Working out: knowing my limits

ashleywiz

Today marked my first warrior class (crossfit hybrid type class) since late March. & I just loved every single minute of it.  Why so long, you might ask? Well... We'd been trying a few months already and on a hunch I thought maybe I'm working my bod too hard so I'll just go back to jogging with the pup and home workouts. I did this to save some $$, too. Well... Got KU the very next month- coincidence, probably, but still. 

In any case, I decided to not go back because I know myself when I work out-- I go completely balls to the wall, can't stop won't stop attitude. I love the feeling of a tough workout where I pushed myself beyond comfort and unless I'm doing a workout at home after a long jog, I truly couldn't help myself. I just didn't want to risk it- and I am officially SO glad I listened to myself. 

Not doing a class for 5ish months=definitely less in shape so I knew I wasn't at the top of my game like I was in April when I decided to stop. I am proud of my performance today in that when I felt myself get to the, "push though it pussy!" point, I stopped and grabbed water (drank 2L during a 1hr workout!). I didn't do my usual inner competition with the other people in class- and I still definitely got my heart pumping happily. So now I got the itch and I want to go back like once a week or so- but I am afraid once I get comfortable again I'll think I "can push it" just that little bit and I don't wanna hurt myself. 

Being a total workout junkie- now that I got a quick fix, I want MORE! Is anyone else feeling this way...knowing that you need to back off a bit on workouts, and doing a decent job? How do you keep your mind from jumping that little bit higher, or going a little faster? Or is it more of a day-to-day thing? 

I've been given suggestions of swimming instead, but I have a very slippy shoulder (thank you 8 years of gymnastics) that unfortunately dislocates when I'm swimming (the angle my body is at or something?) sooo as much as I'd love that as an alternative, I'd rather not have another dislocation incident! 

I'm looking for any insight from you mommas who've either recently gotten back in the game 2nd tri, or who've kept up their workout routine the whole time... How do you accommodate and not go too far?

ashleywiz

@runrun26.2 ok so I'm not the only one who had luck when training was backed off! That actually makes me feel a little less neurotic. Thanks for the encouragement- you're just a week behind me so I'm glad you're still able to make good time running (your 10k time is just shy of what mine was not preg! Haha). I love running but pre preg I averaged 8-9 min miles for my average 4.5 mile jaunt so probably would be around 10ish now. (Any slower and it's a speed walk! Haha). Good luck in the half next month!

kilbs

I've definitely backed off on my workouts.  Mostly b/c my body just won't let me push as hard, but I also remind myself it's not just me I'm affecting by doing too much.  And everyday is different.  Some days I feel great, and others, not so much.  It's tough when it is a rough day not being hard on yourself, like, they, I could do this yesterday, so push through.  But you just have to remember your end goal (having a healthy pregnancy and baby) and that it's only temporary and we'll be back at it in February or March or so.

I was training for a 10k when I got KU.  I've definitely put that on hold since I can only get in 3-4 miles before I feel awful.  But I decided after the baby to train for a half marathon.  It gives me something to look forward to and really helps with the "temporary setback" mindset.

ChuggingWater

I workout 5x weekly. I make sure I eat something first, have tons of water prior/during/after, and make sure I don't feel like I am going to pass out. I also try to make sure that nothing hurts.


I actually got pregnant when I starting working out more heavily. Instead of just being a casual runner, I had started a boot camp and strength training regiment again.

dltate29

I have listened to my body as much as possible.  When I get more winded, I slow down.  It is definitely hard not letting that inner competitor out but to me, it is more important that I take care of the little one inside me as opposed to getting those extra pushups or reps in.  I do a lot of modifications.  Just this Saturday morning I took a P90X class and really had to modify all of the situps so I wasn't doing a full sit up or spending too much time on my back.  I can definitely tell that I get winded a lot faster but as long as I am getting some exercise in that is all that matters to me.  On days when I am feeling lazy I push myself out of the house for a quick walk at the very least.  Anything I can to do to stay healthy be it walking or modifying my instense work outs. 

runnergrl6675

runrun26.2 said:

Just go by how you feel. I take it day by day. As far as intensity, I make sure I can talk while working out the majority of the time. Not complete sentences, but definitely able to get a few words out at a time. I'm a runner, and have been consistently running this pregnancy with DS in the stroller. My time has slowed quite a bit on training runs, but I was able to kick out a 56 minute 10k yesterday without feeling tired or short of breath.

 

 

 

Nice!  was that in a race or just running by yourself?  I want to try and get around there in a 10k i'm doing next month.  Being pregnant has been extremely humbling when it comes to racing.  However, the slower pace has been pretty nice.  I'm able to actually enjoy the scenery during my runs. 

sarahlisa00

Your "balls to the wall" work out attitude is the same as mine which is exactly why I haven't stepped back into the crossfit box since becoming pregnant.  I just know I wouldn't know when enough is enough because when it comes to lifting and intense working out I have tunnel vision and it's to handle as much as my body can take... or just past that.  My doctor was pretty adamant about keeping my heart rate under 150 allowing for 160 jumps here and there.  After researching and realizing that probably didn't apply to my cardio adjusted heart I started listening more to body and allowed my self to get out of spinning and back to running.  I guess that first week back was too much because I damaged my toe, which I firmly believe was a pregnancy related injury because I've never had that happen before.  Anyway... toe is better and I will start slowly running again this week.  I really like spinning because I can control how hard I go.  I also go at least once a week to my husbands military base where they have a full crossfit set up so I can still get the weight lifting feel without spending tons of $$.  Good luck and keep it up!!

ashleywiz

Thanks a ton ladies. I'm glad to know that you've been able to keep it up! Especially working with the people I do who make a grimace face if I lift a couple reams of paper at once (though they didn't blink at me toting boxes of paper etc pre-preg). I'm a little sore today but hoping a nice lil jog after work will loosen it all up for a good stretch sesh tonight.

nbbride06

I'm just starting to go back to spin class now.  Did it through the very beginning of pregnancy until I got terribly sick.  Just now feeling up to going again.  Anyway, I bought a heart rate monitor and keep my heart rate under 140.  It's tough because you can't go all out and keep your heart rate under 140.  I was actually surprised how quickly my heart rate got up there.

Dishylo

It's threads like this that make me even more sad/frustrated that I can't work out.

@ashleywiz - I was very much like you re working out; boxing, kickboxing, bikram yoga or just pure hardcore cardio.  I love it!

Since the car accident I'm not able to work out at all, mostly because of the pain but also Dr's orders.  I have gone from being able to walk 1 block a day to 3-5 blocks a day.  I'm allowed to swim but it has to be on my back because swimming on my front would involve pressure on my C2 which is the worst off.

I did have 9 (yes....9!) days between food aversion / light morning sickness and the car accident and spent each day hiking and running with my dog because I was SOOOO excited to get back to working out.  If I felt like I was going too hard, I just slowed down a bit or took a breather.  You need to watch your internal temperature and your heart rate - have fun but go easy Good luck!!

Armyratt

I have been continuing my workouts since I found out I was pregnant. I just listen to my body if I feel good then baby should be fine. I am not trying to make personal records or anything right now just simply working out to make myself feel good.

ashleywiz

@Dishylo , ugh I would be upset if I couldn't work out- too. Sending you hugs and I'll do a few extra squats for ya  

@armyratt,  exactly-- no personal bests, just healthy, productive workouts is the goal. I just need to keep that as the forefront and not let my competitive side sneak out. 

ashleywiz

nbbride06 said:

I'm just starting to go back to spin class now.  Did it through the very beginning of pregnancy until I got terribly sick.  Just now feeling up to going again.  Anyway, I bought a heart rate monitor and keep my heart rate under 140.  It's tough because you can't go all out and keep your heart rate under 140.  I was actually surprised how quickly my heart rate got up there.

I've considered spin, because I've heard great things- but I've never done it. I'm more concerned about keeping a conversational pace than heartrate since my resting is so dang low and elevated gets quite high quickly without me feeling winded.   Definitely will look into spin as another option! I like variety!

ashleywiz

ChuggingWater said:

I workout 5x weekly. I make sure I eat something first, have tons of water prior/during/after, and make sure I don't feel like I am going to pass out. I also try to make sure that nothing hurts. I actually got pregnant when I starting working out more heavily. Instead of just being a casual runner, I had started a boot camp and strength training regiment again.

Funny how bodies will react when we change something up!  I was working out intensely 6x week and I loved every minute, except that my cycles were all funked-up and everything....but the month after I toned it down- BANG!  

bananas1112

I had actually just started a new gym membership the month before I got pregnant and was good at going 3x a week. I had finished a half marathon (though I would not say gracefully!) in October and then quit my previous membership because I was moving. I was able to still keep it up through week 7 or 8 and I pushed myself to go because of how BLOATED I was feeling. Then the symptoms set in and if I wasn't nauseous, I was eating or sleeping. I just went back for the first time since then yesterday (now 17 weeks) and as glad as I am for going I feel SO out of shape compared to where I left off. I'm usually a run/walker and I tried to walk/jog and keep a slower pace. I just keep thinking I know I need to do it because it will help with labor and recovery down the road but I'm also paranoid about anything that could cause baby issues ("if I run too fast will I shake the baby loose?!" it's crazy!)

https://www.momsintofitness.com/pregnancy-how-to-use-heart-rate-monitors-during-exercise/

ashleywiz

@bananas1112 ---I'm sure you know you can't shake the baby loose...haha but generally the new exercise caution is mainly because of your joints and everything-- it's easier for us preggy ladies to get hurt, especially if it's something you've never done before. BUT if you're used to things, you're totally fine with most anything you decide to do (given that you're watching your temperature and such).  Way to go for starting back up again--  my thighs are burning today but it's awesome-- getting psyched for my jog in a couple hours. SO excited to be back on track. 

bananas1112

ashleywiz i know but I can't help but think it!!  the burn def means you accomplished something! I had forgotten what that kind of soreness was like

sept9107bride

I was a huge runner before pg.  Stopped during first tri, now I run/walk.  I try to do 50% each depending on how I feel...run 1/2 mile, walk 1/2 mile.  My time has definitely slowed down...I was reaching 8:20 miles on 5ks, now I'm probably at a 10:30 pace just trying not to push it.  My goal is just to keep SOME form of running through 9 months so it's not horribly difficult to pick up again.  Even stopping in first tri made starting over kind of ugh.  I know you said you can't but swimming really was awesome for me when I was KU x2 before.  I think it helps strengthen the whole core.  Could you do breast stroke?  I just feel like working the back and legs at least helps strengthen up all the stuff you need to use in labor.  Could just be in my head but I think it helps.

ashleywiz

@sept9107bride  I haven't tried different strokes... but every single time I do more than just tread water... my shoulder slips, which is AWFUL because water is used for so many rehab things and that is the one activity that makes it worse for me! Booshnanny! I think as long as I keep up my jogging game I should be OK (and then my pup is happier for it, too- because he's an awesome jogging buddy). I definitely keep up on my squats and lunges [gotta keep up that backside, yo!] so I donno, the whole water bit really bums me out because I'm on an island for goodness sakes!! 

kteeswei

I did crossfit (modified as needed) to get ready for pregnancy but was told to stop when I got pregnant (I have a muscular myopathy) because of complications. I miss it so much! Medical restriction aside, I also worried I'd have trouble with the discipline to keep it scaled back in the heat of the moment. A friend of mine treated labor as a series of WODs and said it helped just as much mentally pushing through the pain.

ashleywiz

@katiesWei. Ugh what a bummer but haha I love your friend's mentality! I'll use that!

ChuggingWater

ashleywiz said:

ChuggingWater said:

I workout 5x weekly. I make sure I eat something first, have tons of water prior/during/after, and make sure I don't feel like I am going to pass out. I also try to make sure that nothing hurts.


I actually got pregnant when I starting working out more heavily. Instead of just being a casual runner, I had started a boot camp and strength training regiment again.

Funny how bodies will react when we change something up!  I was working out intensely 6x week and I loved every minute, except that my cycles were all funked-up and everything....but the month after I toned it down- BANG!  

I don't necessarily attribute it to the reason I got pregnant as we had only been trying for eight or nine cycles. I also started new medications for my rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumy said it might have helped to reduce overall inflammation. ::shrug:: idk.

ccip82

Funny you should mention this...

We ended up on an unintentional 8 mile hike yesterday afternoon. Luckily it was relatively flat, but it still was a lot for me. Like many other pps mentioned, listen to your body. I ended up taking breaks along the hike and drank plenty of water.

Normally, I am in the gym about 3 times a week and DH and I one hike every week or so. At the gym, I met with a trainer and we went over my new routine for pregnancy. On hike, I no longer carry DD in the backpack carrier and am constantly drinking from my camelbak. I have definitely made adjustments to my routine!