Exercise

Acoyston

What types of exercises do other moms do ??? I have just been walking on the treadmill but am getting somewhat bored with it. Any at home DVD videos that would be recommended ???

mamachelsea

I have continued with my indoor cycling class and love it. It's no impact and there are many adjustments you can make to fit your pregnant body. I don't do the standing sprints and don't always turn up my tension as high as the instructor says to. Classes are usually about 50 minutes and I always feel great afterwards.

Leysin97

I really like the what to expect when you're expecting workout DVD. It has several 10 minute options. You pick which ones out want and hit play. I usually do 2 cardio, one strength and the yoga stretch. If I am feeling a little less energetic I do less. I bought the Tracy Anderson Pregnancy project and it's a little much for me. The part I dislike the most is you are on your knees most of the workout and this is really uncomfortable for me. The workouts are also a little tough if you aren't in great shape to begin with. I just use the DVD now for the arm segment then do the cardio from the what to expect DVD.

mb314

I use the elliptical - it's really low impact, but I feel like I get a better workout than walking.  If you have access to a pool, swimming is really great, particularly as you get bigger and more achey. 

Acoyston

Thanks mamas I think I might check out that DVD what to expect one thanks for the input !!!

NELSMD

I love Suzanne Bowen's prenatal barre workout dvd. Got it on Amazon

nickicl

I have the Tracey Anderson pregnancy workout DVDs which I agree are quite difficult and a prenatal yoga DVD. I never do any of it though.

My Dr is not a fan of me taking up running or "jumpy" workouts but I really wasn't into it before pregnancy except occasionally. They mostly recommend walking and yoga but I've never gotten into yoga.

I pretty much just walk a lot, take stairs, ride my bike a bit (this might not last through next 5 months), do random arm/leg/etc. workouts when I feel like it, dance around my house, and go swimming on rare occasion that I get the opportunity. So generally I guess I really don't have a plan just try to keep moving.

MNgirl326

I usually do the elliptical

runnergirl4

I'm a runner and have been for years so I run (4-8 miles) almost every day - sometimes less, sometimes more. The key is to listen to your body. My OB is fine with my running because I've been doing it for years.  I ran all the way through my first pregnancy.  I am now 16 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and I run each day as always, but now I've also been taking Pure Barre classes - which I love! It's a great workout to compliment the running because it incorporates stretching along with toning, lengthening, and strengthening.  I wasn't pregnant yet when I started the classes, and I was surprised at how many pregnant women were in the classes!  it's a challenging workout - pregnant or not!  However, you can modify and move at your own pace.  If you have the classes available near you, I'd highly recommend it!  Otherwise - I see some others have posted about Barre workout DVD's they've tried which are probably very similar to the Pure Barre class.

Hugheser2014

I enjoy running the most, I just make sure to stay hydrated.  I am just glad I got my energy back after the first trimester, it feels great!

jneden

I have the Lindsay Brin's pregnancy dvd set and then the 10 minute pregnancy pilates. They are pretty good. 

marriedinaugust

Right now I walk, hike and just started with Barre3 classes. With my last pregnancy I walked, lifted weights, took step, Zumba and Pilates as well as a prenatal water aerobics class all up to 38 weeks. I quit spinning last time because it was a little too much for me with my asthma and the heat. It is really what you are comfortable doing.

megdaig

OMG...Tracy Anderson needs to disappear from the fitness industry. Sorry, she just has no idea what she is talking about and is just perpetuating more myth than doing good. /end rant

Do what you did before hand. Treadmills are boring, take a walk outside. Buy a bike from a pawn shop and start riding around the neighborhood (wear a helmet). I did triathlon and weights before becoming pregnant (did an Ironman at 6 weeks). I don't run as much anymore but a few jogs here and there. Swimming is great. And of course the weights are by far still my most favorite form of exercise.

Do what you enjoy but stay within your capabilities. Listen to your body and don't ignore the signs; small nagging issues that may seem miniscule may indicate something larger if you keep pushing.

Tbfreckles17

Could anyone give me some names of some good prenatal yoga dvds I did yoga before I was pregnant and I would really love to continue now that I'm 24 weeks.

howin23

I'm swimming and that's about it. I can't run due to now partial/marginal placenta previa (was complete, but moving up), and with swimming there isn't a lot of weight on the placenta so it's safer. I was a swimmer but still try to swim slowly, no flip turns, and do mostly freestyle because the breaststroke kick puts more pressure on my abs. So far swimming has been working for me!

babyPsarker

I do the Tracy Anderson DVDs and I did them before I was pregnant. I don't actually like her, but I like the results.

see8e

Anything and everything that feels good, so long as you did if before conceiving! My OB stresses at every appointment that staying active is one of the best things you can do for your baby and yourself while pregnant. 

I'm still doings lots of high-impact stuff at 18 weeks without a problem (running, athletic conditioning, etc.), but some days I do wake up and feel exhausted, so take the extra hour of sleep over a hard workout in the AM. Then just take a nice walk with DH and our pup in the evening. Pilates is also great because you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with many of those exercises, which will come in handy in labor!

Alygohome

Faaack I am so out of shape now that I am pregnant, and I am gaining weight to fast even with my morning sickness. Before I got pregnant the first time (mc but got preg 2 w after) I went on vacation and gained too much weight from the booze/food. Then I came back to m/s and have had it for like 19 w straight (because I had it with preg before this one too). Before vacation and preg I worked out every single day, walked my dogs 30-60 min, did tons of yard work ect.

Now I get exhausted walking my dogs 45 min--I think its partially because I am up all night sick lots of nights and generally just feel yucky all the time but I am mad at myself that I didn't try a little harder to move around more when I was really sick. Now I am just trying to walk at least 30 min a day, every day, no matter what. Soon I am hoping to get back into some of my brazillian but lift videos, just do the dancing ones here and there and do some yoga!

jmetzler05

I also recommend the What to Expect DVD, but would add to it the Buff Moms to Be.  I especially loved that one in my 3rd trimester last time.  A lot of it is good stretching, positioning stuff that actually follows a lot of the Bradley Method recommendations.

KristenMarieDoyle

I am walking the track most days.

eleolin8

I like to follow videos on youtube for prenatal pilates or yoga...they're free

Maple403

I do crossfit (with modifications) twice a week and swim or stationary bike two other times a week. I've been an athlete all my life and my doc said to continue what I've been doing but to go at 70% effort, modify to accommodate my changing body, and to listen to my body's signals.

kelsz12

I've stuck to walking, jogging, elliptical, LOTS of stretching and I do squats when I'm brushing my teeth or in the shower. It sounds weird but its an extra way to get some movement in during my day when otherwise I would be standing still