Prenatl Yoga if you're already exercising

Re: Prenatl Yoga if you're already exercising

• JG362009

  April 2012

  I was a runner before pregnancy (multiple marathons, tons of 1/2s) and ran 5 times a week and did one day of cross training.  I kept this schedule up during my entire pregnancy, the only thing that changed is that by 41 weeks I could only run about 4 miles and my pace was like 3 minutes slower per mile (about 11 min miles at the very end).  Anyway, I got nothing out of prenatal yoga.  I didn't think it was a work out at all, I didn't like the instructor (I used to teach yoga so I can be picky though), and it really felt like a waste of time because I would always feel the need to work out on top of that, and between working FT and exercising and being pregnant, I felt like I couldn't spare much time. 

  But, you may feel differently; I just still wanted to intensely workout during pregnancy and it was not doing it for me.  
  

  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• NHRunner member

  April 2012

  I run and do crossfit, planning to run the Boston Marathon at 22 weeks,but also signed up for a prenatal yoga class.  I don't really consider it a real workout, but it does get me to chill out, relax and get more in tune with my body.  I feel like it is a nice peaceful escape from all the chaos in my life and gets me to stretch. Plus the instructor is great about suggesting movements for certain ailments/ issues you might encounter during pregnancy.  So for me I think it has been beneficial.  

  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• APendola member

  April 2012

  Pros: prenatal yoga will really help with the aches and pains that come with pregnancy.  It is designed for pregnant women and exercises are modified to accommodate your growing belly. 

  Cons: if you are an active person who runs a lot and likes challenging exercise, you might find prenatal yoga a little slow.  (But it depends on your instructor - some of them will still work you hard!)

  If you aren't sure, see if one of your local studios will let you try a class for free (or at a low cost) before committing to it.

  
  

    
  

  Report0 Reply
• mb314 member

  April 2012

  Thanks!  I'm active, although not a marathon runner or anything.  I may wait until I'm later in my pregnacy and slower/less mobile to try a prenatal class.  By then, I may appreciate the slowness of it.

   

  

     
  

  

   

  Report0 Reply
• IncogNeato member

  April 2012

  I did it for relaxation and to help my body stretch and prep for labor. I think it helped for that, but it's not a "workout" per se.
  

  <a href="http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z393/LindsayLooWho/?action=view

  Report0 Reply
• chicagobridelibby member

  April 2012

  I am thinking about it this way-as 2 very different activities, offering different benefits.

  I will add yoga to my workouts for its benefits getting the body ready for childbirth, and keep running to stay fit.

   I find that running can make certain muscle groups (thighs, hamstrings, and calves for example) very tight, and while great for a cardio workout, it does little for my flexibility. 
  Now that I will have a baby, I want to add some stretching and flexibility moves to get me ready for all the stretching and joint loosening that will happen in pregnancy.

   

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• tchristine01

  April 2012

  I think it is a good idea to add in the yoga.  I was very active prior to pregnancy and have had to gradually step back because of size and the back pain I have been experiencing.  Keep up a variety and add in the yoga whenever possible.  You will be better off during and after your pregnancy if you stay strong and flexible!  Good Luck.

  Report0 Reply
• choppinbroccoli22 member

  April 2012

  I'm just glad I could shut my office door and do "downward dog" on the floor when DD dropped and was smooshing my bladder uncomfortably! She'd scootch up off of it after a while in this position which I learned in prenatal yoga.
  

  

  Report0 Reply