[Trying to stay] Fit Mama Monday 11/12

lelkcot

Hey fit mamas! How are you doing on your fitness goals? Any big fitness wins this week? How do you keep up with your goals/ maintain motivation as weather gets cold?

novelblessings

Hey! Still trying. I went to yoga again last week and did some practice at home, with some strength training a couple of times. It's been really helpful. This weekend my goal is to complete a 5k. There is a turkey trot at the university and I'm going to try to run/walk it, but will be pushing my 4.5 year old in the jogger on hills. So as long as a finish!

As for cold weather...this is running weather! I am dying knowing I can't do run camp next month. I will be stalking my friends snow running pics hardcore all winter! My motivation this winter is to keep on track to get that baby out.

maggiemadeit

Feeling pretty good on the health and fitness goals. I have been keeping my diet really clean with lots of protein, and staying active. I have been going for long walks (~3 miles) as often as I can find the time, and doing some prenatal yoga to build some strength and keeps thing stretchy. I also started doing some of the baby spinning exercises hoping that I can get this big old baby to at least be in the right position, and that stretching is helping a lot too. 

I am with @novelblessings, the hardest thing for me is knowing that I am not running right now. Fall/winter is ideal running weather and I am sitting it out, which makes me sad. To stay motivated I am just reminding myself how much better I feel when I move my body. Let’s hope it carries me through the cold weather! 

sejica

Long time fit thread reader, first time (maybe?) fit thread poster.

So I did my first aqua aerobics class this a.m., and now I want to swim 2x/day. Any other swimming while pregnant ladies here? I did have to modify some of the twisting exercises, as they felt unsafe. I was previously very active before having my first, but now I've done basically nothing for 2+ years. My plan/goal is to participate in our winter challenges of 50 miles swam/25 miles water walking before valentines day. But I'll be happy averaging 2 miles a week swimming or 1 mile walking.

applesandbananas23

I got 4 workouts in last week! And my goal is 4-5 this week.

Trying to stay pretty healthy with food but there are two November birthdays in my family plus Thanksgiving - so I'm also going to try to not feel guilty about enjoying dessert! 

BuckeyeNut05

@sejica welcome!  I haven't done any swimming personally while pregnant, but prior to joining the gym I belong to now, I used to swim a mile every morning before work and it's great exercise!  There was a girl who swam in the lane next to me who swam all the way up until she had her baby, and it's supposed to be great for you from a 'no stress on your joints' perspective. 

maggiemadeit

@sejica Glad you joined in! I swam and did water running a lot during my first pregnancy and it was great! I had a lot of tailbone pain and the water was the only thing that relieved it. Such a great workout too! It’s great that you have access to a pool and classes! 

lelkcot

@novelblessings good luck with your turkey trot! You’ve got this (plus you get thanksgiving dinner after)!

@maggiemadeit props for a good week!

@sejica Welcome! I’m not a big swimmer, but it’s supposed to be awesome full body exercise and easy on joints.

@abbykwail I’m definitely someone who works out partially so I can enjoy dessert without guilt! 

AFM I’ve not done so hot with workouts, missed a few last week and with the weather here it’s looking like I’ll miss several this week too. Plus I rolled my ankle walking into the office today, and while it’s not bad (my poor ankles are seriously stretched out) it is achy. I should probably be easy on it for a few days. Normally my winter workout motivation is being able to indulge in holiday treats; plus, as several ladies said, running in the fall/winter is awesome (I miss running). This year it’s more about staying fit for baby and for a healthy delivery! 

mihaelams1

Just joined the board, so it's also my first fit post. I'm going to Fit4Baby classes, it's a franchise all around US  called Fit4Mom and they have pre and post natal fitness classes for moms. I started taking their classes (Body Back, Stroller Strides) when my son was 7 months old and I switched to the Fit4Baby ones now that I'm pregnant. It's awesome to workout with other moms and to support each other. Since it's a franchise, it highly depends on the owner, but my local one is purely amazing! She's currently employing over 30 moms as trainers, it's huge! We also have events like Mom's Night Out, or Friday Fit Club. I could never keep a steady workout routine before, but since I joined I'm always looking forward to it. The classes are HIIT style and we focus evenly on cardio, strength and core. Plus the instructors are making them fun, with props, stations, circuits, dice rolls etc.

meggyme

I haven’t been too active lately. Either too busy or too tired since I’m solo parenting. That and all the extra holiday activities don’t leave much energy for working out. But I try to do some active stuff like walking through the lights at the botanical gardens. That and grocery store runs and not being able to sit down during the 3 hrs between going home and DD1’s bedtime have been my workouts lately.

I’m home sick with DD who has croup, so hopefully I’ll have a little time to stretch. I could use it.

maggiemadeit

@meggyme I’m glad I’m not the only one who considers grocery shopping with a small child exercise! 

I hope your little one feels better! 

meggyme

@maggiemadeit me too, I need my sick leave for maternity leave! It is nice to have an extra long weekend and extra time for all my chores though.

applesandbananas23

@mihaelams1 I love my fit4baby class, too!! 

Just got my second workout in this week and it's Tuesday, so I'm feeling pretty happy so far!

@lelkcot I mean I definitely like feeling strong and active, and my inner critic is much nicer if I move my body regularly.... But really my exercise motivation is all the dessert 🍰🍫🍩🍧😋😉

lelkcot

@meggyme hope DD feels better fast and I’m pretty sure going anywhere with a toddler counts as exercise!
@abbykwail you and me both girl!

babycolima12

First time poster on this thread! I've been enjoying staying active so far. I started Birthfit a few weeks ago, before that I was just doing circuits and an occasional barre class on my own, but decided I needed more guidance on what/how to modify. So far I'm enjoying the variety. I'm also still running, though I feel like I have to pee immediately after started, and can't go more than a mile or two before I have to poop too  depending on how far I've gotten I either turn around and go home, or reroute to a gas station. Anyone else have this issue?? Doesn't matter if I go before I set out either, it just gets me going! 

westslopemama

The past couple weeks haven't been great because I got a cold and had to miss work and a few days of workouts. I've been trying to do yoga at home as many days as possible and hiking on the weekends. My goal is to make it to the gym 2-3 days a week as well. I've also been trying to walk to and from work. It's been a hard adjustment for me to go from running 40+ miles a week to only yoga and hiking/walking, but I've tried to continue to stay active as much as possible. I know I could be running some now, but I quit running in the first trimester due to PGAL brain and now I'm worried about picking it up again.

I'm also all about staying active so I can enjoy desserts!

Also, I'm looking forward to going snowshoeing this weekend. 

meggyme

@lelkcot I count anytime I have to push/carry my 33lb toddler anywhere as exercise!

novelblessings

How’s everyone’s diet going? I feel recently that mine has slipped. Any tips for staying in track with the hungries! 

lelkcot

@novelblessings diet has definitely been something I’ve struggled with since I’m a constantly hungry pregnant lady! I try and keep healthy snacks on hand - fruit, nuts, veggies and dip (hummus, Greek yogurt based dips), healthier muffins - and  that helps me a lot! When I don’t remember to have something, I’m way more likely to indulge in junk! 

Edited to add: I literally pack 4-6 snacks when I go into the office 😳🤷‍♀️

meggyme

@novelblessings Um, today is our work potluck and I definitely went back for seconds of mac n' cheese, pulled pork and beans. Then I shamelessly hit the dessert table. So not great... All my coworkers are older men telling me I'm eating for two, so that doesn't help. WHY does our glucose test have to be during the holidays?!

HoneyBear40

@babycolima12 yess....even if I'm doing a strength workout or walking I'll pee before I start, almost always have to pause halfway through to pee again, and almost always pee at the end too.

AFM - Started the week Sunday with a 2-mile walk to try and calm my raging emotions (kind of worked), did a good strength workout & walk Monday, had to settle for yoga yesterday at home because I didn't get a work break so I got up early this morning to do a strength workout before work just in case it happens again! So far having my energy back has really helped with workouts too. My arms are still feeling toned even with the weight lifting restriction so I'm pretty excited about that.

Diet - I'm really attempting to eat healthy-ish...but I'm right there with you @lelkcot my bag for work is packed full of snacks of all varieties because you just never know what I'm going to want to eat!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

maggiemadeit

@babycolima12 Can you plan a 1 mile loop from your house? That way you stop for a bathroom break when you need it. 

@novelblessings My midwife/doc have made me absolutely paranoid about my weight gain so I have been in diet lockdown mode recently. The thing that really helps me is setting a protein goal. I find that if I focus on hitting the protein goal and fill the rest with fruits and veggies, there really isn’t much room for any junk. Sweets and carbs have also been giving me horrid heartburn, so I have been avoiding any extra sugar, and then I don’t get the sugar crash/cravings going on. 

novelblessings

Thanks for comments! I’m super paranoid about diet myself @maggiemadeit because I gained way too much last time! Plus I stress eat and I’ve been stressed!! But healthy snacks...yes. It’s been hard though with candy still in the house from Halloween!

maggiemadeit

@novelblessings Yeah, I am pretty put out that I am avoiding all the good stuff this time of year. It also doesn’t seem to be slowing down this weight gain at all, but I straight up refuse to count calories while pregnant. I am being pretty strict right now, but I plan to fully indulge on Thanksgiving and Christmas 😊

I have been eating a lot of unsweetened dairy for high protein snacks. Greek yogurts, cottage cheese, kefir, cheese. And nuts are always a favorite of mine for the salty crunchy cravings. 

hummingbird35

Ugh I really need to get back on track. Reading this thread has motivated me. I told myself I wouldn't gain as much weight this time around but it's hard! I think I'll do better with my diet if I start exercising consistently again but it's so hard with a toddler (he's had back to back colds for 2-3 weeks and we just weaned so he's a total grump) & it being 20 degrees here. It's too cold to go for walks. I need to try and take him to the gym with me... also going to research fit4baby!

babycolima12

@maggiemadeit where I live isn't very conducive to a loop, so I guess I just have to get used to the mindset of just turning around and continuously running past my house  will be a good hill workout at least!

As for diet, I second the posts about always having healthy snacks on hand! In addition to meals, I always pack myself plain greek yogurt (full fat) with berries and bananas and top it with some granola for second breakfast. I also pack raw veggies with hummus - you can also add whole wheat crackers or pita chips. Plus a few pieces of fruit - usually an apple or pear and an orange. I like having whole wheat pumpkin or banana bread or muffins on hand as well (they freeze well) but haven't been baking lately. But I always have whole wheat fig bars, strawberry "that's it" bars, and dried mango at my desk just in case! Plus I pretty much eat whole grain everything - farro or quinoa instead of white rice, etc. All that said, it's important to have simple carbs too, so as long as I'm eating mostly healthy I never feel bad about it when I indulge. All about balanve!

BuckeyeNut05

@novelblessings mine is terrrrrible at this point. Not necessarily with what I eat, but with how much I eat. And since I can't work out, I will take this as a mental reminder that I should really tone it down a notch. 

laur84ns

@lelkcot Love the new title for the thread!
@emarcinek99 Ugh, I have a cold too and it's the worst. Pregnancy colds are so much worse since we can't take anything! I barely slept last night because I was so congested and my throats was so sore from breathing through my mouth and I feel like a bag of poop today too. My DD also has a cold (she must've picked it up at daycare and given it to me) so she and I are suffering together.
@novelblessings I also gained way too much weight during my last pregnancy - and never fully lost it all before getting pregnant again almost 3 years later - so I'm nervous about weight gain this time around too. So far (as of Friday) I've only gained 8.5 lbs which I'm happy about. However, being sick means all of my motivation to work out and to eat well goes out the window so there have been a few chocolate bars consumed this weekend (and not of the mini Halloween variety). I need to smarten up, and quick! 

mihaelams1

@laur84ns I had a bad cold back in September and the only thing that helped at night were the nose strips. Give them a try!

laur84ns

@mihaelams1 Thanks for the recommendation! I will try those! I've been using my neti pot but it really doesn't seem to be helping

maggiemadeit

I have been working hard to hit my protein goals, eat clean and healthy, and get my body moving every day. I am proud of my hard work, and my body is definitely happier this pregnancy than last, but I am still gaining about a pound a week. I am starting to think it’s just how I grow babies and I am trying not to be so hard on myself. 

And I will definitely be splurging at Thanksgiving with no shame or remorse, because pregnant. I even got some of that non-alcoholic sparkling pomegranate cider so I can feel fancy while the rest of my family enjoys their wine/beer. 

lelkcot

@maggiemadeit sparkling pomegranate cider sounds amazing!! And I definitely feel you on the pushing harder to eat right and exercise and continuing to gain a lb a week 🤷‍♀️

lovesclimbing

I was all super gung ho to work out throughout pregnancy this time. Nope. My achiness and SPD and back pain aren't really allowing much. I'd love to swim (I used to swim a lot), but I don't live close to a pool, and it's just something I'd have to make time for at a time when H can take care of D. 

Does anyone have recommendations for prenatal yoga or Pilates videos on YouTube? Or any prenatal excercise stuff really? I've been feeling so big and "tight" lately, for lack of a better word, and I want to do some stretching and strengthening at home as much as I can. 

meggyme

@lovesclimbing there’s a lot of prenatal stuff on amazon video. I’ll also repeat my favorite, which is yogadownload.com. There’s not many prenatal classes for free, but there’s always a groupon for the membership. I think it was $30 for a year long membership. The membership classes are a wide variety of experience levels, intensity, and specific focuses.

maggiemadeit

@lovesclimbing I will second that the prenatal stuff at yogadownload is great.

If you are looking for something free, on YouTube there is a channel called Yoginimelbourne who has some really nice shorter yoga routines that I have enjoyed. 

I also typed ‘SPD exercises’ into YouTube when mine was bothering me earlier in this pregnancy, and found a few really good videos that give stretches and exercises that helped, but unfortunately I didn’t bookmark them.

I also recommend the spinning babies stretches and exercises, especially the inversion and the hip rockers. I have been doing these a couple of times a day. It only takes a few minutes but it’s making a HUGE difference for me with RLP and overall pregnancy discomforts.