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[ithappened]

Originally Posted by LeAnn A Doula  I need to get a suit that fits. I have bikinis but nothing that would work well for lap swimming.  

I swim so slow while pregnant that bikinis work well for me. I went lap swimming today and wore a bikini and found it works great but Im also going at a snails pace :)

Originally Posted by LilyTiger 

Is anyone still running, by the way?  I'm trying to decide if I'll do a 5k while DH does his half marathon at the end of April, but I'm really thinking it's not going to happen (or it will be a walk/run, mostly walk).  Normally I would just do it, but it's hard to justify $30 for the entrance fee if I'm going to be getting a worse workout than I would at my gym.  Hmm.....  I still need to get that belly bra.  Weirdly for me it's my calves that are limiting me... they tighten up and just won't let go.

Ah Lilytiger!!! You are so inspiring with your workouts- I really wish I had the gym access/time/energy to keep up at my old level. So awesome!! I am not running but I think I would of I wasn't having twins.. the belly bra is great but the calves are HURTING after hikes.. its horrible, nothing makes it better for me either. I would be curious to try running but my stomach feels so heavy Im vainly afraid I'll trigger some stretch marks and regret the bouncing..

I hiked all weekend after my jet lag wore off, I was soooo slow but it was nice to feel the mountains in my legs.. AND I joined the public pool here (sort of a YMCA, very cheap) today and started to swim laps since walking is hard on my joints if I do it everyday, running is out (but I have thought about trying it anyway) and biking is really hard with my lovely hemorrhoids which seem to come and go, so I can't on that either .. I just wish the swimming 'felt' like a better workout, its really unrewarding for me for some reason- I like to sweat a bit :D

[LeAnn A Doula]

ithappened - I haven't been swimming for a while now but I usually try to push it pretty hard and I was hoping it would solve my cardio cravings. So I'm thinking I'll try to find a sporty two-piece. Plus I'd like a little more coverage than my current suits provide.

I use swimplan.com to plan my workouts. They're pretty awesome! That way I don't have to come up w it on my own and I don't get bored. Your hikes sound amazing! No mountains here but we were supposed to go hiking today and got rained out. So we spent the day being lazy and watching movies instead.

[rootzdawta]

I had an awesome interval workout yesterday with my TRX suspension straps, my step and 25# dumbbell.  6 movements in 40 second work, 20 second rest intervals for 3 rounds.  The movements were:

1. body rows

2. squat "jumps" (more like small hops) holding on to TRX straps

3. push ups (using the straps)

4. dumbbell swings 

5. side to side lunges on the step

6. stair climbs on the step

A good workout.  I built up a decent sweat but nowhere as intense as I wish I could go.

I've also stopped trying to do pull ups because it pull too much on my abdomen.  I'm using the TRX straps to do pull up progressions so that I don't lose my ground when it comes to the pull ups.  

LilyTiger, you are indeed inspiring!!  

[LilyTiger]

Rootzdawta, that looks like an awesome workout.  I'm trying to do more upper body stuff (we do a lot at the gym anyway, but it's easy to overlook) as my lower body work gets more limited.  I've had to drop the weights on my squats and so on pretty considerably.  But it is amazing how much a good workout can help with some of these crazy pregnancy symptoms.

And thanks for all the encouragement, guys!  This thread has honestly been really motivating for me.  I've also been really lucky that I've had an easy pregnancy so far.  No complications, no serious m/s, etc.  So I'm counting my lucky stars and trying not to take any of it for granted. 

I may start doing more pool stuff soon here when the weather gets nice, but for now it's too cold (it's snowing today!  Argh!) for me to even consider hopping in a pool.  I don't care how indoor or hot it is.  As far as bathing suits, I'm going to see if I can pull off using a normal two-piece for the time-being.  Let me know how it goes, ladies!

[ithappened]

I was able to wear my two piece the entire pregnancy with DS1 and had no problems.. it was really only once my milk came in and my boobs exploded in size I had to rethink what I wore (and then I just switched to a sports bra)
 

[LilyTiger]

By the way, Rootz, your workout reminded me of this one: http://www.sistasofstrength.com/2011/05/39-weeks-pregnancy-workout-video.html

It's awesome to see a 39 week pregnant lady rocking squats and pushups safely. 

[Veritas Vitae]

I went to go look for a new swimsuit (two piece sport suit) and they were almost $60...I couldn't believe it!  My normal suit won't fit me now, so I just bought a bathing suit material sports bra to wear with one of my bikini bottoms.  I'm so excited that we have the YMCA pool here. 

Neat website, LeAnn

[rootzdawta]

Originally Posted by LilyTiger 

By the way, Rootz, your workout reminded me of this one: http://www.sistasofstrength.com/2011/05/39-weeks-pregnancy-workout-video.html

It's awesome to see a 39 week pregnant lady rocking squats and pushups safely. 

Yes, that site is very inspiring for me!  :)  

I think motherhood maternity had a sale on swimsuits.  I was looking for something more modest though so I didn't have many options but there were plenty of tankini/two piece styles.  

[LeAnn A Doula]

For those looking for athletic suits, I found some nice options on swimoutlet.com. I decided to do an athletic 2 piece by Sporti. The pieces are each $12-15, so you can mix and match a few styles. I'm getting a top that has underwire and a criss-cross racer back that ties. I figured it would offer lots of support and adjustability, great for the changing bust size w bfing. For bottoms I'm getting the tie bikini for adjustability and boy shorts for more active beach stuff. They have 3 or 4 different styles in both tops and bottoms and lots of colors. I like that it's an athletic cut so it'll be perfect for lap swimming but its also still really cute. Fingers crossed that I picked the right sizes! They tend to run small so I bumped it up a few sizes to compensate. I can't wait to get it and go to the pool!

[ithappened]

I've been to the pool now 2 times this week, my hip has been bothering me so walking/hiking is beyond 2-3 miles is out this week.. and the winds here are SUPER strong right now which makes biking horrible-- its like a wind tunnel and you get sort of blown into a standstill .. but wow, the pool is SO nice.. its so easy on my joints and I still feel like Im getting some exercise which is great. . not going to lie, I do miss running though, esp in this perfect spring weather..

[LilyTiger]

I seem to be on an every-other-week kind of schedule as far as tiredness goes.  Last week was just weird, and I started to feel some uncomfortable cramping after light squats, so I skipped the rest of the workout.  My sister and I did a circuit workout on Friday, which felt fine, and then lots of walking.  Yesterday and today, weights felt fine, no weird anything, and my energy level was high.  So for me I seem to have one great week and then one not-so-great week.  I also ate a TON of carbs yesterday, which probably helped me feel a little more energetic today.

How's everyone else doing?  Any good swimsuit buys?  I'm debating just swimming in my black sports bra and black two-piece bottom, but I'm not sure how the chlorine would be on the sports bra.  I'm in this weird anti-consumerist phase, which is probably just laziness, because I usually like buying clothes. 

ithappened, that sucks about the wind.  I hate riding when it's windy.  I wonder if you could find an indoor trainer for cheap around where you live?  I have a trainer for my road bike, but I'll admit to liking my stationary spinning bike better.  The trainers can be a little jumpy.  But it might help for days you have DS running around and can't get out.  I bought mine off craigslist, but otherwise they're kind of spendy.

LeAnn, I'd love to hear how the suit works for you. I'm still debating options (obviously... see lazy sports bra solution above).

[Veritas Vitae]

Ithappened, I miss running too, especially during trail running season.

I've been swimming recently, which seems to be the only workout I can do without getting nauseous.  I feel sooo good swimming, (but I always have, I absolutely love it) and I can, surprisingly, still do flip turns, although it is a bit tougher in the shallow end. 

It is sort of frustrating that any other workout I do ends with me being sick, and then usually for the rest of the day.  It's like my body, from the first trimester on, was like, "We see you coming and we're going to slow your butt down," then, boom, severe morning sickness for four months.  Now even after the major morning sickness has passed, my body is still preventing me doing a lot of things.  I know it is okay, and probably for the best, but it is sort of sad too, I used to work out just about everyday and it was a great bonding time for B and I.  I'm  glad I can still swim though. 

LilyTiger, my sports bra solution has been working out very well for the pool. The sports bra I'm using is made of spandex, but it seems to be holding up just fine.

[ithappened]

VV yeah I found I'm pretty much left with swimming too- I enjoy it a lot more once the outdoor pool opens (10 days) but swimming inside right now isn't quiet the same.. but I will take what I can get in terms of painless exercise/motion

Lilytiger I have a cheap sports bra from old navy I got on super clearance, its an ugly color but its always under things so who cares, I've been wearing it swimming the last few weeks and just wash it out as soon as Im done with my laps with regular water.. works fine and I used the same one with DS1 pregnancy so its seen a lot of pool action and no degration
 

[Veritas Vitae]

So I had this awesome dream about trail running last night, I was feeling really strong and every stride felt so good.  When I woke up I was all sweaty....I don't think dream staying active counts though. 

[LeAnn A Doula]

VV - What a great dream! I'd say it counts, I wonder how many calories you burned?? :)

Lily - I'll keep you posted on the suit. I won't get to try it out until after my trip though. I wanted to get a suit because I figured it would work for next summer, too. Since I'll probably still be dealing w the large BFing boobs and I want the support. Plus I think the suits pretty cute and I'll take what I can get at this point, if you know what I mean. :)

[ithappened]

VV oh man, I have those about rock climbing.. I really really miss it since having kids but finding time for going out 3-5 times a week for 2-5 hours at a time is just impossible now for me and sorry to hear about feeling sick after exercise.. have you tried lower impact things to see how it effects things? like say, a really long walk? 

[LilyTiger]

Well, I'm starting to think about transitioning to two or three workouts a week and walks on the off days.  Since Thursday I've been having a ton of pelvic pain, groin tightness, and what I think are round ligament pains (hilariously, I can't remember what they felt like in the first trimester).  I skipped workouts and squats this weekend through today, doing only a few longer walks.  Today I did a light weight workout (shoulder work, squats, and pullup negatives) and the ligaments under my uterus are now really tight and painful.  I've also been having some Braxton-Hicks, but nothing dramatic. 

I have an appointment with my doc next week, so I'll ask her, but I know she'll just tell me to drop the weights altogether.  :(  My Bradley instructor told me that now is probably the time to do that, so I might just start transitioning to empty bar work and walking/spinning.  I'm hoping this is just a growth spurt and that I can eventually increase activity a little in a week or so, but I'm thinking I also need to be realistic.  Sigh.  Anyone else around 27 weeks and feeling anything like this?

[lakeruby]

I am feeling so frustrated right now!  Walking has been my main source of exercise for over a year now, and I love it.  For the past few weeks, I've been getting shin splits (or something similar?) about 5-10 minutes into each walk.  I splurged on new shoes w/ inserts and it hasn't helped at all.  Walking is now really really uncomfortable for me, and since I usually walk with my dad and he walks very fast, my slowness slows him down.  Of course he doesn't complain, but I know he needs his good, brisk walks to feel good just like I do, and so I feel guilty. I've been canceling for the past few days.  Ugh! This morning after I cancelled I just laid in bed and cried :(  Mostly just feeling sorry for myself-- I hadn't exactly planned on not being able to walk-- especially at only 24 weeks! I still have so far to go, and I want to stay in good shape for the birth.  

My hormones have been going nuts over the past few days!  I have started crying about 5 times today already and feeling really sad about how much my life is changing, and I think this is all brought on by not getting any exercise and worrying that this is the end of walking for me...  

[andaluza]

I know I'm not active in this thread, but I am keeping active and I feel so bad for you, LakeRuby.  I bet this has to do with our changing centers of gravity and the different strain that it puts on your feet/legs. Have you tried pelvic tilts and lower back exercises to redistribute the weight of the uterus off the back/legs? I've started doing these and some pelvic exercises on the ball and they seem to be somewhat helpful. 

Can you talk to your dad honestly about it and see what he really thinks? I really doubt he is cursing you for going a little slower, but I understand where you are coming from. Now that dh goes for walks with me occasionally, he keeps talking about wanting to start running. This is maddening because I was an avid runner before pregnancy and it was like pulling teeth to get him interested, and now he wants to run!?!?! 

Lily, I have not been doing weights, but I had been considering trying something for my arm strength. What are some other options for arm strength aside from weights (I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the abdominal pressure of using weights since I haven't during pregnancy yet)? I realized that I have been getting floppier in my arms when I tried to pick up some car seats/bassinets in the baby store the other day. I know that picking up baby himself will be a little like weight lifting, but I feel as though I need to tone up in preparation.

I've been trying to walk daily or almost daily and the only thing so far that hampers me is occasional tightness in my uterus, usually in the 2nd half of the walks. Sometimes I rest and sometimes I try breathing or drinking a lot of water to relieve the pressure, which goes away immediately when I sit. I don't think these are bh, maybe just some kind of rlp, but I have no idea. I asked my doc about them at the last visit and she said they could be either thing. I have also been doing different squats and leg lifts for the past few months, since I am starting to sag in my butt/upper thigh area. 

Does anyone know of good exercises to keep the muscles tight back there? 

[LilyTiger]

lakeruby, I'm not sure what else to offer for shin splints other than ice and compression.  If you get compression hose or even ace bandages, that can sometimes help.  Also, stretching your calves before and after (particularly after) walks is really important.  My calves have been going nuts with tightness this pregnancy, and that could be contributing to your pain.  Another thing to try (not sure this will work for walking, but it's worth a shot) is to take smaller, shorter steps and avoid reaching your foot forward.  It should almost be like you're falling forward rather than reaching forward to step.  This is a technique used by barefoot runners and at least one running coach I talked to said that 90% of shin pain is due to this overreaching with the foot.  Smaller, shorter strides keeping your feet under and behind you might help.  I've definitely been dealing with crazy calf stuff that has messed with running (so far walking is ok) so I know how frustrating it can be.

Andaluza, you can start light weights really at any time.  Your abs won't be too involved if you start with 5 or 10 pound dumbells and work your way up.  Pushups (I do mine on a bench to avoid the belly hitting) are a great ab strengthener and arm work at the same time.  The higher the incline (you can start against a wall as the easiest position) will be very easy on your abs.  You can also do static holds like planks (for total body) or tailor sitting (basically sitting cross legged with a straight back) with your arms out to the sides.  Do slow arm circles in this position and/or hold your arms out straight for 30-60 seconds to start.  You'll gradually be able to increase your time/number of circles.  For the leg stuff, lunges are fantastic (you can either do walking lunges or get into a lunge position and just move up and down, switching after a certain number of reps).  I also squat a ton.  "Good mornings" are great for butt and hamstring development, but you probably need to find a good video or trainer for form.  It's not difficult, it's just hard to explain via the interwebs.  I have those uterus pains after long walks and workouts too.  No idea what they are, but they are annoying.  Other peeps probably have some good lower body moves that I'm not thinking of.  I focus on lunges and squats, but there are lots of Pilates and other moves that I am less familiar with.

AFM, I did a light weight workout yesterday and other than increased pelvic and groin tightness, everything feels fine.  Baby is rolling around and no uterine pain.  So, I'll keep working through the minor aches and pains and hope things get better...