Working Out While TTC

redandblack14 · November 2014

Hey Ladies!

I hope everyone is well. I've heard a lot of different things surrounding being active while trying to conceive like keep it moderate, do lots of cardio, strengthen your core... I was wondering if anyone is working out while TTC? And if you do, what is your workout routine? I've gained some (a lot) of weight since DH and I have been married and I would like to get back down a few sizes. I am unsure if I should start a routine now or wait until I have a LO. What is your opinion on working out will TTC?

Thank you.

mandy522 · November 2014

Go for it. You can still work out throughout your pregnancy as well.

lazyreader · November 2014

Start now.

exercise is a priority in our house and I've *just* now gotten enough balance in life to start up again after birth.

pmcd886 · November 2014

Personally, I would start now. In my experience it is much easier to work out without a baby. Also, it is good to start a routine now and try to keep it up through pregnancy. Working out will help you during pregnancy, during labor, and recovery. I use sports to get a lot of my exercise in. I play softball, volleyball, and soccer. I also have an elliptical that I use a 2-3 times a week, and do abs every couple of days.

redandblack14 · November 2014

Thank you Ladies! I will get back into in. After Thanksgiving of course. Lol.

SpartanChick88 · November 2014

I lift at least once a week. Try to work in Spin, do PiYo and a cross fit style class. Yoga where I can. I work at a gym so it's hard to get in a workout because I feel guilty about the amount of time DD spends there already. Definitely start now but work your way up... you don't want to push too hard and burn out or get injured and that part has nothing to do with to TTC - I would say it to anyone starting a new program

redandblack14 · November 2014

pmcd886 said:

Personally, I would start now. In my experience it is much easier to work out without a baby. Also, it is good to start a routine now and try to keep it up through pregnancy. Working out will help you during pregnancy, during labor, and recovery. I use sports to get a lot of my exercise in. I play softball, volleyball, and soccer. I also have an elliptical that I use a 2-3 times a week, and do abs every couple of days.

I played softball as well! I don't think I could pick that up again. Lol. I got into low impact sports like golf. When I was working out before marriage, the elliptical was my bestfriend, so I will start there and ease back into running. I did Insanity at one point and lost 20 pounds, but I couldn't do that again either. Lol.

Sweeti7307 · November 2014

Definitely start now. I work out pretty regularly and my doc said there is nothing wrong with keeping it up.

redandblack14 · November 2014

Thank you all so much. Just the confirmation I needed to get back into a healthy routine. I will start out with the elliptical and a good walk and then step it up from there.

Nutrition is a whole other issue.... *continues eating cake*

GypsySoul1112 · November 2014

I would definitely start now unless your doctor tells you otherwise. I was advised not to work out around the time that I am ovulating because it draws blood away from your ovaries and to your larger muscles. I had "weak" ovulation so it was beneficial to me to take it easy. I typically run 3-4 miles 5-6 days a week.

Sweeti7307 · November 2014

@redandblack14 Pass me a piece of that cake!

redandblack14 · November 2014

kch917 said:

It's better to start an exercise routine before. I believe it is not recommended to start new exercises once pregnant, but it is ok to keep up with things your body is already used to.

I also recently remember hearing (can't remember where though) that core exercises before pregnancy can help get your stomach back into shape more quickly after birth.

Very helpful. I had this idea in my head that I would start taking walks whenever I got pregnant and go to group classes. Typing that helped me realize how silly that idea was. I think it's best for me to start now, form a habit, and continue throughout pregnancy - whenever that day comes.

redandblack14 · November 2014

MoonandBack141 said:

I run/jog/walk and do Zumba. Hoping to continue them all when I'm pregnant. Except some of the Zumba dance moves may need to be modified.

I tried Zumba before, but I have terrible rhythm. I can't even take the exercise seriously because I can't stop laughing at how foolish I may look.

WestIsleFlower · November 2014

@sweeti7307 which slice would you like?

akraus2015 · November 2014

I am (was) a daily runner and my doctor told me to keep running daily while TTC. I have been in a slump lately though without an accountability partner. Hoping all the pregnancy books I keep reading that tell me to exercise will become a motivator soon!! Best of luck in your journey!

kmaty13 · November 2014

I try to work out a few times a week because I'm also trying to lose some weight. I plan on continuing if/when I get pregnant. As someone who doesn't like to work out, sometimes it's a struggle to even get to the gym. I have to pack a gym bag to force myself to go right after work.

momthatlifts · November 2014

I was at the gym about 5 days a week when ttc. I drank a tons of caffeine (preworkouts) as well. Didn't affect me.

ChuggingWater · November 2014

Hi, @bbg676 !!!

gonetothesea · November 2014

I hate to exercise, but my DH is a die-hard Crossfitter. So, he tries to get me to run around the lake with him every week. I SOMETIMES oblige. But I really enjoy yoga and pilates, so I try to make those classes at my local rec center twice a week.

I also burn off calories by doing Just Dance. Pretty much exercise that doesn't feel like exercise, I enjoy. But I'd really like to get in the habit of exercise and eating better while we are TTC so that I am in my best shape when we actually do conceive!

edit: because I can spell.

southernpeach89 · November 2014

My OB/gyn told me that if you have been working out regularly prior to becoming pregnant then continuing that workout should be fine as long as you're being careful depending on your exercises. I Do Crossfit daily so if DH and I become pregnant I will probably lower the amount of weight I lift gradually and limit myself on what exercises I perform for example I probably won't do a whole bunch of burpees or push ups unless they are on my knees. There are two girls at my box now that are entering their third trimester that modify their workouts to be safe for their pregnancy. I would start now and get into a routine of your workouts with what you chose to do.

PrimRoseMama · November 2014

I stretch, swim & weights. I have a hard time running with my back issues. So, I try to tough out the elliptical machine.

divinemsbee · November 2014

So, I'm someone who hates exercise. I've tried almost everything, and I hate it all. Hate doing it, hate feeling it. Just not something I enjoy. (I love the physicality of gardening, I love moving furniture around, but pretty much every exercise is just intensely boring or embarrassing for me.)

But...I do it anyway because I'm not someone whose body naturally settles at at size 8 (or 10, or 12). I'm actually pretty healthy, but if we end up having to do IVF later this year (a big if, I hope) then my clinic has a BMI limit on whom they will perform the procedure on, so losing weight is a priority. Especially because I put on 20 lbs between February and September of this year. And I'd probably like my clothes more if I weighed less. So I started a Couch to 5k about 6 weeks ago. It's hard, but I have definitely improved. This week H and I started a 6 week Core exercise program as well. It's not the most fun ever, but I like being able to see improvement. I also hit a spin class once a week and try to get on the elliptical every other day and do some arm work.

By nature of the plan, I started pretty slow (running in 60 second spurts, and it was damn hard), and it really does work. Still don't like it, but, especially because H is an excellent cheerleader, it sucks less. I've dealt with disordered eating pretty much my whole life, so having someone who knows all of that and can help me through it is awesome.

lvlyldybmp · November 2014

Working out when TTC & when pregnant will help everything.
Run, walk, ellptical, lift weights, *especially core*, think about it. Birth is the most physical, strenuous thing you'll probably go through, it would be wise to be in a good physical condition for it.

I'm doing cardio on the Arc Trainer, leg workouts, pull ups, etc.

There's not need to keep your heart rate at a certain level, you're not going to shake the baby lose, if you get overly winded, slow down, but stop if you start to cramp and check with a doc.

Good luck!

cateyes543 · November 2014

Another reason to workout now is you have no idea how long it will take you to get pregnant. If you wait until you are KU, you could be wasting months or even a year of time that could be spent getting fit. I suggest starting asap since who knows what the future will hold!

KMBC2552 · November 2014

Start and develop the habit now before you are pregnant or have a baby when there will be a million new excuses not to. Also it will make your pregnancy and recovery easier.

amorcito27 · November 2014

I go to the gym almost everyday for 1 1/2 to up to 3 hours a day and I've been TTC since June. It's better to start before than after.

Also, you should consider lifting weights a couple times a week!! This will increase your muscle mass and help you burn calories longer.

Have you thought about eating clean as well? 80% of your body is determined by the food you eat, 15% from exercise and 5% genetics. Cutting out the sweets (after Thanksgiving, of course!) will help a lot. And be careful about drinking your calories - some drinks have tons of empty calories! Good luck!

Sweeti7307 · November 2014

@westisleflower I think I might have to sample all of them.

redandblack14 · November 2014

divinemsbee said:

So, I'm someone who hates exercise. I've tried almost everything, and I hate it all. Hate doing it, hate feeling it. Just not something I enjoy. (I love the physicality of gardening, I love moving furniture around, but pretty much every exercise is just intensely boring or embarrassing for me.)

But...I do it anyway because I'm not someone whose body naturally settles at at size 8 (or 10, or 12). I'm actually pretty healthy, but if we end up having to do IVF later this year (a big if, I hope) then my clinic has a BMI limit on whom they will perform the procedure on, so losing weight is a priority. Especially because I put on 20 lbs between February and September of this year. And I'd probably like my clothes more if I weighed less. So I started a Couch to 5k about 6 weeks ago. It's hard, but I have definitely improved. This week H and I started a 6 week Core exercise program as well. It's not the most fun ever, but I like being able to see improvement. I also hit a spin class once a week and try to get on the elliptical every other day and do some arm work.

By nature of the plan, I started pretty slow (running in 60 second spurts, and it was damn hard), and it really does work. Still don't like it, but, especially because H is an excellent cheerleader, it sucks less. I've dealt with disordered eating pretty much my whole life, so having someone who knows all of that and can help me through it is awesome.

Good luck on your weight loss journey. I had to lose a significant amount of weight because I was at risk of being diagnosed with diabetes (it was getting so bad I couldn't feel my toes) and it was pretty difficult at first, but once I got into the swing of things it wasn't so bad. Since then I've gained all my weight back plus some (s/o to me and Krispy Kreme doughnuts) but I am going to start working out and eating better next week so I can be healthy while TTC.

I wish you the best of luck! I know it can be difficult but you can do it girlfriend!

redandblack14 · November 2014

grandiosequestion said:

redandblack14 said:

pmcd886 said:

Personally, I would start now. In my experience it is much easier to work out without a baby. Also, it is good to start a routine now and try to keep it up through pregnancy. Working out will help you during pregnancy, during labor, and recovery. I use sports to get a lot of my exercise in. I play softball, volleyball, and soccer. I also have an elliptical that I use a 2-3 times a week, and do abs every couple of days.

I played softball as well! I don't think I could pick that up again. Lol. I got into low impact sports like golf. When I was working out before marriage, the elliptical was my bestfriend, so I will start there and ease back into running. I did Insanity at one point and lost 20 pounds, but I couldn't do that again either. Lol.

Did you make lasting changes to your diet? 70%+ (for some people 90%+) of your weight is determined by diet.

You can do 10 hours of cardio a day, if your diet is shit you are going to be limited on what you lose.

When I am trying to stay healthy and work out in the past I was a super nutrition nut. Probably to extreme, but now I understand how to balance.

redandblack14 · November 2014

amorcito27 said:

I go to the gym almost everyday for 1 1/2 to up to 3 hours a day and I've been TTC since June. It's better to start before than after.
Also, you should consider lifting weights a couple times a week!! This will increase your muscle mass and help you burn calories longer.
Have you thought about eating clean as well? 80% of your body is determined by the food you eat, 15% from exercise and 5% genetics. Cutting out the sweets (after Thanksgiving, of course!) will help a lot. And be careful about drinking your calories - some drinks have tons of empty calories! Good luck!

When I had to lose a significant amount of weight before, I definitely was eating clean for every meal, drank water only and took vitamin supplements. It definitely made a difference!

Thank you!

Sweeti7307 · November 2014

@expatmama11 is right. Try to find something is fun. I effin hate cardio and find that classes make it more fun for me. I try to give myself a lot of variety so I don't get bored. I'm hooked on boxing right now. I don't actually fight anyone but keep my exercises to 3 minute intervals (rounds) and hit the mitts with MH. It's fun and a great stress reliever.

mouse315 · November 2014

Just throwing another idea out there...I had trouble finding something between over-doing it and so super-beginner I got bored and it felt like it wasn't doing anything. I did a couple of Leslie Sansone's walks (streamed online) and love it. It's easy, it's quick, it's varied, and other than her annoying laugh, she's not a bad instructor.

manu246 · November 2014

I have also heard that it is good to work out while ttc as well as into the pregnancy. A related question, I do muay thai (a type of kickboxing), would that be ok while ttc and during the first trimester?

rbtrumpet · November 2014

absolutely work out while TTC!

I used to be a gym rat. Then I tore my ACL a couple months before getting pregnant wtih DD. Because I was recovering from surgery, and hadn't worked out in a while, my exercise during my pregnancy was very limited (walking, yoga - mostly). Once baby comes, you lose a LOT of your time to work out or even cook (especially if you're going back to work). Also, for me, my milk supply has been very fragile, whenever I lose weight, I lose my supply. Since BFing is very important for me, I chose BFing over losing weight.

DD is almost 1 now, and I've only lost 13 lbs of the 35 I gained during my pregnancy (plus the 30 I gained in 2 months sitting on my butt after surgery). I have a lot to lose, over 50 lbs, and I wish I would have been able to be more active during my pregnancy.

I am starting a work out plan now, so even if I happen to get lucky and get KU right away with #2, I will have some sort of exercise base going in. (and if I don't get pregnant right away, more likely, then I have somehting to focus on while we're trying).

@manu246 - if you are doing muay thai regularly, that will be totally fine to do TTC and during pregnancy, as long as you're comfortable. I had a friend who was a zumba instructor who taught up until 8 months pregnant (of course, she has to alter it a bit to be more low-impact at some point). It's all about what your regular schedule is when you get pregnant. TTC, you can do anything you want. 1st tri would be a bad time ot pick up muay thai, or start training for a marathon :-p, but you can continue anything you've been doing on a regular basis. ETA: what Sweeti said below - I didn't think about sparring (I used to do body combat, which had muay thai elements - but no sparring, so that didn't cross my mind)

Sweeti7307 · November 2014

manu246 said:

I have also heard that it is good to work out while ttc as well as into the pregnancy. A related question, I do muay thai (a type of kickboxing), would that be ok while ttc and during the first trimester?

I'm sure it would be fine as long as you're not sparring anyone. But you can always check with your doc just be sure.

manu246 · November 2014

Thanks for the info! I used to fight at a national level a few years ago but since getting married only do classes. I didn't think about the sparring aspect of it, lol i can see how that would be a bad idea. I hope I can stick to it because I really do love it!

redandblack14 · November 2014

@rbtrumpet Good luck on your weight loss journey! I'll be right there with you. Thank you for the information.

Gasbarro2011 · November 2014

I do Spin 3 times a week and was told that I could continue it while TTC and Prego, as long as I stay at about the same level and don't over exert myself.

MarathonHiker · November 2014

I did an intro awhile ago and disappeared (we had to stop TTC for a bit there) but just came across this thread. I definitely echo what everyone said. I hike and swim and will continue both while I TTC. I don't hike AS much in the cold months, but still do. I will continue my indoor swimming. And plan to do both while pregnant, too.

bouncinsol · November 2014

I go through sporadic periods of working out, where I'll work out 4-5 times per week (cardio/dance and some strength training/muscle work) but then I'll fall out of my routine for weeks or months at a time. I stopped exercising regularly probably around June of this year, and then started TTC in August. I became a bit paranoid at starting up again after having done nothing for two months. I'm still in a bit of that paranoid state of mind. Do you think it's okay to just pick back up again at this point?

Want a personalized experience?

Working Out While TTC

Re: Working Out While TTC

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

Married 8-9-14

Me 34 DH 33

TTC #1

Hypothyroid

Choose Another Board

Search Boards