Active mamas checking in!

LiveNLove44

I know we are all nearing that point in pregnancy where "active" may mean drastically different things for each of us. I wanted to check in to see how everyone's activity is going! Are you walking throughout the week? Is anyone still running, lifting, cross-fitting, etc.? I'd love to hear what all of you moms are doing to get your blood pumping! Feel free to post an active-bump pic doing your favorite pregnancy activity. Keep it up, mamas!

rms924

Still doing 30 min on the elliptical plus squats and weight machines. But I am def slowing down and needing to take it easy! Darn dizzy spells!

LiveNLove44

I've been going to the gym 5-6 days a week now that school and coaching are in full swing. The morning after a late match night was my day off this past week. I definitely needed sleep more than I needed my workout! The humidity plus heat in our area right now is really tough for my breathing, so I'm hoping it lifts soon and I can feel better while being active before baby boy comes. The greatest challenge is how dizzy I get when I can't breathe well!

I'm still running a mile four days a week before my lifting workouts, and then I have two cardio days (this week it was only one). My cardio days are now run/walk intervals rather than steady-state runs, but I'm still going a little over a 5k each time. It really helps with the hours after a workout to do the intervals so my groin area isn't so tender/sore from the pressure of running the whole time. 

I've been a bit surprised that my lifts have all stayed the same for weight for a long time. I only scaled back slightly early on, but I've managed to keep my leg days with heavier weights than I did with DD. I have to rest a bit longer between sets to ensure my heart rate stays under control, but that just means adjusting my time overall. I'm coming up on 33 weeks on Tuesday, so I'm a bit behind many people here. My hope is to stay fairly active through 37 like I did with DD, but I'll certainly listen to my body and scale back before then if I must!

The pic is after I finished my leg day today!

ameares721

@LiveNLove44 cute shirt!!!

I've been walking at the park every day to try and reach my steps goal. Prenatal yoga once a week! I'm still doing squats because they are my favorite and every person I know who specializes in labor/delivery has said squats help immensely during childbirth!!! I stopped lifting weights a few weeks ago because it felt "off" and I don't trust my balance at this point, haha!!! Can't wait to get back to it after I'm cleared - my gym has childcare!

LiveNLove44

@ameares721, I like the idea of having a steps goal! I've been wanting to measure steps to see what I'm doing now that I'm teaching and coaching everyday, but I haven't decided how I'll do it. I guess I could carry my phone at all times, but that seems like it would just get in the way with coaching. Maybe I'll buy a cheap pedometer? What do you have?

kelsojohnso

@LiveNLove44 you need a fit bit flex! It's like $75 and it goes in your wrist! I love mine a sit helps me meet and track my step goal!

CocoR04

I'm still going to stroller strides (a cardio/toning group fitness class with our kids in their strollers) 3 mornings a week plus walking 3 miles/day on the weekends. I've noticed that even though I'm energetic while being active, I'm really drained the rest of the day unless I get a nap. Also, this heat and humidity is really affecting how hard I work out. I feel like I'm more sensitive to the heat now more than ever. I love being active and hoping for an easier labor & recovery!

kim1228

I'm pretty proud of myself, I've been keeping very active lately. 

-I've been doing 55 minutes on the elliptical, about 4-5 times a week. Wish I could be running, but its good b/c I go forwards and backwards (different muscles) and I get to watch the news in the morning.

-I also do weights for 30 minutes the other two days of the week in the mornings. 

-I do a 45 minute prenatal yoga DVD a handful of times a week, mostly because the stretching just feels sooo good after sitting in the office all day! 

-And of course, I walk my sweet puppy with my sweet husband a few evenings a week, when the humidity isn't going to kill me (its been bad this week...come ON fall weather!!)

I'm only 32w1d, so we'll see how long I keep this up!! 

ETA- I ain't no picture of health here ladies...I DO have a milkshake EVERY SINGLE DAY! Half of where I get my motiviation to exercise hehe 

cderitz

You ladies are inspiring! I try to walk at least 10k steps every day and have a fit bit that tracks me but I've not stepped in a gym in months. I have had such pelvic pain the past two months that have made it hard, and I have a 3.5 ye old and running after her a lot. When I'm working I am on my feet for 10 hours straight so I feel like that's a workout. I'm just really beat at this point and feeling huge! I'm 35 weeks and 2 days. I can't believe some of you are as active as you are and I'm envious! Keep up the good work!

LiveNLove44

@kim1228, I've been thinking about checking in with you! I'm glad you've found something that feels good so you can keep up with your activity! 

@cderitz, I remember getting to that point with my pregnancy with DD and feeling like I couldn't imagine my belly growing any more...and it did! I definitely remember the feeling quite clearly! Before we know it, our LOs will be here

MandahGirly

I still CrossFit anywhere from 1-3 times a week depending on how I'm feeling and how busy I am. I try to walk as much as possible as well. My weights have stayed relatively the same except for the past few weeks...probably since I was about 32 weeks (I'm 36 and change now). However I now generally avoid deadlifting specifically because I hurt my back even when doing a light weight so I decided to thank you to that but I was still squatting about 80% of my max. Body weight movements are crap though hahaha and I've been rowing instead of running because my pregnant self cannot do with the running.

rms924

You ladies are an inspiration!!!

CocoR04

kim1228 said:

I ain't no picture of health here ladies...I DO have a milkshake EVERY SINGLE DAY! Half of where I get my motiviation to exercise hehe 

I'm right there with you! Today, as I was walking, all I was thinking was "one more mile/block/whatever until we go to brunch and I'll eat ALL the bacon!" I'm still in incredible shape compared to this point in my first pregnancy, but I'm still really enjoying my treats!!

AshleeM7784

You ladies are awesome! I'm so jealous. I was doing great - running several times a week, doing yoga, walking the dog a couple miles each evening, I even did a 200 mile team relay at 25 weeks! But now I've been put on bedrest, likely until baby arrives. It's so hard and discouraging and I feel like all my effort to stay fit was for nothing . But if that is what baby girl needs to keep cooking awhile longer that it is what I'll do. Keep up the good work those of you who can!

LiveNLove44

AshleeM7784 said:

You ladies are awesome! I'm so jealous. I was doing great - running several times a week, doing yoga, walking the dog a couple miles each evening, I even did a 200 mile team relay at 25 weeks! But now I've been put on bedrest, likely until baby arrives. It's so hard and discouraging and I feel like all my effort to stay fit was for nothing . But if that is what baby girl needs to keep cooking awhile longer that it is what I'll do. Keep up the good work those of you who can!

@AshleeM7784, having done what you did through to the point when you were put on bedrest will still make a huge difference for you once your sweet LO arrives. It was not all for naught. You will feel great again very soon!!

alinic916

I've cut back quite a bit, but still try to workout twice a week.  On those days I will do 30 minutes elliptical and 30 minutes of light weights.  I'm also a nurse so I walk all day long for 12 hours, 3 days a week.  Can't wait to get back to a regular routine!

Leabyrd

Still working out 6-7 days a week. On the days I feel tired (Monday mornings) I will usually walk on the treadmill and do some light weights. Recently I have switched to the elliptical so I'll do that about 30 mins or so and then do about 10-20 minutes on the stairmaster. The stairmaster I have cut down a lot since everytime I'm on it I feel like I'm going to pass out! Haha (not really) so I have cut that wayyyy down. My breasts are SO heavy I have been trying to do some type of shoulder or back machine/workout everyday or eod. But I think I'm going to shift my focus on squatting! I want to try and be as ready as possible! I don't think the 25 count munchkins I ate today will help with labor, but like @ameares721 said the squatting will! You ladies kick ass!!!!

Telebell

Wow I'm impressed with all of you! I'm down to swimming about 2x per week and that's it. Well plus the city walking, maybe a 2 extra miles on weekdays. I do feel like I'm getting more in swim shape since I switched from biking in July. Not sure if it helps with delivery but the pool is pretty much the only place I don't feel massively pregnant.

comland

I am trying to take advantage of the last bits of summer and have been hiking/walking the local trails. 60's this weekend so the temps are perfect. Beyond that some yoga here and there.

Bingj

Great job ladies! I've been going to the Y four days a week just doing the Eliptical of Cybex for 45min then I've been working arms, back and legs about 2x's per week. 36 weeks tomorrow!

ameares721

@LiveNLove44 I have a fit bit flex and I love it! The vibration alarm is nice too. the app can help you keep up with food/water intake and sleep habits.

abaume

I do the elliptical three times a week for 30-45 mins. Running started making me nauseous really early in the pregnancy. Any sort of jumping/bouncing is out of the question.

I also do weights 2-3 times a week or a pregnancy video once a week that involves a lot of stretching.(Tracey Anderson method)
Plus I am a personal trainer so that keeps me moving. I am 33 weeks and everything is getting much harder. I just keep in mind that all of this will help with labor and I won't be able to do this for six weeks after so keep going.

strimble26

I ride bikes with my 7 year old to school every morning about 3 miles round trip. I do 40 to 50 minutes on the elliptical 5 or 6 days a week plus non weighted squats (my extra 30 lbs suffices lol ) and stretching each night.
I am 31 weeks now and feel great. It's when I stop exercising that the aches and pains set in.

leighann1

Just hit 34 weeks on Friday. I'm holding steady with prenatal yoga 2-3 times a week. I had been going to a barre class twice a week until school started. Just last week I started a fit mom class. It was actually really challenging. I had kind of expected an easier workout, but nope! I was definitely the farthest along by far, but I held my own. My motivation is the hope of an easier labor if I keep myself in shape.

sdnyc99

I ran (okay, ran/walked) about 4 miles a couple times/week until about 30 weeks. And regularly take my favorite gym classes (kickboxing, body pump, spinning) 6 times/week. But the running got just too uncomfortable and stopped being enjoyable. So instead I walk my dogs at least 2 miles/day now.

I still do the gym, but with family in town all last week and the first week of school starting (I'm a teacher), I only made it to one class. Then today's classes are cancelled due to the Labor Day holiday.
I intend to jump back in tomorrow but somehow I feel way huger than I did just a week ago! I wonder how hard it will be.

I'm also getting a little sick of all the strange looks, double-takes, and questions/comments (all of them very nice and positive, but still) from other gym-goers. I don't want to be the freak at the gym. I just want to do my thing.

So it's not easy, that's for sure! But I'm doing my best and I still feel good!

jesswill86

cderitz said:

You ladies are inspiring! I try to walk at least 10k steps every day and have a fit bit that tracks me but I've not stepped in a gym in months. I have had such pelvic pain the past two months that have made it hard, and I have a 3.5 ye old and running after her a lot. When I'm working I am on my feet for 10 hours straight so I feel like that's a workout. I'm just really beat at this point and feeling huge! I'm 35 weeks and 2 days. I can't believe some of you are as active as you are and I'm envious! Keep up the good work!

My job has me on my feet for several hours as well, and doing that full time plus school, I haven't had time in a couple years for actual workouts. Plus I was instructed early on to keep an eye on weight limits, so no lifting for me! If you're active at work, it does help a lot. I'm in a tiny store all day, but keep myself moving while there, and when getting product off lower shelves, always squat to do so. You can also incorporate some stretches in the work day. If you don't have an exercise ball at home, there are some really good ways to use those for both fitness and can plan on using it for labor. Try to not stress about not working out. It sounds like you have been managing to stay active just with your lifestyle!

rms924

sdnyc99 said:

I ran (okay, ran/walked) about 4 miles a couple times/week until about 30 weeks. And regularly take my favorite gym classes (kickboxing, body pump, spinning) 6 times/week. But the running got just too uncomfortable and stopped being enjoyable. So instead I walk my dogs at least 2 miles/day now.

I still do the gym, but with family in town all last week and the first week of school starting (I'm a teacher), I only made it to one class. Then today's classes are cancelled due to the Labor Day holiday.
I intend to jump back in tomorrow but somehow I feel way huger than I did just a week ago! I wonder how hard it will be.

I'm also getting a little sick of all the strange looks, double-takes, and questions/comments (all of them very nice and positive, but still) from other gym-goers. I don't want to be the freak at the gym. I just want to do my thing.

So it's not easy, that's for sure! But I'm doing my best and I still feel good!

lol! Yes on the double takes! I've been going to this gym for years so I think it's weird for people to see me increase my body weight by 40% haha! They are always joking about my going into labor at the gym. Eek I hope not!

crbpjb

I'm still at CrossFit 4-5 times per week working out, and I also coach classes. This is a reduction in what I was doing, but I am now back to full time teaching and taking grad classes so there's just a lot going on. When I am in there are definitely less things I can do and I'm taking it easier, but it's still good to get my muscles moving and get a good sweat in. I defend my dissertation in 2 days so I hope to have more time to get in after that.

cderitz

Just want to say I think all you ladies rock:)

Krysta6

You all are still really active! I'm jealous! I'm still at Crossfit 3x a weeks and trying to go to
Prenatal yoga once a week. Yoga has been more sporadic. All of my movements have changed because my pelvis and back are in terrible pain. I've been focusing on just doing what I can and not pay attention to weight. I had to cut out any weighted squats, anything that starts from the floor gives me bad form and no running or jumping. I'm 35 weeks currently and just want to keep moving until the end of pregnancy but I'm not sure it will be possible with the pain I've been having.

swelniak

I've been doing weight/cardio workouts 4x/week. I seem to do fine during my workouts, but I doing things like vacuuming make my back feel like it's on fire! I can only make it halfway through my house before needing a break. Not sure why. I sort of hate this stage of pregnancy where I just can't do the same tasks anymore.

millette2015

Wow, you are all really inspiring! I have felt soooo inactive lately, mainly due to the discomfort related to exercising and the heat. I've still managed to do daily walks with my dog, but that's where it ends. Way to go everyone! 

LiveNLove44

swelniak said:

I've been doing weight/cardio workouts 4x/week. I seem to do fine during my workouts, but I doing things like vacuuming make my back feel like it's on fire! I can only make it halfway through my house before needing a break. Not sure why. I sort of hate this stage of pregnancy where I just can't do the same tasks anymore.

@swelniak, yes!! I am the same way! I think doing weights and our own workouts are such controlled situations, and then some daily tasks require unusual bends or moves that make us less capable. The good news is that it won't be much longer You're doing an awesome job!

LiveNLove44

millette2015 said:

Wow, you are all really inspiring! I have felt soooo inactive lately, mainly due to the discomfort related to exercising and the heat. I've still managed to do daily walks with my dog, but that's where it ends. Way to go everyone! 

@millette2015, you aren't alone! Heat and humidity are two of my greatest motivation killers lately. It's not just my motivation that it hurts, but it leads to BH and extreme fatigue for the rest of the day so I weigh my options and opt out of workouts because I don't want to ruin the day. It's super frustrating! I haven't done it much, but DD was born at the end of August ('13) and I remember hardly getting out to workout near the end because of heat and humidity! Ish. Thankfully, I'm due at the end of October this time around so I'm thinking it'll cool off. Do you have any hope of cooler weather soon??

JAZsax

I've been walking, swimming, and kayaking all summer! However, I have stopped swimming since I don't feel like going in the lake this late in the season (I have super sensitive skin).

Knottie1445378742

I have been tapering off on my runs - now just doing a 5k three times a week at a slow pace. It's been more a combination of being busy and it being in the 90s than being 34 weeks. BUT tonight was just in the low 80s and I still only felt like walking once I got out on the trail with the jogging stroller. A lot of the tightness that I felt in the second semester at the start of a run has gone away, but I am SO SICK of the constant leaking/peeing. This is the first child who hasn't been breech at this point (all of them turned around 37 weeks), so I'm praying it's just the pressure of a head and not that I've ruined myself after 4 kids.

EllioCor

I don't "work out" formally, but I am a waitress, celebrating the end of summer tourist season. Most days I am on my feet a little over 8 hours and some days as many as 15. I carry drink trays of ~20lbs and food trays up to 50lbs (but usually let other people carry the REALLY heavy ones). Because i'm always on my feet, I carry low, and as we near the home stretch, I do find certain activities more difficult, but for the most part we're still coasting through normalcy

kim1228

@LiveNLove44 thanks for checking in on me I'm doing what I can...its all for the milkshakes! 

 I do envy your ability to run still! Maybe with the next pregnancy I'll be so lucky. 

taralohse

All I can manage (especially in the heat and humidity) is walking. Thankfully,my husband has been going for nightly walks with me to keep me motivated. I also do some prenatal yoga and Pilates. I've gained tons of weight (even with being active and eating healthy) so it has slowed me down. 

vamomtobe

I got benched from running/biking at 32 weeks, but I can still walk, so I just try to meet the arbitrary step goal that's on some app that came with my phone.  All of you amaze me, keep it up!!

helloaustin123

Man I thought I was doing a good job at keeping active but y'all are awesome and blow me out of the water! Haha. I try and do the stationary bike for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Occasional push ups off my kitchen counter island (cause it's at an incline) or light weights but that's about all I can do before aches and pains set in. I'd like to walk everyday but every time I do my back KILLS me, plus it's still a little warm here in TX.