Question for the gym rats, errr-- babes!

Mawmee · May 2015

This may sound dumb as hell, but!

What do you pregnant fitness buffs do at the gym? I realize I can't like benchpress 300lbs right now, but you know...

I figure why waste two gym memberships and try to use pregnancy as a reason not to go?

Do you do any kind of weight training, etc? I do plan on asking my doc, as soon as I have one (long story) what they suggest. Everyone I've previously seen only really suggests walking. Meh.

soberrysweet · May 2015

Mawmee said:
This may sound dumb as hell, but!

What do you pregnant fitness buffs do at the gym? I realize I can't like benchpress 300lbs right now, but you know...

I figure why waste two gym memberships and try to use pregnancy as a reason not to go?

Do you do any kind of weight training, etc? I do plan on asking my doc, as soon as I have one (long story) what they suggest. Everyone I've previously seen only really suggests walking. Meh.

I have a trainer that comes to the house. I don't lift heavy though and we've made a few modifications to accommodate the pregnancy.

Mawmee · May 2015

Nice! That's a good idea, since the workout is tailored to your needs. Thank ya!

mbrower08 · May 2015

I currently work out at a crossfit gym. We have had to modify some of the work outs and I don't lift more than 35 lbs, from my doctors reccomendations. I know that there are others who lift more, based on what they lifted before, but that is what my doctor and I feel comfortable at. Since I have decreased my weight, I have increased my reps.

We do a lot of squats (front squats, overhead squats, back squats). I can still do burpees, which are a great full body work out, and push ups. I also add in a lot of stretching. Hope this helps!

excited2bmommy09 · May 2015

My workouts were the same as before pregnancy with a combo of sports training, weight lifting and cardio, but I'm starting to have to mellow out. My biggest restrictions are coming up in a couple weeks. At week 25 my doctor wants me to stop lifting over 30 pounds and stop squatting. I just had to stop with my trainer (yay for the new "baby budget") so I'm going to be a little lost at the gym too! There's a ton of stuff you can do though, just check it out with your doctor first

ercoughlin91 · May 2015

I have definitely been craving some exercise! I have been doing a lot of yoga and walking but it's just not the same. I would like to go to the gym but I hate going alone and that's the only option right now. Boo lol

mbrower08 · May 2015

excited2bmommy09 said:
My workouts were the same as before pregnancy with a combo of sports training, weight lifting and cardio, but I'm starting to have to mellow out. My biggest restrictions are coming up in a couple weeks. At week 25 my doctor wants me to stop lifting over 30 pounds and stop squatting. I just had to stop with my trainer (yay for the new "baby budget") so I'm going to be a little lost at the gym too! There's a ton of stuff you can do though, just check it out with your doctor first

Do you know why they want you to stop squatting?

smrdaniels · May 2015

I still lift, but have switched to the machines to ensure guided movement and avoid injury. No more free weight snatches and deadlifts. ~X(

capricelili · May 2015

I'm definitely not a gym...babe

and I never have been able to consistently work out. But just recently I started going to a prenatal aerobics swim class. Not a huge workout compared to cross fit or yoga (my two favorite workout), but I figure it's better than nothing and it has really been helping my hip round ligament pains. Plus another side benefit, the place I go to has a therapeutic hot tub, temp is kept at 95 degrees so pregnant ladies allowed in. Ahh, I'm loving my swim class. Hopefully you can find something you like doing for a work out, I agree with you on the walking, not the most exciting thing.

lissyFNmay · May 2015

Yoga 4x week + 15 miles over 3 sessions with body focused strength training. Think staying in shape makes the baby in shape - these are some gnarly kicks!

newtothiswholething · May 2015

I alternate between yoga, barre, spinning, and running. I'm 22 weeks and I have to raise the bike handle bars up really high. It looks like I'm on a beach cruiser and everyone else is in a serious race but Hey! I'm there!!

At barre and yoga I always laugh to myself when the instructor says things like "tighten your ab muscles" haha

capricelili · May 2015

@newtothiswholething Can I ask you about barre please? Not sure if trying out a new fitness thing at 20 weeks is a great idea, but I did just find a pure barre really close to work and hate having to wait until after baby to try it out. As someone who does it regular, what is the learning curb? Would you recommend I wait too try it out or do you think it might be okay for a preggo beginner? I'm very curious!

Mawmee · May 2015

Good to know there's tons of ways to keep, um....get active during pregnancy. I wonder about bowling...

littlesir · May 2015

I modify my prior workouts, lower weights, I use dvds at home and just adjust.

katerbees · May 2015

I still crossfit a few days a week but have taken my weights down to around 65-85 pounds and can no longer do pulll ups because I weigh 18 pounds more lol I use bands now for pull ups, do burpees really slowly, and take days off as needed. As for the squatting thing, just google "squats relaxin" and you will find why doctors caution against squatting below parallel and heavy (being not a medcial professional, I don't want to give you inaccurate info). My doc told me the same thing she has been, "your body will know when you can't do something anymore" and for me, that's been true! I also am still able to run on most days, but when my round ligaments are acting up it's definitely even a struggle to walk the dog.

kjs08 · May 2015

There's a workout thread that lists a lot of what many of us do. Short version: you can probably still do everything you were doing before you were pregnant, but may need to modify a few exercises to fit your changing body and the no-no's of being pregnant (not laying on your belly and being completely flat on your back around 18-20 weeks). I work at a fitness facility as a personal trainer and I get many looks and comments about what I do (I'll be 24 weeks on Thursday). I can still squat, but have to do sumo squats instead, and can still lift and rack 45 pound plates, though I have to hold them on my side and not in the front. I make it work and adjust my workouts and lifting methods as needed. I figure I won't be able to in a month or two, but hey, I ran a 5K on the 2nd and that alone still shocks people.

Mawmee · May 2015

Haha I did nothing. I could handle keeping that pace

baker1jm2 · May 2015

I lift pretty heavy weights 4x/week in addition to 40 min of cardio 5x a week. Only thing my dr recommended was to use the weight machines instead of free weights bc they are a little more supported. I haven't lightened my weights at all from pre pregnancy but i have my 24 week apt tomorrow so I'm going to ask again just to make sure. From what i was told if you were doing it before it's fine to continue but if your going to start weight lifting preggers and weren't before id def get it cleared by your dr.

Boobopgirl · May 2015

If you can find a prenatal yoga class that is good at targeting your back, thighs, and groin and really stretching those areas out, that has been tremendous for me in keeping the aches and pains of pregnancy at bay. I would look up the muscle groups that are crucial for labor and delivery and focus on targeting those areas (literally train for labor). If you are planning on having a natural labor, building stamina is also important so something like walking, light jogging/treadmill/elliptical or swimming would be beneficial.

myspecialkid · May 2015

I used to take spinning, but gave up in my first trimester. Haven't tried since then. I've been walking and/or taking water aerobics. I hope to add prenatal yoga soon too.

lnds30 · May 2015

I also workout at a Crossfit gym 4-5 days a week. I have made a few modifications if I don't like the way a movement feels. I use that to guide what I modify and what I maintain doing as before. I believe you can do pretty much all things you were doing before with a few modifications. I still do pull-ups, squats and most other lifting but just a little lighter.

I also run at least once a week. If running is not something you did before I wouldn't start now. Walking is a good alternative but I agree that walking alone would be boring. I am doing a 5K in 3 weeks and I will be 26 weeks pregnant at that time. You just need motivation and time to stay in good shape! I am a physician and I believe childbirth is likely the most challenging fitness test of your life. You should be in the best shape you can be that is safe for you. Things you read online can be scary. Listen to your body. Good luck!

amykrell · May 2015

I am also an avid Crossfitter. I still lift heavy and do cardio (rowing and running). I am slower and lift a little less, but besides that I am staying with my same workout routine!

lollybeal · May 2015

I still lift 2-3 times a week. I have adjusted the weights that I use but am still doing squats, deadlifts, RDL's etc. I'm currently 23:4. I have a PT who is great at adjusting my work outs to keep me doing what I love but not hurting myself or the baby. I also had a woman's health physo say as long as the weights aren't to heavy than I'm good to go. I was box squating 65/70kg and now I'm down to 30kg

PreggersinParis · May 2015

I'm a devout follower of the Tracy Anderson Method and have been working out to her Pregnancy Project DVDs. It's 9 DVDs, one for each month that focus on lifting the butt with about 200 reps of various leg lifts that she has us do on all fours to keep the baby hanging, keeping the arms toned with light weights and stretching. Each DVD runs from about 30 to 50minutes and I supplement it with a brisk power walk. It may not be as intense as you're used to (same with me, I doubled Tracy with Jillian Michaels and running), but it's challenging enough (the mat work feels like cardio that's how involved it is) and I still feel somewhat toned that slipping into a swimsuit next month doesn't terrify me.

Also, I paid 15 bucks for the entire set on Amazon!

Good luck!

PreggersinParis · May 2015

myspecialkid said:
I used to take spinning, but gave up in my first trimester. Haven't tried since then. I've been walking and/or taking water aerobics. I hope to add prenatal yoga soon too.

Jealous! I wish I had water aerobics by me! It's so much fun and really can be such an intense workout. Do you use the foamy weights too?

myspecialkid · May 2015

PreggersinParis said:

myspecialkid said:
I used to take spinning, but gave up in my first trimester. Haven't tried since then. I've been walking and/or taking water aerobics. I hope to add prenatal yoga soon too.
Jealous! I wish I had water aerobics by me! It's so much fun and really can be such an intense workout. Do you use the foamy weights too?

They're not foamy weights? They're like plastic wheel like dumbells if that makes sense.

newtothiswholething · May 2015

capricelili said:
@newtothiswholething Can I ask you about barre please? Not sure if trying out a new fitness thing at 20 weeks is a great idea, but I did just find a pure barre really close to work and hate having to wait until after baby to try it out. As someone who does it regular, what is the learning curb? Would you recommend I wait too try it out or do you think it might be okay for a preggo beginner? I'm very curious!

Try it out! I love it and the instructors always gives prenatal recommendations for modifications. It's low impact so it's like a yoga and Pilates in one

jmhartley · May 2015

I was a yoga sculpter at CorePower Yoga 4x a week and chose to give it up due to the heat (95-100 degree rooms + humidity). It's been tough finding a supplement but I've been doing barre 2-3x a week mixed with brisk walking and prenatal yoga. Definitely miss the intensity I had before but know it's a small price to pay to put baby's health and wellness first.

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