Newbie Exercisers

SkiChic626 · January 2016

So let me just start out by saying that I used to be an avid exerciser - I was never a marathon runner, nor did I ever want to be, but I was healthy and in good shape and went to the gym on a regular basis lifting weights and doing cardio. I didn't really exercise while pregnant with DD because first I wasn't allowed after IVF and then I had a bleed and wasn't allowed even longer, and then I just got out of the habit.....After DD was born, I tried exercising again, but every time I did my milk supply would vanish so I just stopped because BFing was more important to me, and to this day I really haven't done much more than go on walks with DD. I've taken a spin class here and there and 21DF, but I just haven't been able to make myself do it consistently, I have every excuse in the book. I'm very concerned about my BP because of what happened during my last pregnancy, and I know exercise will make a HUGE difference with keeping that under control and keeping my weight gain steady instead of all at once. My OB gave me the OK to start exercising again, just to make sure I do the "talk test." My question is, does anyone have recommendations for good exercises to start doing while pregnant for someone who was previously sedentary? I know I need to start being somewhat active, but I'm honestly terrified about hurting the baby, even though my doc said it was totally fine. She said try starting out with the elliptical, which yes is low impact, but I'm still paranoid I'm going to bounce too much and hurt something or someone. Ugh, I need to suck it up, I know.....

texasmama2014 · January 2016

Just start walking and gradually increase intensity and length. If it's easy, jog. I did the couch to 5k program when I started running and modified it to be shorter after DD was born.

SkiChic626 · January 2016

Oh, I should also mention that right now walking outside isn't really an option since there are now 2 feet of snow on the ground blocking everything

BritMC18 · January 2016

Definitely following this thread. At least you were an exerciser at some point - I've never been one. I had amazing metabolism until about 3 years ago and kind of let myself go since then. I had starting eating better and maintaining a better daily schedule right before finding out I was pregnant. Now that I'm 12 weeks along and I've got my energy back, I know I need to start getting in some exercise. Fortunately we live in the south and while it does get a bit blustery this time of year, I've really got no excuse for not getting out and at least walking.

tmk0325 · January 2016

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I am doing PIYo. It is a combination of Yoga, Pilates and Cardio. It requires no weights and people of all ages and abilities have tried it. I really like it because I think I really like Yoga and Pilates. There are some great Pregnancy workout videos too. One that kept coming up on these threads was Tracy Anderson's Pregnancy Workout Dvds. I know they sell them on Amazon. I personally haven't tried them yet, but have thought about ordering them.

And I can relate with the snow on the ground. I live in Wisconsin and it's really just to cold to do anything outside, that's why I do my workouts in my house.

1faceinacrowd · January 2016

I highly recommend prenatal yoga! You can get books and cards on Amazon that walk you through the various stretches/positions. Not only does it help with breathing, stretching, and weight management, but it also helps prepare you for labor and ease the aches and pains of pregnancy. I had stopped doing yoga a couple of years ago and just picked it back up when I found out I was pregnant with this little one and I don't know why I ever stopped. I always feel so refreshed after a good yoga session, and the best part is that you can do it at home!

gadzooks_3 · January 2016

Gentle yoga is a great place to start and when you can walking is great, as I like to say you know how to do it and you already own all the equipment.

Wolfie646 · January 2016

Start walking on the treadmill for at least a half an hour. My work has a treadmill desk were able to use and I've been using it for about an hour at least 2 days a week, it's complementing my other workouts. But it's a great start, you dont need to push hard, just a brisk walking speed for a continuous amount of time gets the blood flowing!

ZedPM3 · January 2016

I used to work out every morning, but stopped once I started feeling nauseous every morning. Lately I've been trying to get back at it, but all I've really managed is a little elliptical-type machine. I take it slow and my body tells me when it's time to stop (I'll get a minor cramp that's probably a ligament). Once the weather gets warmer and the sun rises earlier and I hit second tri it might be easier to get back into the swing of things.

cait5413 · January 2016

Great post! I also had gotten out of the habit of exercising leading up to the pregnancy, and I'd like to get back at it! DH and I are much better at talking each other out of exercise (especially him) than into it! I do love yoga, so maybe that is the way to go; I've also heard the Tracy Anderson dvds are good.

sdavis2189 · January 2016

I just joined the YMCA near me, and they offer four free prenatal personal training sessions. I was too terrified to join a gym and just start working out. Maybe you can find a place with a similar offer near you?

Snaps816 · January 2016

I really recommend reformer pilates! It's fun, every class is different, and it's very safe and beneficial during pregnancy (you do have to tell the instructor you are pregnant and follow certain modifications -- I'd call or email in advance rather than springing it on them at the start of a class). For most of the exercises you are sitting or lying down on the equipment, so there's little risk of getting dizzy and falling. But don't be fooled - it is challenging! You can work every area of your body. The only drawback is that it's not much of a cardio activity, although there are "cardio-lates" classes out there.

ThursdayMorning · January 2016

Chiming in just to say that the initial gym visit is always the hardest. Once you tackle that, it gets easier to motivate yourself and the fear/anxiety eases a lot. Start slow but push yourself. A few weeks of successful gym time will be very rewarding and I bet you will ease into feeling comfortable jogging, cycling and even lifting.

I had a MC with my first pregnancy and felt it was because of lifting (it wasn't but deep down I blamed myself). It was so hard for me to go back but I've been working out and lifting again and it feels great. I was so nervous the first couple of weeks but you gain confidence in yourself and your body's ability.

morgankottre44 · January 2016

Definitely following this one! I am not one for exercise at all - I've been blessed with a good metabolism so far, and paired with childhood asthma i never got excited about fitness. I just really want to be in decent shape before going into labor... yikes! Thanks for the thread!

charmedlifex3 · January 2016

If you live near a mall, most malls open about half an hour to an hour before the stores. This let's employees get there, but most shopping centers I used to work at also allowed the public in for that time period. I used to see people all the time walking in work out gear, mom's pushing strollers, etc. There is hardly any one there, it's warm, and no snow!

I did yoga weekly until about week 6. Between needing to learn pose accomondations and the fact I throw up ALL the time, I'm looking forward to getting back to it when I feel better - soon hopefully

MamaKSquared · January 2016

I've been trying to do prenatal yoga. I subscribe to Daily Burn and there's a prenatal yoga program.There are 3 different workouts plus a meditation exercise for each trimester. I'm trying to supplement those workouts with walks and other lower impact exercises. The yoga has been great for the lower back pain I've started to have! I've definitely noticed that my muscles are starting to tighten up noticeably during pregnancy and the yoga is helping me keep some of my flexibility.

MrsErinMcDowell · January 2016

I have the Tracey Anderson Pregnancy series, and so far they've been great (got them on Amazon). I have never been one to work out daily (full of excuses!), and especially with first trimester nausea and exhaustion, I wasn't feeling up to much of anything. But the TA dvd series is great - a different dvd for each month, tailored to how you might be feeling and what you're able to do. Like, the first two months are a lot of stretching and deep breathing, because you tend to me more tired and not able to do as much. The 3rd month starts with some squats and low weight arm work, which is enough to get my heart rate up but not be miserable. And they're only half an hour! Highly recommended.

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