Exercise???

bgrace44 · September 2015

Is anyone else finding it hard to workout? I had the best intentions, but lately I'm so tired that it's all I can do to walk around the neighborhood. (And I don't even do that everyday!)

If you are working out, what's your secret? I need motivation!!!

yogahh · September 2015

I'm going to keep exercising until I can't. If that means a run one day and a walk the next, that's better than nothing. I try to keep in mind how good it is for baby. And how my body will (hopefully!) bounce back easier if I continue to stay active. It will also help you stay strong for an easier labor. So if a walk around the block is all you can do, do it!

lionstigersbears · September 2015

Agreed with PP. Do what you can, when you can. Maybe setting a goal for the week of how many days you'll exercise, then giving yourself the ability to choose which days based on how you're feeling would help? I know I struggle with guilt about not exercising on any given day, but giving myself some wiggle room helps keep a positive attitude about it. Remember, you wont necessarily feel this same way or amount of tired your whole pregnancy, so be gentle with yourself while your body is adjusting to these hormones!

mrslampert · September 2015

Me too!! I usually work out 5-6/wk, lately they have been kicking my butt!! I get so tired half way through. What motives/forces me to is going to work in gym clothes, I work out at the corporate gym. Then I feel dumb just going to the gym to shower. I know this tiredness will pass and I'll regret not working out.

allen4tl · September 2015

I do Crossfit lite 3-4x /week. I go directly after work and tell myself if I am not puking I have no reason not to be there. The other days I go for walks with my husband. I think about how much better I will feel through this pregnancy if I can just keep going.

balamama · September 2015

I've been feeling the same way and definitely slacking more than usual. One thing I'm committing myself to is walking >3 miles a day at least 5 days a week... I track it using a pedometer app on my phone and I make myself take at least one walk outside during the work day (which also really has been helping with my queasiness). Then I'll try to do one or two more involved workouts during the week on days I'm not quite as tired - gym for treadmill/weights, Pilates or barre class. Nothing too crazy but I definitely want to try to be as active as I can so I don't blow up

mrsjlopez12 · September 2015

Honestly I love working out and always have I do cardio and lift 5/6 times a week but I feel you on being tired. I'm out of breathe on my runs I feel so slow and exhausted on my lifts. I honestly don't always have the motivation but...

I keep pushing through because
a. Let's be honest don't want to gain a lot of weight. This also comes with eating good but sometimes I can't stomach the healthy things.

B. I know I will have an easier labor and might not get any added stretch marks.

C. I know it's good for the baby and I want to prove that being pregnant is not a disability and or an excuse to be lazy and eat whatever you want.

CUtiger09 · September 2015

I am trying to run at least 3 times a week if not more. Other days I take my dog for a longer walk around the neighborhood. I ran last week and my boobs hurt so bad that I don't know if I can run every day. I will just try to change things up a bit and try to be as active as I usually am.

happymonkeys · September 2015

I worked out 5-6 times/week before starting IVF. I managed to continue working out (though no high impact) through stimulation of IVF, and starting 3 or 4 days after egg retrieval. I was back to 5-6 days/week until this past week (I'm almost 7 weeks) when the nausea set in hard core. I've been vomiting 2-4 times per day, can barely eat, and can't even imagine trying to exercise. I don't quite know what to do, because exercise makes me happy and keeps me sane.

My strategy for getting myself motivated to go workout (I mostly do exercise classes- kickboxing, HIIT, barre classes, spin, yoga...) was to 1) tell myself I just had to put on workout clothes, that's it and then 2) tell myself I just had to leave my apartment and go downstairs and then if I still didn't want to go, I could come right back up. I ended up going to class every time! It was the "task initiation" barrier that was the real hurdle for me, so once I was past that, I could go.

KidShrink · September 2015

You self-motivated ladies are good! I work out with a personal trainer 3x/week, and at this point I really only go because I have appointments with him. He'd been making it a little easier on me these days as I'm exhausted and super nauseous (no puking though, so that's a plus, although he asked tonight if he should be ready for that!).

saladflambe · September 2015

My only exercise prior to getting pregnant was horseback riding, and I'm not supposed to do that anymore. Soooo I'm being a couch potato..not gonna lie.

Kurrant · September 2015

Typically I walk, jog and do yoga but for the last two weeks I have zero motivation. Feeling nauseated and extremely tired all day doesn't help. I'm going to really try to get back to it.

becka2399 · September 2015

I was used to working out at least 4-5 times a week and now I'm lucky if I go 3 times! when I am working out I get tired WAY quicker than I used too and it's like my ability to run just went away over night! it's so horrible but I'm pushing through and doing what I can especially when I wake up thinking about when I can get back to bed again. I really enjoy lifting weights and will continue to do so until I cant and running will hopefully become easy again! get it girls!

Par13 · September 2015

I've been getting more easily fatigued while lifting, running, and walking but I'm still planning to go to the gym on the same schedule that I had prior to getting PG.

DH and I really hold each other accountable for fitness and push each other to go even when we don't feel motivated.

Our motto is to just go and do whatever we can that day, even if it's only a low impact or low intensity workout. Just doing something active always makes us feel better when we're done.

dsmith211 · September 2015

I typically run 3 miles or so a few times a week but since I've found out - lets just say the motivation is lacking. Lately my exercise has been relegated to walking the dog down the street and back. I'm really trying though. I signed DH and I up for the Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving and I'm doing a Color Run in December with some family/friends. Trying to get the motivation back.

kayleighbailey · September 2015

I'm walking too! I used to be such a gym bunny (in the gym at least 5/6 days a week) now I nap... A lot.

vinerie · September 2015

I go to the gym. If I'm there, I work out. So I just force myself to go. And I have a dog who gets a 45-minute walk in the a.m. And another 20-ish minute walk in the p.m. So I always have that.

lalala2004 · September 2015

I used to jog 5ks fairly regularly, and now I'm lucky if I can run a mile. I'm going to add in some Wii Fit 3 times a week and run/walk 3 times a week.

I'm definitely motivated now since my OB said exercise helps with labor and avoiding a c section.

lest12 · September 2015

^ I wish exercise helped with avoiding my C-section. It's definitely not always the case, unfortunately.

I just put my sneakers on and do something. I am much more tired during the week and have been feeling really crappy at night, so I might not get as good a workout as I'd like. So on the weekends, I walk an extra 20 minutes, do a little bit more, because it is earlier in the day and I feel like I can handle it.

mcvgal · September 2015

I teach Zumba 2 times per week and alternate different work out videos on the other days of the week. I have totally notice the struggle to workout on my own. It feels like it's hit me so much harder this time. I am just trying to make sure I keep moving. Luckily the weather right now is perfect to at least keep me motivated to walk outside.

I worked out through my previous pregnancies and it did not help avoid C-section, but I'm ok with that. I will say I believe it's what helped my recovery after both C-sections. I was back to teaching Zumba at 6 weeks post partum with both my boys.

lalala2004 · September 2015

@lest12 obviously a lot is out of our control, but if I can do something to make things potentially go better, I'm motivated. I know nothing is a guarantee.

@mcvgal that's enough motivation to exercise either way

dsmith211 · September 2015

I got a vivofit (activity tracker) yesterday to try and help me be a little more accountable and it does help a little bit. It keeps track of my steps and sleep and I can join weekly 'Step Challenges'. I also can set a goal number of steps to take a day. I'm a big tech/data nerd so stuff like this helps me.

sincerelymom · September 2015

Oh my goodness, friends. The nausea! I was pretty good about going to the gym when I was just feeling super tired, and it kind of helped... but now I feel so sick all day I can't imagine keeping up my usual routines. Tuesdays I usually do kickboxing and zumba, so I am going to try and do one of those tonight if I can. I really don't want to puke during my workout class, though.

Walking is good... I need to try and do more of that while the weather is still perfect and crisp.

My biggest worry is that I will slack off so much because of first trimester nausea that I won't be able to get back into it once I am feeling better. And I am also concerned about all the weight I might be putting on right now because it's hard for me to stomach healthy foods (at this point I will just eat whatever food doesn't sound gross).

kbrands7 · September 2015

@lest12 @mcvgal I agree-- my c section was because DS turned breech at 38 weeks and it wasn't safe to try to turn him back. Exercise neither caused nor prevented it. I do think that exercising helped me to stay strong & keep my balance throughout pregnancy and to recover a little faster afterwards. (Edited for a typo)

yogahh · September 2015

Just wanted to add that I just got back from the gym and am winded. Heart racing the whole time. So I can see how this can get difficult. Yesterday walking up subway steps caused my heart to race. Again though, it's all about knowing your body and doing what you can!

lest12 · September 2015

Sorry. I wasn't trying to be discouraging. Obviously exercise has a million benefits and I think everyone should do what they can, as long as they can. I was exercising right up until 39 weeks last time and agree, it definitely helped with recovery.

It is just hard to hear anyone say there are ways to "avoid" a C-section. I personally didn't have a very god L&D experience and find the subject a little sensitive.

elandric · September 2015

Getting started is the hardest part. It actually makes my fatigue fade quite a bit when I run. I will keep it up as long as I can because with both my doc made me stop pretty early for certain issues in the past.

kmalls · September 2015

Oh man. I'm just now seeing the c-section comment. Yes, exercise is a WONDERFUL thing while you're pregnant but in no way does it prevent a c/s in emergency situations. DS was showing signs of extreme distress as soon as I went into labor and needed to be delivered very quickly.Even with said quick delivery he needed to spend several days in the NICU. Trust me, no amount of exercise could have prevented that.

ejmo68 · September 2015

I do not have a lot of motivation either. I am feeling super crummy this pregnancy so just moving is work. I am trying really hard to go to the gym but the time and the want is just not there. I am just trying to remember that 2nd tri is not forever away and I will feel better soon.

yogahh · September 2015

sincerelymom said:

Oh my goodness, friends. The nausea! I was pretty good about going to the gym when I was just feeling super tired, and it kind of helped... but now I feel so sick all day I can't imagine keeping up my usual routines. Tuesdays I usually do kickboxing and zumba, so I am going to try and do one of those tonight if I can. I really don't want to puke during my workout class, though.

Are you comfortable doing kickboxing? I do it a few times a week and just cancelled my membership. I am terrified of a bag hitting me. Really miss it though

Pepper6 · September 2015

I haven't really worked out since I was about 9 weeks pregnant with DD, so almost 2 years ago. But I do "baby" workouts, which is me doing planks, or sit ups, or squats, or whatever while holding DD. Also, when the weather is cool, we do a lot of hiking, or just walking to the park, etc.

And yeah, exercise is obviously great for your health during the pregnancy, and can help you recover faster, but L&D plays by it's own rules. And stretch marks are genetic, so exercise isn't going to really prevent those either.

SophiaAlbert · September 2015

It is so bad! I used to go skating before work, go to work and back by bike 40 minutes each way and go for a run in the evening -now just biking to work is almost too much for me. So exhausted! And gaining so much weight

Mysticalwine13 · September 2015

I mostly just walk in the evening, its all I really have time for unfortunately. With my first pregnancy I walked a lot in the afternoons.I really think diet has a lot to do with it, but I am a firm believer in everything in moderation.

I wish exercise would've prevented my c-section. I had a pretty easy recovery even after pushing for 2 hrs straight and then CS, so maybe it helped with that.

I think stretch marks are genetic, never really got them on my tummy.

Bluejay3030 · September 2015

lest12 said:
Sorry. I wasn't trying to be discouraging. Obviously exercise has a million benefits and I think everyone should do what they can, as long as they can. I was exercising right up until 39 weeks last time and agree, it definitely helped with recovery.
It is just hard to hear anyone say there are ways to "avoid" a C-section. I personally didn't have a very god L&D experience and find the subject a little sensitive.

@lest12 - I'm with you, but for slightly different reasons. I worked out and was in great shape when I delivered DD. I didn't have a horrible delivery or a C-section, but because of my squirmy daughter and resulting (sorry tmi) tearing, I had the most painful, looong recovery. It sucked, so when people talk about how they were fully mobile an hour after delivering because they worked out, it bums me out. Exercise definitely doesn't guarantee an easy labor, delivery, or recovery. That being said, I know it can help in all of these aspects, and I'm not hating on people who attribute their easy delivery/recovery to exercise. I just wish it had worked for me lol.

lest12 · September 2015

Sorry that happened @bluejay3030! I totally get being bummed out.

I think @pepper6 put it best. L&D plays by it's own rules!

sincerelymom · September 2015

yogahh said:

sincerelymom said:

Oh my goodness, friends. The nausea! I was pretty good about going to the gym when I was just feeling super tired, and it kind of helped... but now I feel so sick all day I can't imagine keeping up my usual routines. Tuesdays I usually do kickboxing and zumba, so I am going to try and do one of those tonight if I can. I really don't want to puke during my workout class, though.

Are you comfortable doing kickboxing? I do it a few times a week and just cancelled my membership. I am terrified of a bag hitting me. Really miss it though

My kickboxing class is just at my regular gym and we don't use bags, so it think it's ok. It's more like a a cardio kickboxing type class where we do sequences.

Also- didn't go. Doing laundry. Bad heartburn. Ready for second trimester now.

LovingLife! · September 2015

I rode my bike with my 4 year old on the handlebars to 7-11 today. The Big Gulp was my motivation

lalala2004 · September 2015

How can I say it where people won't b offended? Decreased risk? This came straight from my OB, I'm not making it up. Obviously c-sections can happen no matter what for a variety of reasons. My OB said this is one possible way to decrease the risk. That was motivation for me. Sorry for sharing?

kbrands7 · September 2015

Decreased probability is a fair way to frame it. As far as the research goes, there are mixed studies out there. Overall, many studies agree that steady exercise is associated statistically with shorter labor, fewer interventions, and giving birth at or before the due date. There are many reasons for c-sections that are essentially out of the mother's control. Many c-section mamas, myself included, still have some emotional wounds from the surgery itself, or from the aftermath, in which people ask questions that basically boil down to, "What did you do wrong to end up with a surgical birth?"

@lalala2004 I'm sure that you didn't mean to offend and I hope you don't feel attacked. I want to make sure that people understand that exercise is definitely beneficial, but that it gives no guarantees. I went through my first pregnancy doing everything that was recommended and felt frustrated that I didn't get the unmedicated birth I had hoped and prepared for the entire time. As I mentioned earlier though, exercising helped me during pregnancy and likely helped me in my recovery-- it hurt, but I was able to run again at 7 weeks postpartum.

Edited for typo

skiingstark · September 2015

Working out is soo sad for me right now, I want to work out but I sprained my ankle bad, so I only do arm and stomach workouts, I feel myself losing all the endurance I built since Jan when I started working out again.

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