Best exercises for pregnancy?

[Salihah]

I've done tribal dance for years, and before that I studied kung fu for 13 years. And we have a membership at the YMCA. But I really haven't done much of anything the past year. When we lived in Virginia, we stepped up our green living for a year and went no car, so we walked everywhere year-round. I was in really good shape!

But now back in Minneapolis, I just haven't been too active. Being preg. now, what do you all suggest for best exercise movement or classes for prenatal mamas?

[Pinoikoi]

We've been swimming.

[Keeta]

I plan on trying to walk more (easier now that it's not raining here everyday in Seattle ), looking into prenatal yoga classes and/or using my Wii exercise programs during DS's nap if nothing else fits in for the day.

We used to belong to the Y here, but it's REALLY expensive and we were never using it so we put our membership on hold for a few months. DS will be 3 next weekend and then he'll age up into a more fun childcare room at the Y, so we might try it again after that.

[MommaSomeday]

I will be honest and say I'm not doing anything. I have a desk job and sit all day. My morning sickness is really night sickness, so when I get home, I don't want to do anything but lay around. I have some fitness games for the Wii that I try to squeeze a few minutes in when I can. I also sit on my exercise ball a lot and bounce, which should count for something, right?

[rajahkat]

I like walking and yoga. Not that I've had much time lately. Ashtanga yoga is my fave, and with the bhandas, you get built in kegel exercises!

I've found movement therapy to be really helpful later in pregnancy for back & hip pain.....

Yeah, I need to go find myself a class now. My problem is I live about 15 miles out of town, which may not sound like much, but driving 3-4 times a week back & forth just for me to take classes can get to be a bit much for us.

Kat

[starshine1001]

I mostly just walk, a little yoga, which I should definitely increase. I'm also on my feet and walking all day by default...I'm a day-shift nurse!

[Salihah]

Originally Posted by Keeta

We used to belong to the Y here, but it's REALLY expensive and we were never using it so we put our membership on hold for a few months. DS will be 3 next weekend and then he'll age up into a more fun childcare room at the Y, so we might try it again after that.

Keeta, have you looked into Y scholarships? We pay just $25 a month for a family membership! You might want to check into it, just a thought. It's income based and since I've been on leave from work we easily qualified, I guess that is one good thing about being tight on the $ right now.

[Salihah]

Starshine...I know nurses. Your exercise should be practicing deep sleep and R&R!

Kat, is most yoga naturally safe for pregnancy? I have taken some Ashtanga some years ago and liked it. But are their any movements you know of to avoid or is it all pretty safe?

Momma, hold on to that exercise ball! That was the ONLY thing that gave me even the slightest relief with labor for baby 3. I sat on it and then leaned to rest my head and upper torso on the bed, bouncing lightly or rocking on the ball as a chair. It was so soothing that my midwife told me I should get off of it for awhile because my contractions were slowing, lol!

Pinoikoi, swimming sounds good. Takes pressure off the joints. I really prefer swimming in lakes and in Minnesota there are over 10,000 of them but gosh this summer has been cold! Just thinking of lake water makes me shiver. I'll have to head to the pool instead!

[Lauren31]

I go on the elliptical and read a novel most days I love it. I am sad that starting next week no more ellipitcal for me bc we are moving

[loulie]

I've been doing the wii exercises too, I've got the one where there's a 30 min workout which is the most time i'm likely to find in a day!

I have the same issue though with trying to fit it in after a long day at work and once DD is in bed, and at the moment i'm doing well just to stay awake after that point.

But i'm determined this pregnancy to stay fit and healthy. My last pregnancy I put on 50% of my body weight (55lbs!) and so had to go all out to lose it again. I'd rather control it this time and not face that again!

[Pinoikoi]

Dp and I and a bunch of kids (ours and neighbors) played a VICIOUS game of badminton today!

Don't know if this is "best" but it sure was fun!

[Valian]

I am going to be running throughout the pregnancy, or at least so long as I feel my joints can handle the pounding. I will trade runs for walking if needed and I will likely add in swimming (fingers crossed). I need to find a good pool though.

I pretty much detest yoga, but it seems to still be the a super trendy form of exercise here. So, if I want a group, then that is the best/easiest thing to find as a prenatal class.