Exercise

littlepeanut15

I am bad at exercising regularly right now because I'm scared to do so while pregnant. What are safe exercises that I can be doing right now?

lilly1096

Walking is good.

brittneyloosli

I've been doing piyo and love it !

Mamamads

Unless your doctors told you any different excercise while
Pregnant is perfectly safe especially if you were excersising before hand. I recommend incline walking, elliptical, prenatal yoga, hiking, swimming, light weights and biking. Most things can be done, just drink lots of water and take breaks as needed. Also be sure to wear loose and cool clothing so you don't overheat. People continue crossfit and crazy workout regimens while pregnant so dot shy away. It's very beneficial.

Koalaknuckles

I think that exercise and sex (and hey if the second one is done right then I'm being redundant) are two things that a lot of pregnant women are unnecessarily worried about harming their baby.

Unless you have some serious health problems and doctors have advised against them, most exercises are perfectly safe activities as long as you're not overdoing it.

Speaking of which, I need to get my lazy ass off this couch and go take a walk...

JenzRas

I just ordered Tracy Anderson:the pregnancy project. It's 9 dvd's and the workouts change based on how far along you are.

Marinewife81

I had to give up one of my workout classes because my old bones apparently can't handle it. I'm keeping up with indoor cycling, though, and I'll probably figure out something to replace my other classes with.

mrsgeiser

I've had fun researching different pregnancy group exercise classes locally - fun way to mix socializing and excercise I also enjoy 30 min on the elliptical at my own pace and I hear there's a lot of yoga videos you can stream online!

Britmennesson

I got some great advice from my pregnant sister-in-law. She said her OB told her, as long as you can hold a conversation while exercising, you're not exerting yourself too much..

stargazer38

I started prenatal pilates and love it. Next month I'm adding prenatal yoga.

sarahlynn42

I started walking this week after my doctor asked me if I had been exercising. I used to run but stopped when I found out I was pregnant. Walking is good enough for me for now. I figure any little bit will help.

SepiaMoon

You need to be exercising because childbirth is not easy and it's going to be a whole lot harder if you are out of shape- as my obgyn put it.

You can do any exercise you were doing previously, unless it's extremely intense (or dangerous- no cliff diving!)

Me personally, I've been taking long walks on the weekends and doing workout videos during the week like 10 minute solutions kickboxing, yoga, or prenatal Pilates.

Check Amazon for prenatal exercise DVDs, there are so many to pick from!

cms5315

I'm thankful for this question.  I was training for a half marathon prior to finding out I was pregnant - I'm running in the Disney Princess half marathon this February and have to admit that my running has been lack-luster since finding out!  The doctors all say that I should continue to run but being a FTM I've been scared of overheating and dehydrating myself!! Now that I'm in the second trimester, I'm hoping to gain more energy to encourage me to run!  The struggle is real! Exercise is recommended and encouraged (and totally safe), but just hard to get back into the swing of it all!

ConlinToGillmore9909

@cms5315‌ I am in the same boat as you! I have my San Diego half marathon in March and also signed up before I was pregnant, but with training I have changed my mile times to 13 minute miles to just hopefully take it easy and breeze through/walk when needed. I was also worried, but if you are in tune with your body, you know when you can speed up and when you need to slow down. I planned on PRing for this one, but now it's for fun My doctor told me to keep up with my regular fitness level, but of course the first tri was very difficult for me as well and I am just now getting my energy back! I should be doing 8-10 mile runs by now, but pft! I was lucky to get 5 miles in. Sending positive thoughts for a good half! Not gonna lie... I'm pretty stoked about crossing that finish line on my 25th birthday and 5 months pregnant. Good luck to you and I am jealous I really want to do that half!!! ❤️

cbm1936

Good for both of you for still doing the half! My running suffered considerably in the first trimester and now since Philadelphia is cold in the winter I'm alternating running and walking in the treadmill, mainly walking because it's so boring. I run 3/4 if the miles the turn the incline up and walk the last 1/4. Also long as the mile is done in 12 minutes I'm ok with it, any tips you have?

inLOVEalready715

Walking is great! Pretty much what you did prior is usually fine too. I would check with OB on lifting, I have one girlfriend who runs and lifts heavy weights and she reduced the weight amounts but continued to run and lift till 37 weeks. If you didn't work out intensely prior I would slowly build up. I had very early bleeding and was later dx with placenta previa so I haven't been allowed to exercise since the first few weeks. My OB just approved this "walking" video for me to do I found it on you tube and it's by Leslie sansone, I feel like an old lady with heart problems when I do it because it's really low impact and not very challenging, but after not lifting more than 10 lbs and not even doing stairs for months it feel amazing to move! But if anyone wants something light that you can do at home and not use much space I totally rec. Leslie sansones videos she has a lot, they are all really similar. Hoping when my placenta migrates more I can get back on my elliptical!

LBland09

I've been doing Barre workout classes and when I asked my dr about it she said it was one of the best workouts to do bc it strengthens your pelvis and core.

Chasity08

I'm on "light exercise" during my pregnancy, but I walk and swim. Swimming is amazing because it really helps relieve pressure and is just so relaxing for me. But everyone is different. Find something that you like and enjoy that your Dr approves and you are good to go!

ConlinToGillmore9909

@cbm1936‌ I get spoiled living in Southern California because our winters aren't nearly what you get. It really shouldn't be considered a winter. Lol My running suffered as well due to being so tired after work and I never felt great in the mornings so I have started gradually getting back into the swing of it. Have you tried breaking up the running with other training? I don't like the treadmill much at all, but if I do anything stationary I love riding the bike! That's a really good cross training tool and that helped me with my breathing and gaining that "push through" momentum.

kmode13

@cms5315‌  

ConlinToGillmore9909  

Way to go, you two!  I trained for a half and ran it at about 6 weeks, which was pretty lucky because not long after I was hit with 7 straight weeks of puking my guts out!  Definitely scaled back since then to 2-3 mile runs with Body Pump classes and other workouts a few times a week to keep up strength and cardio/endurance, but keeping the intensity lower than pre-pregnancy (watching heartrate/ability to talk during exercise, etc).  Best of luck with the upcoming halfs!

kris_tee

@cms5315‌ @ConlinToGillmore9909‌
That is awesome that you guys are doing a half marathon. I have always wanted to do the princess half. I ran two half marathons in November. One week after my second half, found out I was pregnant.

OP, anything you were doing before you got pregnant is fine. I continue to do my CrossFit workout regimen, including lifting weights. However, I have lowered my weights now that I am in my second trimester.

clairelange

I definitely slacked off in my first trimester, but am fully back on it now. I do weight sessions 3-4 times a week and yoga 2-3 times a week and add in spin/run when I can. Plan to exercise like this for as long as possible. I'm following Ashley Horner's "creating a miricle"... It's intense!

I understand as long as you have a "normal" pregnancy, and are not brand new to exercise, keep it up! If you're new and want to be active, I'd walk more to start with.

HUGE kudos to re half marathon runners!

lilweenie

I currently run 4 miles every night outside in the dark and cold when I get home from work every night .

TeamHendricks

I slacked during my first trimester after my 6th week. I just started exercising again this evening. I purchased "Body by Trimester" and I really like it! I'm used to very intense cardio and weights. This gives me the opportunity to do light weights and moderate cardio!

babydoll1008

My doctor told me that you are safe keeping the same exercise plan that you had before you were pregnant and make adjustments from there if you experience discomfort or your exercises are too strenuous.  I am a Zumba teacher and I had five classes in the week.  Now it is once a week but I also teach other dance classes which also burns a lot of calories but now I don't feel like I'm overloading myself with dance classes AND five Zumba classes.

From my last pregnancy, I did not exercise at all and gained a lot of weight.  I feel a lot better about myself exercising and staying active in this pregnancy.  I recommend exercise for everyone!

laurawaller7

I used to play soccer and train so hard before pregnancy, my bf said I should take up swimming, but I just feel like a giant whale, it's horrible

Misheldon

I've been doing prenatal Aquafitness and it is the best!! Low impact but hard workout with multiple women going through the same things as you! Highly, highly recommend it!

LoveLach

JenzRas said:

I just ordered Tracy Anderson:the pregnancy project. It's 9 dvd's and the workouts change based on how far along you are.

@JenzRas Have you tried them yet? How do you like it? I have the Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis workout DVDs and I love them. I was considering her pregnancy workout DVDs but I'm still on the fence.

cbm1936

@ConlinToGillmore9909 you are lucky to live in such an ideal climate, in fact we are expecting a snow storm Thursday I swim often, I'm on a masters swim team unfortunately I only make the workouts about once a week however feeling weightless in the water is amazing compared to pounding the treadmill. I'll do 20 in the treadmill and 20 on the elliptical this extra weight seems like a ton. Also To add a little something I just search you tube for 2nd trimester prenatal workouts, some of them are challenging and they all offer tips which I like because this is my first pregnancy so I am clueless. Also they are free!

gendron1121

I was a runner my first pregnancy and ran until I was no longer comfortable. I did a half marathon in Vail, CO in my first trimester and then did another race 8 miler but I just listened to my body more and worried less about the pace. I wore a heart rate monitor but for the most part if I couldn't speak I would pull back. After about 20 weeks I stuck to my classes and laid off the running. Best of luck Mama

0ashley

I haven't exercised, other than walking occassionally during lunch break, since Oct. But I really want to start soon. I worked out (treadmill and weights) during my last pregnancy and wasn't nearly as weak, fatigued, flabby, winded, etc. The exercising newbies should start an accountability thread, maybe, to keep us motivated

JHaworth84

All of you super fit mums are an inspiration, glad you are continuing with what you enjoy x

VToman

I absolutely could not bring myself to do much during my first trimester because of the nausea. But now that I'm further along, I've started taking the dogs out for walks again and doing Zumba. Just remember to listen to your body and drink plenty of water!

hugandsnugteddy

I believe you should definitely workout while pregnant! Excercise helps with your overall health and healthy mommy = healthy baby. I've been crossfiting for a few years and have continued through my pregnancy. It has helped with my energy level and I always feel fantastic after a good workout. Pregnancy shouldn't be considered an illness and unfortunately some people see it that way. Unless your doctor says otherwise definitely keep exercising!

dragonladysarkany

I am jealous of you ladies still running!!! I ran up till 6 weeks..found that my muscles in my legs & butt where totally seizing up afterwards...especially my sciatic nerve from the butt down the hamstring. Tried all the stretches to calm it down...but its very bothersome...a problem prior to being pregnant...so know at 13 weeks been hitting the gym at least 3×week & a weekend yoga class...getting easier since the nausea is residing a bit & energy level is resurfacing!

laurenqt

I've continued with my crossfit classes as well. I've lowered the weight and intensity.