How much exercise is too much?

k.martell · December 2011

Background: I lost 80 lbs since May by working out 2-3 times a day and eating better. I currently go to gym classes twice a day for cardio 5-6 days a week and weights 3-4 days a week and I've been offered a job as a group class instructor.

Since finding out I was pg I cut back on my intensity level especially during spin and cardio interval training classes and I lift 8# dumbbells during weight lifting classes & upped my calorie intake from 1200 + exercise cals to 1600 + exercise cals.

I don't have an appt for 5 more weeks and the Drs office said I can continue my pre-pg routine, but I don't want to push it too hard.

fyrefairie · December 2011

I think your body will let you know when its too much, you will feel it and there will be days when you have to just skip the gym. I was an avid gym junkie pre-preg too....6 days a week usually...and frankly I didn't set foot in the gym for 2 months overlapping ym first/sec tri because I felt way too lousy. I've been back at it 4-5 times a week since and at 9 months still manage to hold my own. Don't let your heartrate get too high and don't do so much that your body has to devote too much energy to your own recovery (think maintenance) because that may take away from baby or just leave you worn down and susceptible to injury. I don't know your weight stats, but make sure what you're eating is enough calorically...you don't need so much extra in the beginning but later on it can get tough to eat enough if you're exercising alot. On days when I hit the gym in the 3rd tri I'm supposed to get at least 2500 cals by the time you calculate my current size, activity level and the 300-500 extra calroies needed for LO to grow...with a very cramped stomach that can be very tricky to accomplish

k.martell · December 2011

Thanks for the info. My maint. is around 1700, and if I had to eat that plus the cals burned, well it just can't happen (I tried), so that's why I opt'ed for 1600 so I can still maybe lose a little of the holiday crap and not be in full blown weight loss/maint.

fyrefairie · December 2011

My understanding is any calorie deficit in pregnancy is a no-no...early on I think baby will just take what it needs, but I still would avoid it...even a mere 100 cals. I add avocado to stuff and switched to hi calorie protein powder because it does get hard to eat the requisite number of calories when you're active.

OO cupcakes OO · December 2011

During 1st tri you'll probably be able to just listen to your body and follow your pre-pregnancy routine. There are women who feel comfortable running marathons during pregnancy so if you're used to working out and you feel up to it go ahead and continue.

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