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Wasn't in good shape BEFORE I get pregnant! Now what??

TeamdkkdTeamdkkd
in Health & Exercise

Hi all!  I'm 9 weeks pregnant with my first baby (at age 39) and KNOW I need to get my keister in gear about exercising.  I think I'm like most people in that I'm a sporadic exerciser.  I'll be really good for a few weeks, then slack off for, um, a few more weeks.  Prior to getting pregnant I was in total slack off mode.  In fact, my first workout prior to finding out was one of my first indicators that I might be pregnant.  I just did not feel that post-exercise high and felt very sluggish the whole time - felt no desire to push myself at all.  Thought maybe I had the flu, but pregnancy was my 2nd thought.  :)


Anyway.  I'm only 5'2 and not a thin girl.  I'm about 135-140 (when not pregnant!) and curvy / soft.  I am fine with my proportions.  What I am not fine with is knowing that I'm going to be hugely pregnant through the hot Chicago summer and will be forced to bare my arms.  I'm the type that always wears light cardigans or elbow-length sleeves, as even when I was thinner / exercising regularly, my arms have never been great. 

I plan to live in maxi dresses all summer, and I know I'll be hotter than usual so I want to start working on my arms now.  I know the doctors say no heavy weights, but that doesn't exactly answer my questions:

- How heavy is "heavy" when it comes to lifting weights with your arms?  I tend to use machines, not free-weights, and rarely more than 20 lbs.  Would like to do more if I can. 
- Where are we on the whole "don't lift your arms above your head" scare?  Is this still a thing?
- What arm exercises DID YOU DO that you found helpful in toning during pregnancy? 
- Regarding exercise in general, were there any workouts you particularly liked that FELT like working out?  Everything I've read said not to get out of breath / I should be able to have a normal conversation while working out.  That doesn't feel like working out to me.  I'd prefer to build up a sweat once in a while, you know? 
-Any workout DVDs you'd recommend? 

THANKS in advance!!!  Appreciate the help.

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Re: Wasn't in good shape BEFORE I get pregnant! Now what??

  • ArnegardArnegard member
    imageTeamdkkd:

    - How heavy is "heavy" when it comes to lifting weights with your arms?  I tend to use machines, not free-weights, and rarely more than 20 lbs.  Would like to do more if I can. 

    You can get great arms with using as little as 3 or 5 lb weights. 

    - Where are we on the whole "don't lift your arms above your head" scare?  Is this still a thing?

    No, not a concern at all.

    - What arm exercises DID YOU DO that you found helpful in toning during pregnancy? 

    Yeah, the only thing I lifted during PG was a cheeseburger or a mocha.

    - Regarding exercise in general, were there any workouts you particularly liked that FELT like working out?  Everything I've read said not to get out of breath / I should be able to have a normal conversation while working out.  That doesn't feel like working out to me.  I'd prefer to build up a sweat once in a while, you know? 

    I would recomeend walking or maybe the elliptical since both are going to easy on your joints.  Swimming is also advised, though I am not a swimmer.

    -Any workout DVDs you'd recommend? 

    I don't know of any mild enough for PG.

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  • lindsayandjamielindsayandjamie member
    First, I would recommend discussing your questions with a your doctor or midwife who are qualified to advise based on your personal situation.

    I will say that pushups modified or reg and tricep dips will do wonders for your upper body. With that being said, the reality is that pregnancy causes weight gain that isn't always exclusively belly weight unless you are genetically blessed. I worked out with weights, did spin and swam throughout my pregnancy and my arms were chubby by the end... It is what it is. The other truth is that I didn't care. I was pregnant and felt huge but it also meant my baby was getting what it needed.
    Focus on eating healthy to keep from gaining unnecessary fat, exercising for benefits other than esthetics, and enjoying your pregnant body. Congrats.
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