Elliptical workout safe during 1st tri?

shoebox4

Is that safe during the first trimester? I have been avoiding a workout for the past 3 weeks, and it's driving me crazy. I would like to go back to the gym to get my heart rate up! I figure running wouldn't begood nor any workout that involves jiggling the belly. Elliptical is always a smooth, non jiggly workout.. is that safe?

BrittRMere

As long as you haven't had any problems, and you don't work out to the point where you are fatigued, you should be ok.

The elliptical is really low-impact, so you should be fine.

dkennedy323

I would ask your doctor to be sure but my personal trainer says it's ok. I'm doing cardio on either a bike or elliptical and weights. The only thing she is having me avoid is the obvious...abs. She said that as I grow there may be certain things that we will alter but for the most part we will forge ahead.

Rainingdaisys

I am not an a heavy exerciser-type person.  So I asked my Dr. what I could and shouldn't do, as I wanted to be healthy with the pregnancy.  My Dr. told me I am fine doing anything as long as I stay within the target heart rate, and do not go higher.  She told me to just keep an eye on the heart rate/blood pressure.

I am sure you would be fine.  But, if it really worries you get the ok from your Dr.  S/he would know you best.

virginiagirl11

The general rule, from what my Dr.'s office told me and what I've read online, is that you should be safe to continue exercising at the level you were before you got pregnant as long as you listen to your body and adjust your intensity as necessary.  Just don't allow yourself to overheat and don't max out your heart rate (although I was given the go-ahead to compete all-out in swim meets, which I wasn't comfortable doing).

I was exercising a lot before I got pregnant so for the first week of my pregnancy I continued it, albeit a couple of notches below normal. Soon my body started sending clear signals that I needed to slow it down even more so I have.  I would put the elliptical on my "definitely yes" list of things to do while pregnant, especially this early and especially if you were working out regularly before you got pregnant.  I've run a few times as well but usually get too hot before I can go very far.  So far stationary cycling, lifting, using the elliptical, and swimming have all been fine for me at reduced intensity.

Molluskwrangler

My doc said it's fine and exercise is good, just stay hydrated and don't over do it.  I just go slower on my home elliptical and drink 2x as much.

ashleynicoles

Yesss...one of my doctors said keep the heart-rate below 140 and the other said below 160...so just make sure you're really listening to what your body and heart are telling you. 

lilredheadgirl

Heart rate limitations are outdated, and not a great measurement because they will vary greatly from woman to woman based on her fitness level. The important thing is not to raise your core body temperature too high (feverishly high, not normal cardio/break a sweat high). This is why saunas and hottubs are out for us too.

I think the elliptical is a great choice! If you were exercising before, you should be able to maintain a slightly modified routine, as others have said.

ReeseM

Yes, it is fine! And soooo good for you and baby! Keep it up!

erin1102

not quite following the jiggly part.  Running is fine throughout your pregnancy.  I did a 5k at 40+ weeks.  And I agree with the other poster that the heart rate info is way outdated.  

 Stay hydrated and listen to your body.  If it hurts, stop.  If you feel faint, stop.  It's pretty simple. 

IncogNeato

Yes, ellipticals are quite low impact. Although for most women, even running is fine. There isn't a lot to jiggle at this point for you anyway. Just listen to yor body, stay hydrated, and don't get too hot.

Except for this past week I've been walking on an incline, lifting, and using the elliptical 3-5 days a week since (and before, obviously) my BFP.

mariannerules

A long as you already have been exercising it is fine, just keep your HR lower, I think 140 is the max.   I worked put my entire 1st pregnancy and am doing the same with this one.  Abs are still fine to do right now too, and once you get further along and your not suppose to be flat on your back  there are different alternative to ab exercises that you can still do (hoovers, BOSU ball)  If you are concerned call your doctor. 

erbear

I ran (jiggly belly and all) throughout my first pregnancy. Exercise is a good thing. You can't jostle out a baby.

mollyskywalker

I am continuing the same workout routine that I was doing before I got my BFP (working out 6 days a week, running every other day, lifting weights twice a week). I feel GREAT thus far and I absolutely attribute that to the exercise. I've slowed the pace of my running. The most important thing is to listen to your body and stop or slow down whenever necessary (to me that's common sense).