jumping jacks & jumping rope

Jazzyashes84

is anyone doing these things? i did a light aerobics video this morning - nothing crazy, my heart wasn't pounding or anything. my uterus kind of feels like it's stretching/cramping a little bit. just a little worried, i'm thinking maybe this isn't the best exercise to do. all the articles online are different, some say it's ok and some say to stay away from jumping.

oh i also read that sit-ups werent the best, but that the plank position was ok? what do you all think?

first pregnancy here i just want to be careful!

sunandsurfmama

As far as any impact, you have to listen to your body on that.  We all have different pregnancies, so it really depends. Maybe you could try some lower impact cardio, and see how you feel. Or maybe try intervals.

As far as the core, I am a Group Ex Instructor and PT and I by far see MUCH better results with Plank and Pilates than I have ever seen with sit-ups. Not only are sit-ups NOT the most effective ab and core exercise but I RARELY see students in my class doing them correctly. When I slow them down and really make them do the sit-up they are blown away at how few reps they can do when they actually have proper alignment and range of motion.

If I could choose only one type of exercise for the core it would be PLANK. There are so many great variations (side plank, forearm plank, etc.) 

I did plank my entire pregnancy and my core is bouncing back so quickly. It has made such a difference for my core and my back health!

Sit-ups or any crunching is not advised during pregnancy although, again you an still work your core 

Jazzyashes84

awesome thanks for the advice. before pregnancy i was very into jillian michaels routines and she uses the plank a lot. i definitely saw a difference faster!

lanejam

My fitness instructor said to stay away from anything where jumping was involved.  She also said that it's best to wear a heart rate monitor to make sure that your heart rate doesn't go over 140 beats per minute.  I especially agree with PP about listening to your body!  GL!

BostonGayGal

I run, jump rope, etc. I do wear a heart rate monitor, but the 'below 140 beats per minute' is outdated advice and has since been revised. I was cleared to do sit ups through 20 weeks, but said I would know when to stop because I would feel uncomfortable. Now I do the roman chair and planks but try not to make my stomach muscles sore the next day because I find it uncomfortable since baby is kicking a ton.

Great Article about exercise in pregnancy: https://mamah.org/topicmonth.html 

bbo62808

Jumping rope sounds uncomfortable to me....depending on how far along you are, there is so much weight in your belly that jumping like that cannot feel good.

If I roll over to fast in bed or sit up too fast I often get "strectching" pains in my uterus.

PeanutButterGirl

I do yoga a few times a week and running/cardio. All the yoga instructors at my gym said the same thing.. no hopping or jumping or twisting... and yeah def the heart rate monitor. A personal trainer i have used a few times told me that I could go as high as 150 and its okay.