others celebrated the fact that she isn't 'obese,' 'diabetic' and 'lazy' like so many other expectant women.
Ellison, who also has an eight-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, claims on her Bodybuilders.com profile that the core motivation for her fitness routine stems from wanting to be a "HOT Mom."
While moderate exercise during pregnancy has proven physical and psychological benefits, intense activity—like the kind undertaken by Ellison—is not necessarily recommended. Presumably, though, the fact that her body is accustomed to this punishing regimen suggests it may not pose a risk to her or her baby... Just check out what this woman achieved while nine months pregnant!
Awesome show of inspiration, or amazingly irresponsible message to send out to other pregnant women?
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