Exercise during pregnancy, fit mamas

zjardene · May 2015

I love exercising my doctor said there is not much i should not do during pregnancy and just said a good heart rate is not more than 140 bpm and to not let your body overheat. But i used to run before pregnancy but my joints get too painfull when i run. So then i just kept on doing s bit of weight training and a bit of cardio in the gym, but now i read it is actually not good to do weight training during pregnancy. And it is winter here so it is a battle to go and swim. What is your opinion on exercise during pregnancy?

jessilee15 · May 2015

I found I could run for the first two trimesters with my first, just slower and less often (5 times a week down to 3, slowed to a 10-11 minute mile, cut back to 3 miles). My joints felt fine if I didn't go over that. My back aches at times; I got a support belt that helped a lot!

TacoSarah · May 2015

Have a look on the Oxygen website, there's a pregnancy section. You can still lift during pregnancy, just lighter weight, higher reps and some exercises require a bit of modification. You can do a lot using a balance ball and free weights.

I'm a runner but just don't feel comfortable so trading it in for walking and swimming.

wedding crazed · May 2015

I still run, lots of walks. I ran throughout all of my other three pregnancies. I wasn't given any weight limit restrictions or anything ever. OB just said you can't start new routines, but can continue what you've been doing. Maybe do some classes that you can just use light weights or none at all if you are uncomfortable. Yoga is so not my thing, but many of my friends loved pre-natal yoga. Good luck finding something that works for you. As I go along my runs always end up being a slow jog in the third trimester. Just listen to your body when it needs to ease up.

Ceridwen77 · May 2015

I do weight training 5x a week. I've never seen a source saying that weight training is not good, as long as you follow certain guidelines (don't lift over 20lbs, no exercises on your back or with a pad on your stomach after 2nd tri, etc).

ColoradoHiker · May 2015

I'm still weight lifting, doing cardio, hiking,biking and kayaking As normal. I've adjusted to keep things comfortable, such as shorter hikes (hip joints ache right now) and paying attention to what my body is telling me. If it hurts in a bad way, I stop. If I feel exhausted/light headed, I stop. Keep an eye on how heavy you are lifting, but I've never heard any of my midwives say to give up exercise completely- they encourage it within reason.

Shellie123 · May 2015

I'm doing circuits, some light Thai boxing, swimming and a bit of weights. I think as long as you listen to your body and don't overdo it you're fine.

thefithuntress · May 2015

I love body weight exercises.. Push-ups, plank holds, pull ups.. If you exercised before it should be fine to do a less intense version of your old routines.

lakesideknitter · May 2015

My bachelor's degree is in exercise science - I know, oh good for me... I'm not a doctor, and I'm certainly not your doctor, so I would just double check with him/her. As far as guidelines for the average healthy pregnant woman, you are good to go as long as you don't start any new exercise routines or do anything crazy (esp anything that increases chances you may fall).

kmkrushi · May 2015

Yoga can also be a great workout while pregnant

mjzeppelin · May 2015

I did CrossFit before and I have been doing it through this pregnancy. I lift heavy, but not as heavy as I am used to. I certainly lift more than 20lbs but I'm used to heavy lifting. The main rule is, don't start doing things that you did not do before. Oh, and then there's the "listen to your body" I always here. Stick to what you know and you'll be fine.

tayzav · May 2015

Like PP above, weights are great during pregnancy, especially if you've been doing it. You just don't wanna be overdoing it with weights that are too heavy. I still lift heavier than recommended but not as heavy as I would normally be doing. Still go pretty hard with Zumba that I help teach, and do the atairmaster at the gym and run about four miles every other day outside, through hills. I've noticed my hips get sore when I run but it's just my body doing it changes. Good luck.

rubirubi89 · May 2015

I stopped running and just jog/power walk instead since Im very clumsy and prone to accidents lol I still do squad, lunges and other light weight stuff. At least to try and keep my butt where it belongs.

rubirubi89 · May 2015

*squats

hermes1972 · May 2015

My doc said weight lifting is fine just switch to lighter set . Used to do 15lb now 8lb-10lb . Add kickboxing to my routine great cardio and keep arms in great shape . I do bare burn and spinning . I think as long you keep moving anything will do . Just listen to your body

jackieJa2015 · May 2015

I also love sport and I think it is the best to listen to your body and if it feels good, then probably it is good for you .. but it is very difficult to do that (at least for me) when everybody else has different opinions on what you should not do. My doctor does not believe in pregnant women doing any sport at all, in the gym where I used to go to for TRX and circuit training they wouldn't take me in the classes without the doctor's ok (after I called them to discuss it).

So I continue to run & bike, but with much less intensity than before. I still play tennis but I will probably stop fairly soon because I cannot really enjoy it after so many people told me I should not be doing any sudden twisting movements. I immediately stopped aerial yoga because no-one could tell me if it is ok to go upside down or not.

It is good to see that so many of you are doing weight lifting and your doctors even approve it, that makes me think I should resume my TRX workouts at least at home.

Any experience with SUP in pregnancy? Do you see any problem with the paddling? I will have to give up some more adventurous water sports, so I was thinking that SUP could be a good replacement..

thefithuntress · June 2015

I wanted to bump this! I felt like poop the first trimester but I've gotten a lot more energy. I recently started jotting down my workouts. Here is a leg routine and a swim routine with a kickboard!

onebadmotha · June 2015

I agree with much of the previous posts. I was a marathon runner prior to getting knocked up, but was not comfortable continuing to run. I've been swimming (indoor pools at the gym, so the weather has been irrelevant), bicycling (which I will stop once my center of gravity changes more), doing prenatal yoga and pure barre (basically small, targeted weights and aerobic movements). I've also been going on long walks with my pups, so they're pleased with the whole thing

peachesnpearls · June 2015

16 weeks still running 4-5 times/week about 4-5 miles. Maybe walking a little more. Wondering when this won't feel so easy ?

juleyaspen · June 2015

I would also recommend for moms that are afraid to workout--get a heart rate monitor so that you don't have to be worried that you're overdoing it. Works great for me! And it's also great postpartum to know how many calories you burn so that you have a good idea what to eat so you don't lose milk supply.

tayzav · June 2015

peachesnpearls said:
16 weeks still running 4-5 times/week about 4-5 miles. Maybe walking a little more. Wondering when this won't feel so easy ?

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm just waiting for it to be more difficult. Like one day I'm gonna just be like "screw this, these legs arent taking me anywhere at a jogging pace." The only thing I've noticed is sometimes baby feels like she's sitting rightttt on my bladder so 4-5 miles can seem like 10.

krae771 · June 2015

I am a runner but so sick during the first tri that I had to give it up, plus it always felt extremely uncomfortable for some reason. I am jealous of anyone that is still running!

I stick with walking/hiking, indoor biking, occasional yoga, and 3-4x/week prenatal workout DVDs for light strength training. I was able to continue all of these exercises right up to my due date with baby #1 and felt in pretty good shape my entire pregnancy. I also check my HR regularly during the workout and adjust the intensity by how I feel.

lanire · June 2015

I've been rock climbing for a long time, so continuing on with that. Just dropped to super easy climbs that I can easily do instead of challenging ones. Also doing yoga, which feels great.

VexyMommy · June 2015

Wow. You ladies are awesome. I feel like a slug.

laleiste · June 2015

For me I tried running during my first trimester but it made me feel sick to my stomach... so now I just do some work outs in the morning (combination of squats/planks/push-ups) and walking.

knolliepollie · June 2015

I went back to the gym this morning. I couldn't work out my whole first trimester since I was so sick and exhausted. Did spin class this morning and felt out of shape but it felt good being back. Looking forward to being a regular at the gym again

ASalton1 · June 2015

I used to be a runner but don't feel comfortable running since I found out I am pregnant so I just take long walks now with plenty of water. I think it is fine to exercise during pregnancy as long as you aren't cramping or bleeding or overdoing it (ex. Bungee jumping, off road mountain biking, etc.)

pink*sheep · June 2015

I ran on a treadmill the other day just for 5 min to warm up before lifting and holy jiggly moly...I could also feel "looser" in my joints and I think I'm out for running for awhile. The elliptical is good though and obviously I still feel good lifting heavy (just scaled a little)

jenn811w · June 2015

I do the elliptical twice a week and power walk with 5lb ankle weights 3-4x a week, about 2-4 miles depending on how I feel. I also do a ton of lunges, squats, dips, and calf raises. I also try to squeeze in yoga if the weather is crappy and I can't walk.

My work out of choice was always running before I became pregnant but my Doctor said no more running. I believe it's definitely healthy and benefits both you and the baby.

Shellie123 · June 2015

I managed to just about keep up my exercise in the first tri but 2-3 times per week only. Feeling much fitter at 17 weeks. It's harder than before for sure but is good just to be able to carry on training. So far it's not really too uncomfortable but I've only gained 9lb so long way to go

aishajohnson3 · June 2015

I really wish i had the energy to get back at it

(

estxox · June 2015

Maintaining a fit pregnancy is one of the most important things to me! I did nothing for my entire first trimester so as soon as my energy came back at around week 12 I went back to the fitness grind.
Im still running 3 days a week, doing weight training as well as pregnancy barre classes and prenatal yoga.

Ceridwen77 · June 2015

aishajohnson3 said:
I really wish i had the energy to get back at it (

For me at least, exercise has given me energy. Even when I was so fatigued and nauseous in the 1st trimester I still made myself go to the gym and it really helped. I find that I have to go first thing in the morning though, otherwise by time I'm out of work I'm too tired to go. It's not always easy (like this morning I got up at 6 because I had an 8am meeting to get to), but it's worth it! No time to start like the present!

tayzav · June 2015

Ceridwen77 said:

aishajohnson3 said:
I really wish i had the energy to get back at it (
For me at least, exercise has given me energy. Even when I was so fatigued and nauseous in the 1st trimester I still made myself go to the gym and it really helped. I find that I have to go first thing in the morning though, otherwise by time I'm out of work I'm too tired to go. It's not always easy (like this morning I got up at 6 because I had an 8am meeting to get to), but it's worth it! No time to start like the present!

That's exactly what I have to do. I like morning workouts/runs or else I won't go. Still running outside 4-5 miles every other day and weight lifting (just not as much as I would like because I'm doing it from home). Exercise definitely makes me feel better and gives me more energy than hanging out at home. I feel worse when I don't do something active.

thefithuntress · June 2015

Wanted to attach yesterday's shoulders and back workout!

I need you ladies to help keep me accountable. Let's keep this thread going for motivation!

peachesnpearls · June 2015

I've been having hip pain. Wtf. Not belly pain. Not sure if extra hormones are just making joint ligaments more lax? Anyone else? Running bout 4 times a week for 4-5 miles. ( with walking mixed in now with hip pain). 16 weeks.

tayzav · June 2015

peachesnpearls said:
I've been having hip pain. Wtf. Not belly pain. Not sure if extra hormones are just making joint ligaments more lax? Anyone else? Running bout 4 times a week for 4-5 miles. ( with walking mixed in now with hip pain). 16 weeks.

Still running 4-5 miles as well and have hip pain by the time I'm done. I've been doing every other day and it seems to be helping.

smnewby · June 2015

18w4d here. Everyone is different but I do agree w the post regarding purchasing a heart rate monitor if you are a runner and are not having pain but are worried about overdoing it. I purchased the fitbitHR and have continued to run. If i start to feel winded I check my HR to see if I need to cut back or slow down. It offers nice peace of mind.

I run for the work out but I also run to socialize. I belong to a running group so plan on continuing as long as it feels comfortable. I'm still doing 10-15 mile long runs ... for now. But when it comes time for the actual marathons I plan on being the loudest & most obnoxious cheerleader in the crowd!

helsbels222 · June 2015

You ladies who are still running are lucky. My doctor told me flat out no running. They said walking is the best thing for you. I still lift a little when motivation is there. Still just want to sleep all the time.

brightmidnight · June 2015

I'm at 18w4d and still lifting heavy 3x per week and moderate intensity cardio 2x per week. I also try to walk a few miles a night when the weather is nice. t's really helping me keep my weight gain in check this time around.

Any powerlifting mamas here?!

thefithuntress · June 2015

Here's today's abs and booty workout. Took about 30 minutes and got a lovely burn! Happy Sunday, fit mamas.

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