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Walking for exercise

workmm01workmm01 member
in 3rd Trimester

Hello, It seems like everything I read says that walking is good exercise while pregnant, but I haven't seen anything about how far I should be going. I keep forgetting to ask my doctor. I don't walk much at work. I normally walk my dogs about a mile in the afternoon. Is that enough? Should I be going 3 miles? If you are walking for exercise, what's your goal?

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Re: Walking for exercise

  • ajhambajhamb member
    Guess it really depends on what your level of pre-preg fitness was! Had you walked much beforehand? And are you winded much now? How far along are you, and do you feel like your center of gravity is totally whack now? And sometimes dog walking is a more intense workout while you're getting pulled in every direction as they go chase squirrels, right?

    It sounds like this would be a good conversation to have with your Dr (even if it's just a quick call, rather than waiting for your next visit).
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  • cookieinvacookieinva member
    I think there is no set answer to this, it is different for everyone. Walking is great exercise any time, including while pregnant, so long as you use common sense. Don't over-do it, stay hydrated, if something hurts stop, etc. Otherwise yes ask your dr for details.
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  • workmm01workmm01 member
    I was very active before and up to this point I was still doing cardio and weight training, sqauts, lunges, push ups. All of the sudden though at 31 weeks, I've been dog tired. Walking is all I can do it seems like.
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  • NoodleMNoodleM member
    Just do what you feel good doing. If it doesn't feel good, stop. I can walk about an hour a day before it gets too tiring so that's when I stop.

    I ran and lifted weights before and during part of this pregnancy. I stopped because of some health issues but recently started walking and lifting weights again.
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  • JSS1002JSS1002 member
    I would think duration matters more than distance - some people can walk a mile in 10 minutes, for some people it takes 30.  I would walk as long as you are still physically comfortable... ie, if it hurts or if you feel winded/ exhausted, stop.  Or rather, you should stop at the point that you can still get HOME without being in pain or overly-exhausted!


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  • kmoon2011kmoon2011 member
    I would have to agree with the rest of these mommas. Do what feels okay and probably ask your dr.
    I was very active before pregnancy, i don't do as much now because of some health issues. But i work merchandise at a department store. Which means I NEVER get to sit still. I used to wear a step counter and found out I average about 8-14 miles a day (depends what I'm doing that day) plus If its nice when i get home i walk my dog. shes little so we only go a 1-2 miles.

    Just do what feels good to keep that baby and yourself healthy!!! Keep in mind everyone is different, If you are over weight or have health issues make sure your talking with your doctor and not taking random peoples advice. :))

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  • darkangel42darkangel42 member
    My midwife said (I'm a low-risk pregnancy and started out in decent enough shape, if a little underweight):
    You can continue any exercises you already do unless it's dangerous (like snowboarding, boxing) but don't increase intensity. Stay hydrated, be aware of what you're eating and stop when your body tells you to then slow down accordingly as your pregnancy progresses. Keep us updated on what you do.

    I used to cycle 6 miles a day or walk it so 6 miles has always been my limit for walking and I'm now down to 1, maybe a little more than 1 at 36 and a bit weeks - medical team are aware and fine with this. I did yoga for a while too but that faded out and I'm too clumsy to trust starting up again which the midwife team agree is sensible.
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  • workmm01workmm01 member
    I had extra energy yesterday and decided to make the most of it. I did a workout video and later took the dogs for a 2 mile walk. I started to feel pretty tired by the end so I'm glad I didn't go any further.
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  • cMichelle0423cMichelle0423 member
    Walk for as far and as long as you want. As long as you're not pushing yourself you'll be fine. Just don't over do it.
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