The Exercise/Fitness Thread

[Baby_Cakes]

I thought it might be a good idea to start an exercise/fitness thread. I know I'm going to do my best to stay fit during this pregnancy, and would like a place to talk about it. We can encourage each other and support each other in times of exhaustion - as well as congratulate each other for all of our accomplishments!

I'll start. Before I found out that I was pregnant I was going to the gym about 4 times a week. I was doing about and hour of cardio and 15 minutes of strength training. Since finding out, I've only been to the gym twice (just so tired, granted, it has only been a week).

I went today - I did 30 minutes of cardio and about 10 minutes of weight training.

Precor/Elliptical - 30 min (tried to keep HR ~140-150)
Chest Press - 4*10
Tricep Extensions - 4*10
Butterfly - 4*10

So, come on, everyone! Join in! Even if you only work out at home - put it down. Housecleaning counts, walking counts, whatever you want to put. I just know I'm going to want (and need) some accountability! My jeans are already not fitting and I've had to go up a size - and I'm only 4 weeks!!! :

[Changed]

Huge long reply- lost. Crap.

Yeah, I'm with you. I'll be stickoing to my WW maintenance points and walking 5 days per week.

[ColoradoMama]

I really want to stay fit this pg. We just re-joined our gym. We went hiking today for 75 minutes!

[Changed]

Hi! Are you anywhere near the Springs?

[ColoradoMama]

Originally Posted by Jörð

Hi! Are you anywhere near the Springs?

I'm in Aurora - outside of Denver. I love the Springs though. I want to get down there soon and take the kiddos to The Garden of the Gods. We also want to take them to Pike's Peak this year. The first year we lived her - we went to Pike's Peak three times - with three different family member groups who came to visit! We haven't been since. Are you in the Springs?

I just realized that I have to go to Krav Maga on Tuesday! It can be very rough. I mean, I think I could make it through without doing too much rough stuff, but oh boy - I have to figure out something in the next couple of days. I'm also supposed to be meeting with a personal trainer on Tuesday morning. That should be interesting.

[nhapmom]

i want to start exercising again but im going to wait until the cramps stop.

[Fly Girl]

I've been a runner for years and so I'm hoping I can keep that up through my second trimester. I also do yoga or pilates once a week and weights once or twice a week.
DH and I walked 3 miles today.

[ibusymomto5]

I'm determined to stay fit this pregnancy too. I'm doing cardio(walking/light jogging) Mon, Wed, Fri, and weight lifting Tues, Thurs, Sat, and I take Sun off. I'm kind of glad to be pregnant in the summer this time, so I can get in lots of swimming.

[dany]

I'm doing pre-natal yoga this pregnancy for mobility. My pregnancy with DS saw me limping and clutching my hips by the time I was 32 weeks, and getting out of bed was torture. So hopefully between the yummy stretches and a chiropractor, I'll be able to walk this time.

In addition, I go up and down the stairs about a billion and ten times a day (guess who just discovered the built-in jungle gym? ), vacuum every day, and dance around a bit each day with DS.

Right now though, nothin' is happening until I stop feeling so "first trimester-y".

[leurMaman]

I'm trying to go to the gym 3 x a week (not working out this week yet). And the bradley exercises: kegels, butterflies, tailor-sitting, pelvic rocking, walking, etc.

[Baby_Cakes]

I wasn't up to going to the gym yesterday, and yes, I do feel guilty! ARGH! I swear, it hits me around 3:30 or 4:00 - this drowsy feeling, this I-Just-Wanna-Take-A-Nap feeling. And I know I should be listening to my body at this point so I'm trying to take it in stride, but part of me feels really bad for "letting myself go" this early on in the game.

I'm determined to go today even if it's only for 20 minutes. Anything is better than nothing!

And I've been doing my kegels! I really have! This I am proud of because I am a nerd! :

[parker0907]

so glad this thread was started. Maybe now i will stay in line with my exercise! i plan on doing cardio with my eliptical or my gazzle (don't know how to spell it) hopefully 3 days a week and also some light weight lifting. we are going to be some fit mamas if we kept this up

[Marcimama]

I started jogging about 2 mon ago, I will keep doing that for awhile and also add yoga

[Changed]

I have not gained one pound and my pants will not even meet. What. the. hell? My muscles have given up.

[ColoradoMama]

I made it to the gym today and worked out for 25 minutes. I've decided that I'm still going to Krav Maga tonight (there is a kick butt workout before every sparring session that I really enjoy). If the sparring is too rough, I'll just fake an injury or something!

[veganmama719]

I ran until 7 months with my DD, then had bad sciatica and had to stop. I ran to 8 months with my DS (even though I gained 47 lbs that PG).

Both times I switched to swimming (I am an ex-competive swimmer) and worked out right to the day I went into labour with both.

I am older this time as I will be 41 by the time this babe is born but I plan to work out the whole way if I can.

Currently I run about 5K (or 3 miles for you Americans!) 3 times a week, do yoga twice a week and light weights twice a week.

I'm excited to be here, I hope I get to stay.

[Baby_Cakes]

I worked out last night! I walked 1.5 miles and then did the elliptical for about 15 minutes. Then, I did strength training for about 10 minutes.

I have a question, though, because I'm really confused. Some places say you can workout at about 80% of the level you used to work out at. Other places say to keep your heart rate at about 140. If I work out at about 80%, I think that means I could still be running, not just walking. But once I start running, my heart rate goes up to like 160 or higher. So what do I do? Is it safe to exercise a little harder? I'll admit, I'm keeping my heart rate between 140-150 because walking this slow has given me a complex. I just don't feel like I'm doing enough, but on the other hand, I also want to be safe.

Pre-pregnancy, I would run for about 25-30 minutes 4 times a week (about 2 miles, give or take), or use the precor for about 30 minutes.

What do you guys think?

Also, what do you think of pregnancy fitness books? Are there any that you would recommend?

[veganmama719]

Babycakes, most really fit women I know go by how they feel, not by the heart rate.

If you can still talk, you are fine.

Listen to your body.

Yes, I ran through most of both my pregnancies (and plan to again) but my walk breaks became more and more frequent as the months went on. And my joggin pace go slower and slower.

My kids are prefectly healthy. In fact, I would go so far as to say they are very healthy (touch wood!).

[veganmama719]

Oh and I just did 45 minutes of power yoga and a few light weights at lunch, will run 5 K tonight. Admittedly though on Monday night I got too tired and walked the last quarter of a mile.

My first PG sign!

[ColoradoMama]

I swam laps this morning and rode the stationary bike.