XP from Sept11 Board. Overweight &Pregnant Exercising

sunflower8710

Since I was about 12 years old, I struggled with some form of weight issue.

Its a long story of ups and downs, but I was a competitive dancer at one point, stopped because my dad wouldn't pay for it, gained weight, but was still "healthy" and played softball and swam competitively. I was never one of those girls who could eat whatever I wanted, even through the sports I was overweight. After high school I stopped the sports almost completely and gained an unbelievable amount of weight. I've been severely overweight/obese (I hate that word) for years, but its never really bothered except when clothes shopping or at the doctor when he would get on me about my weight (which I know is his job). I always felt healthy and pretty, but right now everything's changed.

I haven't exercised a whole heck of a lot since the BFP. When I had HG exercise was completely unrealistic as I couldn't even keep water down and standing for more than a few minutes at a time. But the excuses are over now and I NEED to exercise. I walk around campus, take the long way and when DH gets home from work we usually try and walk around the neighborhood. But I just feel plain silly "power walking". Also, I tried swimming at the university pool once, but couldn't do it. I was a pretty good competitive swimmer and I now that I am just so slow it is depressing. And the pool is super crowded, so we have to share lanes and there are people constantly tapping my foot for me to move over- its embarressing!

So here's where I am. I did a workout on my OnDemand exercise tv. It was JUST walking and a little strength training and ONLY 20 minutes. Leslie Sansone was the trainer, if that helps. Anyway, I was sweating like crazy and had to "downsize" the movements the last 7 minutes because it was just too hard. Its so depressing, but of course, I want to try and power through this. The only problem is- is it okay for my LO? I did not get dizzy or see spots or have a problem regaining my breath too long after (took about 3 minutes), but I am really worried about the baby. Is this kind of exercise going to be okay?

Sorry so long and confusing. I'd appreciate any words and advice. Thanks!

genekelly

I would try to stick with the rating of perceived exertion evaluation to feel if you're going too hard.  I think if you are so out of breath that it required 3 minutes recovery, that might be a bit too hard.  I def breathe hard while I'm exercising but, in general, aim for the ability to have some minimal conversation.  The way I read what you wrote it doesn't sound like you were able to do that while doing the exercise.  That might be too high on the RPE scale for pregnancy.    You also don't want to get overheated.    Make sure you're drinking while you're exercising too so you don't get too dehydrated and replacing all the fluids you're losing through sweat.  HTH!

loyaboya

I'm also overweight and have been kicking up the exercise in recent weeks.  I've purchased a few prenatal exercise videos and they all say that on a scale of 1 to 10, you should be aiming for a 7 as far as your level of exertion.  They say at a 7 you should be able to hold a conversation. Keeping that in mind has helped me have some perspective on how hard I should be working out.

Also keep in mind that if this was your first hard workout in a while, you might not be able to do as well as you like.  But if you try again a few more times this week, it'll quickly get easier.  Hang in there!  Good luck.