Elliptical machine in early pregnancy?

vanessa2685

ChocoChipPancakes

When I was pregnant with my son the doctor encouraged working out.   The elliptical was perfect...its pretty low impact.  Its hard to tell from your post but is there a reason you don't think you could use an elliptical while pregnant?

kath16

Are you asking if you, specifically, can do it? Please check with your doctor.

Are you asking if any woman has ever successfully done the elliptical while pregnant? Yes.

WestCoastGirl05

cramcakes said:

I voted no because in my world, "Elliptical machine never."

Agreed - and I'm going to sound like "one of those people" but for me an eliptical doesn't count as a work out. If you have an active lifestyle before you get pregnant, then most doctors will say that continuing a work-out regime in healthy while youa re pregnant, within monderation of course.

WestCoastGirl05

PenguinMG said:

MeatandBandP said:

WestCoastGirl05 said:

cramcakes said:

I voted no because in my world, "Elliptical machine never."

Agreed - and I'm going to sound like "one of those people" but for me an eliptical doesn't count as a work out. If you have an active lifestyle before you get pregnant, then most doctors will say that continuing a work-out regime in healthy while youa re pregnant, within monderation of course.

Why does an eliptical not count as a work out?

I find the elliptical extremely boring and it's also very ineffective. It doesn't use a natural motion, so it's not good for toning muscles. It's pretty much only good for burning calories which isn't my goal when working out. I like to focus on building muscles since muscles will burn calories for me even after I end my workout. I think a 20 min cross training circuit is more effective than 45 minutes on the elliptical. The rowing machine or swimming would be more effective if you need low impact. Both will get your heat rate up and are great for your upper body and back.

I completely agree with you. It's not that I don't think an eliptical is good - it's is merely that using an eliptical does not help me accomplish my goals. I don't know how to say that without sounding pretentious so forgive me if that is how that comes across. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if this is what works for you then great. It just doesn't for me. I need something with a little higher intensity, that allows me to get my heart rate a little higher.

wishiwaspreggo

MeatandBandP said:

WestCoastGirl05 said:

PenguinMG said:

MeatandBandP said:

WestCoastGirl05 said:

cramcakes said:

I voted no because in my world, "Elliptical machine never."

Agreed - and I'm going to sound like "one of those people" but for me an eliptical doesn't count as a work out. If you have an active lifestyle before you get pregnant, then most doctors will say that continuing a work-out regime in healthy while youa re pregnant, within monderation of course.

Why does an eliptical not count as a work out?

I find the elliptical extremely boring and it's also very ineffective. It doesn't use a natural motion, so it's not good for toning muscles. It's pretty much only good for burning calories which isn't my goal when working out. I like to focus on building muscles since muscles will burn calories for me even after I end my workout. I think a 20 min cross training circuit is more effective than 45 minutes on the elliptical. The rowing machine or swimming would be more effective if you need low impact. Both will get your heat rate up and are great for your upper body and back.

I completely agree with you. It's not that I don't think an eliptical is good - it's is merely that using an eliptical does not help me accomplish my goals. I don't know how to say that without sounding pretentious so forgive me if that is how that comes across. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if this is what works for you then great. It just doesn't for me. I need something with a little higher intensity, that allows me to get my heart rate a little higher.

I don't use an elliptical machine either, mostly because I enjoy taking spin classes. But I do think it comes off kind of obnoxious to say it doesn't count as a workout. 

Agreed.  For some people, any movement is better than none.  And ellipticals are great for chunky folk like myself who need motions that are gentle on the knees.  I do the elliptical and swim 3-4 nights a week.  Yeah, I may not be a full-on athlete, but it makes me feel good and it's certainly better than sitting on my ass watching TV.

WestCoastGirl05

wishiwaspreggo said:

MeatandBandP said:

WestCoastGirl05 said:

PenguinMG said:

MeatandBandP said:

WestCoastGirl05 said:

cramcakes said:

I voted no because in my world, "Elliptical machine never."

Agreed - and I'm going to sound like "one of those people" but for me an eliptical doesn't count as a work out. If you have an active lifestyle before you get pregnant, then most doctors will say that continuing a work-out regime in healthy while youa re pregnant, within monderation of course.

Why does an eliptical not count as a work out?

I find the elliptical extremely boring and it's also very ineffective. It doesn't use a natural motion, so it's not good for toning muscles. It's pretty much only good for burning calories which isn't my goal when working out. I like to focus on building muscles since muscles will burn calories for me even after I end my workout. I think a 20 min cross training circuit is more effective than 45 minutes on the elliptical. The rowing machine or swimming would be more effective if you need low impact. Both will get your heat rate up and are great for your upper body and back.

I completely agree with you. It's not that I don't think an eliptical is good - it's is merely that using an eliptical does not help me accomplish my goals. I don't know how to say that without sounding pretentious so forgive me if that is how that comes across. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if this is what works for you then great. It just doesn't for me. I need something with a little higher intensity, that allows me to get my heart rate a little higher.

I don't use an elliptical machine either, mostly because I enjoy taking spin classes. But I do think it comes off kind of obnoxious to say it doesn't count as a workout. 

Agreed.  For some people, any movement is better than none.  And ellipticals are great for chunky folk like myself who need motions that are gentle on the knees.  I do the elliptical and swim 3-4 nights a week.  Yeah, I may not be a full-on athlete, but it makes me feel good and it's certainly better than sitting on my ass watching TV.

Understood - that's what I meant to say before, just probably didn't articulate very well. Any movement is better than no movement. I think any level of exercise is great for everyone if you're healthy enough for it. We all have to start somewhere, and any decision that allows for a healthy lifestyle deserves a thumbs up!

ngolimento

If you are asking if being pregnant makes you a cripple, the answer is no.

vanessa2685

Thank you all, I have back problems so I can't really run because of the impact and I don't really have time nor money to go to a class and I have an elliptical machine at home that I can use at any time and I know it's doesn't really tone your body but I think it helps a little bit.
Thank you :-)

redheadscu1

Shit. If I had an elliptical machine at home or a gym membership, and I used it with any sort of regularity, I would feel super proud of myself. Guess I'm just a fatty.

OP, unless your doctor has directed you otherwise, getting pregnant does not usually mean you need to stop exercising. If you're concerned, ask your doctor.

Also, if you are pregnant (and lost?), Congratulations to you. Happy & healthy 9 months.

vanessa2685

Thank you @redheadscu1‌

chaysefaith

Dammit @wishiwaspreggo‌ you keep ruining my mental image of you. Now not only do you NOT live in Italy but you're also not a size 0 runway model either?? When does it end??

vanessa2685

I'm speechless.

vanessa2685

@MauiBliss‌ for the "exercise is the devil"
Thank you ladies I really appreciate everybody opinion

holliberry28

On a similar note, any ladies here do Crossfit? I know they say you can continue the workout you've been doing before getting KU, but what if you've only been doing it for 6 weeks? LOL

Also, you CAN make the elliptical a good workout if you do HIIT (interval training) and upping the resistance.  Almost any exercise can be turned into an effective workout!