s/o Gym: What do you do there?

KissyFishyLips · August 2010

Looking for ideas for what kind of things to focus on at the gym. I've never been a big gym buff, but I am trying to stay fit throughout pregnancy. I mainly want to ensure that my thighs stay toned and that my arms get stronger (I have no upper body strength and don't want to struggle with the infant carrier! lol).

I currently just do the elliptical (including arms) and a stationary bike, but I want to add more things to the mix.

What kinds of things do you do at the gym (light workout items)?

Cheekers2010 · August 2010

Have you tried going to babyfit.com? They have a lot of good suggestions for light weights etc and will put together a weekly schedule for you. I find it very helpful.

IncogNeato · August 2010

I do about 20-30 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill on an incline. Then I do some weights (lighter than pre-PG but still not too light) like rows and reverse flies to keep my back strong, squats and lunges, and I use the machines now for chest presses and chest flies to keep my arms/chest in decent shape without having to lie down. In general, "tone" is based on your body fat percentage and muscle mass, and strength is built primarily through weight training, although PG isn't necessarily the time to push your limits (which is really how you build muscle strength and increase "tone.")

LittleDucky · August 2010

I'm boring. I do the elliptical for about 35 minutes and then the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes as a cool down. Lately though the recumbent bike is getting a little uncomfortable so I might switch to the regular upright bike.

curlydoglover · August 2010

It's complicated....

Cardio I vary between the treadmill, eliptical, bike and the stairmaster. I try and keep it varied. If I'm cramped for time, it's the eliptical. MWF is 30 minutes; TTh is 1 hour

My weight routine is a circuit. I go from one set right to the next with no pause, rotating muscle groups - 15 reps, increasing weight each set. I rotate between machines and free weights. Sometimes I do combo movies (like bicep curl into deltoid press into tricep extension and back down), in which case I pause between sets.

Monday - Biceps, Triceps, Deltoids

Wednesday - Chest, Back, Abs

Friday - Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes

My whole routine is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

tiffanyp · August 2010

I don't do light workouts. I lift heavy weights. Progressive overload is the only way to ever get stronger and build muscle. My workouts have become less intense since getting pregnant because I'm trying to maintain my muscle mass at this point instead of building.

I would never put a pregnant beginner on my program, but if you're looking to build some upper body strength and keep your legs toned, then I would suggest focusing on compound movements. If you're too timid to use free weights, then the machines will do. Stick with leg press, chest press, shoulder press, lat pull downs and seated row. Skip the single joint isolation movements (bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, the good girl/bad girl leg machines, etc.), because they are a waste of time. Start with 3 sets of each exercise in the 8-12 rep range (if you can do 3 sets of 12, then the weight is too light for you).

Lisajean21 · August 2010

I don't really have a routine, I just kind of do whatever I feel like doing that day. I try and do 45 minutes of cardio every time (alternating between the elliptical, treadmill, and stationary bike) and then I sometimes do the upper body circuit machines.

It's not much and kind of random but I figure at least I'm doing something!

sroszc · August 2010

When I make it to the gym (been going to the park instead to jog/walk) I'll do 30 - 40 minutes cardio, elliptical or treadmill (jog/walk intermittently). I'll then do some push ups and light arm weights for biceps, triceps and shoulders. Nothing too complicated. I've also continued weekly with my reformer pilates classes which helps to strengthen, tone and stretch.

KissyFishyLips · August 2010

Thanks, everyone! I probably used the word "toned" incorrectly. What my goal is is just to stay strong, healthy, and active. I walk my dog regularly, but other than that, I don't really have an exercise routine. I'm not trying to redesign my body or anything like that, and I'm not trying to institute any hardcore workouts right now. Smile I just want to keep my endurance up and do what I can to help my body prepare for delivery.

ETA: and oh yeah, I want to strengthen my arms (like I said in my OP) so that I'm not too wimpy trying to lug around a car seat + baby. And as for my thighs, when I said I want to tone them it's because I notice that that's where a lot of my extra weight is going so I feel like I want to up my walking/leg workouts a little to compensate.

JesscanTri · August 2010

I walk about 30 min on the track or treadmill. Then I lift light weights, with slightly higher repetitions. Nothing as serious as some people, usually chest/triceps, back/biceps, leg stuff. I actually don't lift any weights with my legs, but do squats/lunges/calf raises. I like to lift free weights instead of the machines, but that might change as I get bigger. I never lift anything too heavy for me to carry around the weight room to the benches. If I don't go to the gym, DH and I will go for a small hike for about 30min or so. Other days I will swim lap for about 45 min.

[Deleted User] · August 2010

lcarley045:
Who's Gym?

LOL! My DH & I have started calling it the "James" because we really aren't so close that we can use a nickname! Wink

Tamzin418 · August 2010

Kellog+1:
Have you tried going to babyfit.com? They have a lot of good suggestions for light weights etc and will put together a weekly schedule for you. I find it very helpful.

That explains why I was having trouble finding pregnancy stuff on Sparkpeople. Thanks for the recommendation. I just registered.

KissyFishyLips · August 2010

kgorman:
lcarley045:
Who's Gym?
LOL! My DH & I have started calling it the "James" because we really aren't so close that we can use a nickname!

Love that!!

lilmgirl · August 2010

I CrossFit. crossfitmom.com

akastephyrey · August 2010

I do the same workout (elliptical) but there is a personal trainer at the gym who is doing up a prenatal routine for me to run by my doc. Maybe there is someone at the gym who could do the same for you.

Want a personalized experience?

s/o Gym: What do you do there?

Re: s/o Gym: What do you do there?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

s/o Gym: What do *you* do there?

Re: s/o Gym: What do *you* do there?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

s/o Gym: What do you do there?

Re: s/o Gym: What do you do there?