Fit pregnancy?

Taraw473 · April 2015

Hi ladies
I'm 15 weeks pregnant with my first baby,so I'm new to all this,I was always very fit and active before getting pregnant,I kept up walking during the first 12 weeks and I've started Pilates and im back spinning now,just wondering if any of the rest of you are keeping up your fitness and what your views are?ive read lots of articles and some people are for it and some very against

Thanks
T

CocoR04 · April 2015

I did a stroller workout class and took barre classes regularly before pregnancy. I just started back to the stroller workout class because I can control the intensity better and there are a ton of other pregnant moms in the class. I also try to keep as active as possible with my toddler the rest of the day!

My doctor is very liberal about workouts and doesn't have any reservations about it. It put my worries to rest!

leah665 · April 2015

I've been walking 4-5 times per week around 4 miles each time. I also do some weight training at the gym. I've lost five pounds so far! (I was on the heavy side to begin with)

I bought a prenatal yoga and Pilates DVD and I'm interested in doing spin classes also.

I have not heard anyone advise against exercise other than contact sports and heavy weight lifting.

deanna1313 · April 2015

This is my second pregnancy. I gained 50 lbs so easily with my last pregnancy.i was very thin to begin with. I had a bit of a sweet tooth while pregnant, but I didn't go crazy. I was always very healthy and people commented on my healthy eating. No, I didn't eat for two. lol
The only thing I can do this time around is to keep up with my walking (winter pregnancy last time) and some light exercising. It does get very hard towards to end. I took a pregnancy exercise class last time, but can't do that this time with my 10 month old:/

I think it's perfectly healthy to exercise while pregnant. Your dr will give you restrictions if you need them. In the class I was in the didn't allow you to jump (unless you were ready to induce labor). I just wouldn't start anything new that your body isn't used to doing.

hdnetmro · April 2015

I'm doing prenatal yoga. My plan was to do a fit pregnancy but I never was able to get a routine down before We got our little blessing. If it's what your body is used to it's fine, and been proven fine over and over. I think there are some that take it to extremes , like when you see someone who has added no fat to their body and the stomach looks very tight and unhealthy. Growing babies and their mommies need fat- it's healthy. I think there is a lot of negativity against "for" mom's quite simply because people are jealous, and like I said I'm in no way in shape so please no one take that personally I just think there is a lot of truth to it.

Taraw473 · April 2015

Thanks so much ladies!!!!!The negativity was coming from a lot of my mums older friends,who seem to think the best way is to rest all the way through...but I'd be climbing the walls lol!!Your advice is fantastic

Loads of love and good wishes to you all

T xxx

galatimac · April 2015

I was running about 20 miles per week and lifted heavy weights. I cut down to 10 miles per week (mostly cause it's hot here in florida and I can only last so long keeping my body temp down). I also run a good 2 mins per mile slower than my pre pregnancy pace. Still lifting 2x per week but lighter weights and doing a lot more body weight workouts. I also incorporated yoga 1x per week. I was scared to run and lift in my first few weeks but my Dr was very encouraging.

Gonzalezbaby2015 · April 2015

Hi Tara! I'm an older mom for this pregnancy and I'm all for exercising. I workout 5 to 6 tines a week and do cycling, kickboxing and light weights. I do take longer rest periods or slow it down when I feel I need to. Also, I do avoid ab floor portion (maybe that's the old fashion part in me). My doctor says continue anything you have done before just nothing new with exercising and so I am. Wish I can say fiod eating choices were great

crbpjb · April 2015

My husband and I own a CrossFit gym, so I have definitely been exercising. There was a point where I was so tired it was difficult, but I always did at least 3 days per week. I'm almost to 11 weeks and getting some energy back so I'm back up to 4-5 days per week, but I won't go back to my previous 6, and I have been taking it easier for sure. For the most part, I can do what I used to, but I'm choosing to use lighter weights. I have felt so much better because of exercising. My doctor is all for it and even said because of the shape I am in I don't need to worry as much about my heart rate as long as I listen to my body and don't push too hard. I've definitely caught flack from others about lifting weights or exercising at all, but my OB is really supportive and wants me to he exercising so I plan to keep it up and just listen to my body. #liftingfortwo

Taraw473 · April 2015

Ladies you are inspirational!!!!I feel so so much better now!!!!Thank you

Krysta6 · April 2015

I also do Crossfit and have been doing it for 3 years. My Dr said whatever you did before you can still do in the first trimester. I got a little more restriction for he second trimester and started lowering weights. I have a pregnant buddy at the gym who is 35 weeks pregnant and so inspiring. Some days she kicks my butt in the workout. I can only hope I keep it up at her intensity that long!

hdnetmro · April 2015

@crbpjb I love your #liftingfortwo lol that's great. I would love to do cross fit but the only box close to us is still pretty far plus I'm pretty sure I would die the first couple times

valerierose15 · April 2015

I think it's extremely important to exercise during pregnancy. Not only is healthy for you and your baby, but it's supposed to make your birth easier and getting back into post partum shape easier.

I'm up to 3x a week (thanks to a clingy toddler) and I'm doing a lot of strength training and body weight exercises. I've been restricted to low impact until 20 weeks because of placenta previa. Hopefully, if everything looks good at 20 weeks, I can get back into my HIIT routine.

I'm pro exercise and listening to your body.

Chippercjm · April 2015

Yes I have been teaching Pilates and spin and continue to take both along with lifting weights 4 days a week! I've been very fortunate to have a solid workout routine before getting pregnant and am grateful I've been able to continue it. I've also started chiro adjustments as I hear it helps with an easier birth. Keep it up momma!!!

guendyro · April 2015

I do weights and spinning and road biking. Next weekend will be doing the MS150 from Houston to Austin at 16 weeks pregnant. I do get lots of negativity from older mom's as well. But I have been training for this for 6 months!

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

I worked out through my first pregnancy with DD. I ran through 37 weeks (she was born on 39w even) and lifted weights all the way through. I will do the same with this pregnancy. I was even more confident with my workouts at the beginning of this one because of my experience with DD. I've kept my mile splits up and I've really been enjoying my daily workouts (every morning at 4:30

).

The toughest part is knowing that you are the only one who knows your body best. You will have plenty of people telling you what they think about your choices throughout pregnancy and this especially pertains to activities. I learned quickly that I can't push it in the heat and humidity and when I can't run, it is okay to walk.

Some lessons are best learned through experience, so I hope you enjoy the time getting to know your fit, pregnant self!

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

@crbpjb, have you looked into For Two Fitness (clothing)? My favorite workout tops say "Sweating for Two" and "Running for Two" and our gym regulars get a kick out of them. I think it's refreshing for people to see sayings like that, and it always makes me feel good! They worked well throughout my whole pregnancy with DD, and I will start wearing them again next week when our news is public. Your hashtag reminded me of it and I thought you might like it!

BethanyFaber · April 2015

I'm in an intense bootcamp. My OB said it is fine for me to keep it up as long as I listen to my body and I don't increase anything. Not adding weight, not increasing duration or distance or workouts, stuff like that. Just keep up what you were doing before. I do have to take more breaks because I get worn out more easily. I am looking at signing up for barre for my third trimester when jumping and HIIT won't be as easy. But my OB said she WANTS me to keep working out. Just listen to your body and don't push too hard.

LydiaPick · April 2015

I have heard the advice of "not doing anything new" (exercise-wise) now that you're pregnant. However, I want to be healthy for the benefit of the baby and also for myself in my labor/recovery because I hear such great things about exercising benefiting you and baby both. However, before becoming pregnant, I had a very sedentary lifestyle- long commute and then sitting behind a computer all day...I never made much time for working out and since I'm naturally kind of thin that has been fine for me. However, despite my relative thinness I know I have like NO muscle tone and cardio-wise I'm a total wimp! Just wondering if anyone knows if we can actually do some "new" exercises or if that is really a big no no. If so, I guess all I can do is walk haha. (I am doing physical therapy to work on some ongoing back/arm/neck issues and that involves some exercises, and I've recently started swimming very lightly). What do you fit mamas think?

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

@LydiaPick, I love hearing when women notice that there are other benefits to working out other than the over-hyped weight loss notion. I've never worked out because I thought I was fat or even needed to "tone up", rather, as I grew up, I recognized how much better I felt when my body could do more and when I could breathe easier during activities. For that reason, I lift weights, run, bike, rollerblade, etc. as part of my active lifestyle. I only mention that because your comment about being naturally thin being the reason you haven't worked out much seems to be a common misconception about reasons to go to the gym!

As for ideas for what to do, all activities should be cleared by your doctor, and with that said, I have some ideas! Walking is an excellent activity and great for you and baby. Try to change up your walks with hills and new scenery. Vary your pace and invite someone to join you so you add talking to the workout (challenges your lungs a tiny bit more). You could also do some light weight, high repetition work with your shoulders, back, chest, and legs. You could just start easy and do some body weight exercises, but balancing those muscle groups can help tremendously with your posture and many common back/neck issues. Push ups on your knees, or at inclines and declines, shoulder presses, rows with a cable, walking lunges and air squats are all simple moves that support natural body movements without engaging in any strenuous lifting. There are some prenatal workout DVDs and YouTube channels you could try, too, so you could find moves that suit your ability level and needs. None of the activities I have mentioned would tip you over the edge with heart rate, muscle strain, or anything of that sort.

The "never try anything new" is a really broad statement, a lot like "don't lift over 20 lbs" (Like deadlift? bicep curl? chest press? come on). Think about how your body needs to move on a daily basis. Picking up toddlers, cleaning the house, squatting to play, all are activities that moms do each day. Focus on doing movements that are going to help you do these moves more comfortably! If you do any of them, I really do encourage you to add walking lunges and air squats (or wall sits) to your weekly routine. A strong lower body helps SO MUCH later in pregnancy (and L&D).

TheFamilyGraff · April 2015

Hi there! I'm about 14.5 weeks along with my first and I've definitely heard from my doctor and my mom that exercise during pregnancy is much healthier for both mama and baby. I was practicing ashtanga yoga 6 days a week prior to finding out I am pregnant. I've dialed it back due to the very deep twisting in ashtanga but still practice standard vinyasa multiple times a week with cardio mixed in. My mom swam and danced all the way through both of her pregnancies and my brother and I turned out pretty well :-)

CamiB30 · April 2015

Hubby and I had been TTC since last June. I started running, doing barre classes and spinning a few months before that so I could be in great shape and healthy when we finally did conceive. What I didn't count on was morning sickness and nausea totally throwing me off my workout schedule for 3 weeks now. My doctor said to keep my heart rate below 150...anyone have any recommendations on good heart rate monitors??

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

@CamiB30, I used my Garmin running watch with HR monitor when I'd run with DD. It's highly accurate (but also expensive), and I'd recommend it if you want a GPS watch, too. I haven't used one this time around because I don't have specific HR recommendations from my OB. You might notice that everyone's OB seems to have a different "number" for HR, so it seems that knowing your fitness level and your body is really the better gauge. Obviously, listen to your doctor, but that's just what I've noticed through my last two pregnancies in talking with women from all over.

chhughes80 · April 2015

I have also noticed such a variance in obgyn feedback on exercising. I teach zumba and was originally told to do whatever I was doing before. At 11 weeks my obgyn mentioned my bpm should be below 140 when teaching. I bought a heart monitor and it said I was at 156. I slowed down and only got my bpm down to 146 after teaching as slow as I could without stopping or taking breaks. I feel great when I'm teaching so I thought 140 was flexible because by body is used to intense work outs. Called my obgyn and discussed yesterday and they stuck to 140 saying if I can't keep it below, I have to stop teaching and maybe take classes where I can take breaks to leep the bpm down. So jealous of hearing these other obgyns are more lenient.

carlymarie021 · April 2015

I'm 14 weeks and I just started a yoga class. Informed my instructor that I was pregnant she modified some moves for me. My dr. also said it was perfectly fine. I chose yoga Bec I really wasn't use to working out. My doctor said my heart rate shouldn't be too elavated. So I thought yoga would be a nice light exercise. I also walk my little yorkie everyday♡ I do think excersize is perfectly fine. For me I'm not used to intense work outs. Just walking and jogging and yoga. For those women who are used to it I think it's perfectly fine. I like to see women healthy wether it means they are thin or have some curves. It's all about the health of you and baby. What ever is safe and works for you... GO FOR IT

Telebell · April 2015

The HR thing is interesting- I think it's probably fine if you *feel* fine. I started exercising when I found out I was pregnant, biking to work. It helped a lot with feeling low energy. I do find that I don't feel myself getting in better shape as time goes on. If anything, I'm already having to slow it down a bit. When the city pools open for the summer I'll start swimming. I think by then it might be harder to balance on the bike anyways.

DeeGreer · April 2015

I was working out 5 days a week lifting weights and running 4 miles at a time.... and I stopped because the first trimester I was so exhausted and sleepy all the time. I did start back with weights but less weight, more reps and I can't keep the same pace I ran before so cardio kills me. Waking instead of running has been easier on me for my heart rate not to sky rocket. I have noticed muscle progression has slowed down too but it's probably because I drink a slushy or green tea Frappuccino every day lol

valerierose15 · April 2015

chhughes80 said:
I have also noticed such a variance in obgyn feedback on exercising. I teach zumba and was originally told to do whatever I was doing before. At 11 weeks my obgyn mentioned my bpm should be below 140 when teaching. I bought a heart monitor and it said I was at 156. I slowed down and only got my bpm down to 146 after teaching as slow as I could without stopping or taking breaks. I feel great when I'm teaching so I thought 140 was flexible because by body is used to intense work outs. Called my obgyn and discussed yesterday and they stuck to 140 saying if I can't keep it below, I have to stop teaching and maybe take classes where I can take breaks to leep the bpm down. So jealous of hearing these other obgyns are more lenient.

I found an article in the bump magazine and I think that 140 rule is so outdated. You may want to do some research on your own. If your were teaching Zumba before, your body is already used to it. I can understand if you were feeling really winded or something, but IMO, I think you're perfectly okay.

Natcat509 · April 2015

Workout but in moderation and listen to your body! Good luck.

chhughes80 · April 2015

Thanks so much for posting that article

crbpjb · April 2015

@chhughes80 my doc also said that it depends on your fitness level before. He said 166 bpm, but that because of my current fitness level I do not need to abide by that rule, and if you teach zumba I would guess you are also fit enough to do the same. He just said don't go overboard. If I feel dizzy I should stop, and it's really important to stay hydrated.

MamaOwl15 · April 2015

During my pregnancy with my son, I quit going to the gym, ate way too much junk, and gained 60 lbs on top of being a little overweight to begin with.

Various circumstances in my life, having Baby being a big one, made getting back in shape pretty hard over the last two years.

I decided this time that wasn't going to happen, so I've been taking advantage of the warmer weather and walking with my son. We'll go 2-3 miles several times a week, and sometimes I do prenatal fitness DVDs. I find I actually feel BETTER when I'm active than when I'm not, and I've heard that staying active helps you have an easier labor and recovery. As long as your doctor hasn't put you on bed rest and you're not overdoing it (which obviously depends on your prepregnancy fitness level), exercise is fine.

valerierose15 · April 2015

@chhughes80 I found the article online, https://issuu.com/thebump/docs/houston_v10e2?e=5250618/10666562 pgs 56-58. I hope that helps ease your mind some. You may even want to bring it up at your next appt.

LydiaPick · April 2015

Thanks, @LiveNLove44 and others!! You guys have inspired me to get movin and exercise more! This board is really helpful for motivation

vamomtobe · April 2015

@LydiaPick, ask your doctor, but I'd really recommend prenatal yoga! I tried it and loved it during my first pregnancy with zero yoga experience so it was a "new" thing, but it's tailored for pregnancy.

Taraw473 · April 2015

Loving all the feedback ladies!!!!Im just finished my first pregnancy yoga session,back in the gym and Pilates and feeling fantastic!!!Id say my little bean is in there doing somersaults

jstmbgh · April 2015

I was working out 5-6 days a week before my pregnancy (running, cycling, swimming and HIIT). I noticed a decrease in my capabilities even before I knew that I was pregnant. I am still working out but at a much lower intensity. There were about 4-5 weeks where I was lucky to get in 3 workouts a week but that turned a corner for me last week. I am just over 12wks and finally got some energy back.

The only things that my Dr advised me on doing are riding outside, due to the risk of falling, and running in the local half marathon, it is too close to my DD.

I feel SO much better now that I am back in the groove.

bumpuser10770038 · April 2015

I do step class, spin class, walking, and toning w/ 6 pound weights. I was doing aol this before pregnant, so just continued my routine. I just make adjustments to my class routine. I went down a riser in step, don't do crunches, take more water breaks, and slow down when my heart rate feels too high. I have only heard positive things about exercising while pregnant. I also gained too much weight with my first one and it takes a long time and a lot of work to get that weight off. I don't want to do that to myself this time

Not eating for two, but not depriving my wants. Lol!

swelniak · April 2015

According to my doctor (and most I think), if you were active before pregnancy, it is fine to continue, just listen to your body. I kept up my same weight/cardio workouts with my DS until the morning I checked in to be induced at 41 w 3d. I ran until 32 weeks as well. I've been doing the same with this pregnancy, although I'll likely stop running sooner only because it'll be summer and it gets hot as hades here in SC. I got a heart rate monitor last time that I'll use again just to give me peace of mind that I'm not overdoing it.

JoEmilyG · April 2015

I walk all the time, pretty much everyday. I also do different kind of squats, summer is almost here, need them nice legs lol but I enjoy it and OBGYN is all for it. And Drink my protein shake here and there if the day was long and full of body movements.

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