So, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I have not worked out at all this pregnancy. Between working full time and grad school at night I just haven't had time or energy. I've gone on maybe 5-6 walks total, but nothing more than that. Now that school is over and I have more time, I want to start working out so that I can be in somewhat good shape for labor. That's my concern, just stamina for labor.
Has anyone else not worked out up until now but is planning on starting, or started recently? It seems late to me to begin in the third tri but better late than never right? If you're in the same boat, what exercises are you doing or considering? Or for STMs, or the fit mommas to be, what would you recommend given that I haven't worked out in like 8 months? (I had stopped before I got pregnant due to planning a wedding, working, and going to school). Any advice / tips are appreciated.
Re: Anyone NOT worked out at all?
Me. Guilty.
I can make a million excuses why I haven't, but it really just comes down to me being lazy at the end of the day and not making time. I've gone hiking a few times, and my commute involves a LOT of stairs, but that is all I've been doing.
On Sunday, my labor coach told me that at this point I shouldn't attempt to become a super athlete, but should do things that I already do, but more frequently. So that's going to mean taking walks during my lunch break, and climbing more stairs (joy!). She also said I could sit on a yoga ball as much as possible and will end up using core muscles to stay upright... just ordered it on Amazon.
This. lol. And my other excuse is now its winter and its too cold for long walks. I am going to try the yoga ball and some squats though. At least thats my plan. I am also considering prenatal yoga.
I have to be honest - I have done a few prenatal yoga classes but I have to be real - I don't really consider it working out, it is so mellow. I also have a 1 mile walk to/from work each day.
I am trying to walk more now because I dont want to put on too much weight. they say the weight really piles on at the end and that makes me nervous.
Target also sells a prenatal yoga DVD. It is a 4pk (one for each trimester and post pardum) I like it a lot!
Guilty! I have been taking more stairs and trying to get up and move (and still put my feet up when I get home) but most of the time I'm exhausted by the time I get home from work and exercise really isn't a priority. I know I know, it should be!
I agree with the previous posters, just get up and move and anything to help with your core will help. Keep up those kegels as well!
Me: 30, DH: 33 Married 8/3/08
BFP 7/16/2012 (8th cycle), EDD 3/27/2012, Delivered 3/24/2013 - IT'S A BOY!
I was very into working out per pregnancy and am trying very hard to stay that way. I am a teacher so am on my feet all day and sometimes find it hard to get the motivation but thinking of the payoff at the end keeps me going. I am a runner but gave up high impact cardio and traded in for swimming recently. I think that would be good for you because it's low impact and a total body workout, both cardio and strength training. I also take weight classes 3 times a week. Ive lightened my weights, however, and have instead been doing more reps/ sets. Like pp said, I am hoping this helps the birth process, especially those squats and lunges. Just remember to listen to your body and baby!! They know best right now
THIS!!!
I wanted to do sit ups today when I realized my stomach was getting fat!!
Guilty! I never exercised much before due to having plantar fasciitis in both of my feet. It hurts me to do anything. Once our local outdoor pool opened for the summer, I started going to aquacize. However, I started having lower abdominal pain when doing some of the activities in the water. I was only 6 weeks pregnant at the time so I quit going. I had a loss just over a year ago and didn't want to do anything that could contribute to another loss.
I'm a teacher and on my feet all day long. Thankfully, I have good work shoes that are pretty comfortable to work in (I've yet to find any casual shoes or boots that are as comfortable). So I do get a fair amount of walking in at work but that's about it. I would love to do more walking outside of school but my feet hurt just too much to do so.
Also, I've been experiencing cramps in my lower abdomen for the last two to three weeks. They don't feel like the round ligament pains I was having earlier in the pregnancy but apparently they are ligamental pains. I've been checked out a few times over the last few weeks and everything is fine with the baby...it's just how my body is responding to the way my body is growing. I've experienced the pains the most when doing any brisk walking so I've had to learn to slow down A LOT.
So, (serious) working out has not really been something I've been able to do. I have considered doing some prenatal yoga but I just haven't had the time. Maybe when I'm on maternity leave, I'll try it out.
BFP #1 09/02/11 M/C 09/12/11 8w6days
BFP #2 07/18/12 Baby S born on his EDD 03/23/13
SS - age 12...SD - age 8...DS - 13 mos.
Good luck to you all as well in whatever level of exercise you end up at!
i'm a FTM so I don't really know how much it helps but everything i hear says staying at least minimally active helps...I've worked out my entire pregnancy, but I also utilize my gym as my social time and my "feel good" time. that being said
-start walking...even if it's 2-3 15 minute walks a day, once for 45-60 minutes, or a bunch of mini walks. I go on a treadmill and watch a show on my phone, or when i used to run for long periods of time, I'd download an audio book onto my phone and listen to that
-prenatal yoga-it may not get your heart rate moving but it will help strengthen your body and help prepare it for labor
-do a "TV" workout, if you watch it-every commercial, do 1-2 sets of lunges (10 reps), wall sits (30 second squat) , wall pushups (10 reps) or squats (10 reps). even at 1 set of 10 for 3 of those exercises, that will give you at least 30-40 reps in one tv show-with minimal effort!
I worked out a bunch in the 1st Tri, then tapered off and haven't really done anything for most of the Second Tri. The main consequences I noticed are that, when I returned to the routine this week, I got NASTY cramps in my feet and other places. If you're going to start now, make sure you WARM UP AND STRETCH, and go very, very light. It's super-easy to overdo it because one minute you'll be all "Hey! I feel great!" get a rush of energy/endorphins and keep chugging, and then five minutes later you're like "O Lord, ow ow ow ow ow...."
So yeah, go gentle.
awaiting audrey claire 3.13.13
Me.
Granted, I'm a middle school teacher, so I do get to move quite a bit. But I'm finding that my belly aches (like round ligament pain) when I walk too much or too fast. So I'm just gonna be lazy. I'll keep working as long as I can, and trust that chasing middle schoolers around will have to be exercise enough.