back at the gym...getting looks

melliebellie81 · June 2015

Hi all!

Anyone else getting odd looks at the gym? I started back at a gym at 27 weeks, trying to have a healthy pregnancy, combat some pains, and help keep me and little one healthy, and I got LOOKS! It made uncomfortable...one lady's jaw went wide open.

I'm dreading comments people may make. Anyone else dealt with this or have advice on what to say or do? I don't do anything strenuous there, and no weight machines that push on my stomach. But I guess it's still weirding people out lol.

Thanks!!

BabyBugutsky · June 2015

The gym I go to has had many pregnant women come in to work out or do yoga. I don't understand why people who work out at the gym think pregnant women can't work out! It's silly! We just want to stay healthy and we know our new limits.

I'm looking forward to getting back to my classes and a slightly different work out routine. I've been away for a few weeks due to hip issues and physio.

I say screw the haters and work out all you want!

LoveLee85 · June 2015

I got TONS of weird looks from 8 weeks-24 weeks....I think they were trying to figure out if I was pregnant or not!! HAHA! Or, I kept getting bigger so they wanted to avoid the workouts I was doing.

I try to just smile, and I think they finally 'see' my basketball tummy!

Hurtuk33 · June 2015

I say flaunt it and start working out in just a sports bra and paint your belly with the phrase "I'm not even born yet and I'm more fit than you."

Seriously though, I got a comment last week while hiking from someone who let me know I "shouldn't be putting so much stress on my baby." My response was, "well luckily for me this hike is pretty easy so my baby should be fine."

kazmierczak0314 · June 2015

I saw pregnant woman at the gym all the time when I used to go. I was planning on joining again when I found out I was pregnant to maintain a healthy pregnancy but didn't have to money for the joining fee. I really don't think it's a big deal that you are going and anyone that is giving you weird looks are ignorant in my opinion. Exercising during pregnancy is totally fine, some people think that we can't do anything but that's simply not true.

melliebellie81 · June 2015

Thanks! I've read about women dealing with horrible comments at their gym. It's horrible. I'm new to this gym but not new to the routines at all. I felt SO good after!

I'm trying to prepare for any backlash, especially when I get bigger. I'm afraid I'll cry! Lol. I just want to help myself out so I can be a healthy mommy!

melliebellie81 · June 2015

I think it's soooooo rude when strangers try to "educate" on what's best for our pregnancy. It's MY body and MY baby...I'm pretty sure I know what works for me lol.

Elecin · June 2015

I gym several times per week and I try to stay focused and not notice if other people are noticing my bump. That may change as I grow. I still bench press, deadlift, etc. So I'm sure I may get some looks eventually.

You should definitely ignore them. You're doing what's right for you, not them.

jyoga87 · June 2015

I like to think that all of the looks are of admiration, that a pregnant woman can still be fit and sexy. I'm proud of flaunting the bump at the gym!

wilcoxev · June 2015

I feel the same. I've been going to the gym my whole pregnancy but now that I'm 27 weeks and showing a lot people are just always staring. I don't do any crazy exercises or lift excessive amounts of weight. Its definitely annoying but not gonna stop me from going

jmacd22 · June 2015

I think it's just a normal thing to deal with when you're pregnant. My mom even got mad at me for running a 5k and wearing high heels while pregnant. So I say just brush off the looks and comments. We know what our bodies can handle as long as the doctor says it's ok. It's motivational for me when I see other pregnant women still working out

victoriah1516 · June 2015

I've had the opposite reactions - lots of people at my gym have expressed how excited they are for my husband and I and asked lots of questions about how I am doing and given lots of support for being active during pregnancy. The gym I got to is a place where a lot of serious body builders works out and I am usually really intimidated to go into the free weights section but now when I go the huge guys treat me so nicely...it's actually pretty funny!

szentmisir · June 2015

They are just jealous

keep going, it's so important to stay strong and fit throughout pregnancy so it will be much easier for you to bounce back into shape, avoid water retention and achy joints.
I am a personal trainer and have trained clients up to 34weeks. I am now 25 week and still training.
You just need to be careful with s few things so no heavy lifting, obviously no crunching or too much twisting also with cardio just make sure you are not getting too out of breath. Otherwise you are good to go

Whoever has issues with uou training while you are pregnant, clearly have no idea that training is a big part of a healty pregnancy

melliebellie81 · June 2015

Agreed! I basically do elliptical or Nordic track. Then arms, legs, and lower back. No abs, no laying back, and I watch my heart rate and don't max out.

I used to be pretty fit. But I went through a lot of changes in the last 6 months. Getting pregnant was a (albeit a great one!). And being back at a gym again makes me feel so good! Pain is less, and I sleep muchhhhh better!

I hope no one says anything , I'd get so defensive lol.

kjs08 · June 2015

I'm a personal trainer and work and workout in my facility. I've gotten any and all types of comments and looks so far, but I straight up don't give a shit. I'm proud of my body and know that keeping myself in shape will be better for me and baby in the long run. The best part: she's not active when I'm moving and I feel so much better after working up a sweat.

I always have fun coming up with smartass remarks to when someone tells me that I shouldn't do something, but still manage to keep it professional since I do work there. Nothing like laughing at something in your head to make a coworker wonder what you're thinking

chelseajeanene · June 2015

I don't have the energy to even think about entering a gym, so more power to you girl. F the haters.

andrea7782 · June 2015

Do you do abs?

Yiggle09 · June 2015

You are going to get stares anywhere. Went to a wedding last weekend and people could not stop looking at my belly. I went to the bar because it is the only place to get a drink at a wedding during cocktail hour and got many stares. I ordered a pineapple juice but got a tequila for my husband. Thankfully a friend of mine made a joke of it and I mimed like I was going to drink my husbands drink and some rando lady felt the need to comment " well I was going to say something but now that I know that drinks not for you etc" I laughed it off but its irritating. My best friend did cross fit at her gym till she was 8 months pregnant and was voted crossfitter of the month. Her picture belly and all was posted all over facebook and new letters. As long as management doesn't come ask you to leave for fear you may push your baby out while doing a squat ignore those stares. People expect pregnant women to be delicate flowers!

melliebellie81 · June 2015

Agreed! The only ones that seem to stare blatantly are the older ladies. They must be shocked I'm not barefoot at home lol.

I do do abs a little bit. But it's an upright ab crunch. I was told light resistance, and to not continue if it felt uncomfortable, but it was fine. My doctor said a stronger core will help with the labor pains! I don't do it often , I get too worried someone would freak out lol

szentmisir · June 2015

Be careful with any type of crunching movement it's not allowed when pregnant. You cAn do a few Swiss ball core exercises and very light Russian twist without hip rotation with hardly any weight. Also core exercise on all fours.

ButterflyRae · June 2015

People are so silly to think that pregnant women can't or shouldn't work out.

I cancelled my gym membership the other day because we just bought an elliptical and I do yoga at a separate studio.

When I went to fill out the paperwork about discontinuing membership, the girl at the fitness desk said "just check 'medical' as the reason that you're leaving." She just assumed that I was stopping because I'm very visibly pregnant! I was pretty insulted.

apiland · June 2015

Ya, I'm still running at least 3 times a day and it's been nothing but arguments about it with my mother. The last doctor's appointment, she asked if I was still running and when I told her yes, she said to keep on till I can't any more and then to walk fast. Lol. My mom really didn't like that, but oh well. It's my baby and we're healthy and doing fine. I get stares all the time and people telling me I shouldn't be running any more. I just ignore them.

nikkimatousek · June 2015

It's ridiculous that people have put such a stigma on pregnancy and our limitations- I am still doing CrossFit 5x a week and I truly feel it is helping me have a healthier pregnancy. Like others have said we know our bodies and our limits! Staying active is just as important when you're pregnant as when you're not!

melliebellie81 · June 2015

Crossfit, that's awesome! Last year I was really fit, and all the stress of the wedding and moving to the US got to me, so I got pregnant heavier than ever. So the gym just feels so good! It also helps with my raging hormones, which are insane now and I'm 30 weeks!

nicthomaspark · June 2015

I have had a lot of looks and comments on what I have been doing as well! I have been rollerblading in the mornings and riding our commander every other weekend. I know people are genuinely concerned for me, but it does get frustrating at times. Ive learned to not post my activities on facebook, and go blading early when the park isnt busy. I know my body and I have fallen more times walking than I ever have blading! Great job being in the gym and trying to be healthy! I wouldnt worry about the stares! I often stare at pregnant bellies because they are adorable and so out there! Its hard to not look. When you turn away, they might be saying "Wow! Good for her!!!!!"

cheyarmijo94 · June 2015

My fiance and I go to the gym atleast 4 times a week and I definitely get good and bad stares as well as comments, but it makes me feel even better about myself for working out and I think "yeah bitches! I look this good at 7 months so suck it!:P" and I just feel SOO much more confident about myself and the baby's health

kind of silly but it keeps me going!

LoveLee85 · June 2015

I always feel amazing after a good workout, too! Keep going!!!

melliebellie81 · June 2015

I feel so much better too! I think it's giving me that confidence that I still have some weird sense of "control" over my body, and the hope that I'll be able to get in shape after at a quicker rate. I really let myself go when I conceived. Sigh. But what can ya do!

CSchoFink · June 2015

I feel really lucky--in addition to power walking with light wrist weights, I spin at a studio three times a week. Every time I'm there, other people comment on how they can't believe I can still do the workout at that level and that they're impressed...one of the teachers even told me she loves when I come to class because she "thinks I'm a bad@$$"! It makes me feel great and motivates me to keep going, which I need as I get bigger!

At 28 weeks, I believe the reason I've felt so good throughout the pregnancy is because of the workouts. I'm planning to go as long as I can.

mbrower08 · July 2015

I have loved working out. I am part of a crossfit box, so it is small and I know everyone there, but I feel great!

If it helps you and makes you feel better, keeping doing you!

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