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!!! :irked:

[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? :wave

[ColoradoMama]

Hi! Are you anywhere near the Springs? :wave

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? :p ), 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! ::thumb

[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 :D

[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.

[Changed]

I just walked/ran 35 minutes and did about another 10 of stretching. I'm up a pound the last few days but I can tell i'm holding water because my rings are tight and they're usually loose. Hopefully some walking and water will help.

How is everyone else doing?

[Fly Girl]

My last couple of runs have been really tough. I have had to slow my pace way down to do my usual 3 or 4 miles. It feels like my body is working really hard, and of course it is so it makes sense. I just hope that I don't get frustrated and give up working out altogether.
I'm going to go to my pilates class tonight and give my running a break for the evening.

[DawnLasp]

I try to run/jog 3-5 days/week. And tennis on the weekends. I have noticed that running is more difficult, I feel like my heart pounds harder and I run out of breath faster. :o

I also will begin to add a prenatal yoga class once a week if I can get in. And, I've been doing kegels! :D

[Turtlemum]

I'm totally using this thread as inspiration. I was planning on getting back in shape "for real" this month...then I got pregnant and I had to tone down my jump back into things plans.

I am hanging onto 18 extra pounds from my last pregnancy two years ago. The drop weight quickly with breastfeeding just didn't hold true for me and then I had a crazy busy, never have time to take care of myself (aka exercise) kind of two years.

I am determined to be healthy and get into shape.

DH and I got ourselves a trainer for our bikes so we could do a good cardio work out even if we were snowed in in the winter months. I also have a Gabrielle Reese prenatal workout DVD that I can't wait to use. I did prenatal yoga last time but I found it WAY too gentle...has anyone ever just gone to a regular yoga group whilst pregnant?

That's it for now!

[lee1203]

So am I the only one who didn't have some sort of work-out/fitness regimen before getting pregnant?? :bag:

I mean, I stand and walk pretty much my entire shift at work, but that's only 2 or 3 days a week, and I'm quite sedentary the rest of the time. But I know I need to get some stamina going, or else I'm gonna be sucking come labor and delivery time. I guess my best bet is just to start walking, huh? Hmmm. All three of our dogs are HORRIBLE on a leash, so maybe I can combine the two - walking and training them. We shall see.

[Faerieshadow]

My normal workout routine got put on hold for a couple months due to finals and packing/moving/unpacking. I normally work out 4 times a week and run 3-4 times a week. I was just getting back into things when I found out I was pregnant. I've kept things pretty informal so far, getting exercise by tossing a football around at the beach w/DP, playing "Ninja Warrior" at the playground with DS (don't ask lol) and going for walks as a family. I'm considered "underweight" :rolleyes: this time around and I want to make sure I don't just pack on junk pounds, I'd like to keep up what muscle weight I have!

What, if any, abdominal exercises are safe during pregnancy?

[Changed]

Well hell. I worked out and ate light yesterday and I'm up another pound today! This is really upsetting. I just lost 50 pounds and I am NOT gaining it back.

[Baby_Cakes]

So am I the only one who didn't have some sort of work-out/fitness regimen before getting pregnant?? :bag:


I had a great fitness routine, and then the holidays happened. I put on about 7 lbs during the holidays and was set to burn them off. For about 2 weeks in January, I was working my butt off and not losing a single pound, and I was crying and frustrated, and so mad. I was like, what else can I do?? I'm working out like crazy! I'm watching what I eat! This is annoying!

Then I got my BFP and realized, Ohhhh. Maybe that's why I wasn't losing weight!

So, yeah, I started out this pregnancy at least 5 lbs heavier than I wanted, and I've gained 2 lbs on top of that so far. Add the m/s and exhaustion, and I haven't been working out AT ALL. And I'm sedentary at my job. So I officially suck!

[Baby_Cakes]

Since I had an amazing nausea free day, I took advantage of it and went to the gym after work despite being DEAD TIRED. I'm glad I did it. My mood is up!

I did some weight lifting and 30 min of cardio. Whew, I'm glad that is overwith! :yawning:

[Changed]

I managed 35 minutes on the treadmill today. :)

[mkmb129]

I'm doing 60-80 mins of fast walking 4-6 times a week, and pilates 2 days a week. I want to add more pilates in, but I'm so tired these last couple of days. By 6pm I'm ready to sleep!

[TaraRae82]

I'm a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for a living so I'm really hoping I'll be able to continue teaching for awhile. I'm really tired right now though. I teach about 10 classes a wk and then work with several clients. I do my own workouts on top of my classes which is normally at least 45 min of weight training, 20 of abs, and then 30-40 of cardio. What I do daily depends on what classes I'm teaching that day. I've started my research so I'll know what strengthening I can do for abs after the 1st tri and have found some great info. You can still do ab work but it has to be on a ball and on and incline so you're not laying flat on your back. Basically, you're just decreasing the range of motion. Fine by me as long as I don't have to stop entirely! For those of you doing yoga, please research the poses you need to stay away from. Off the top of my head, I know you have to give up any inverted poses (shoulder stands, downward dog, etc) and anything that has you lying flat on your back or your stomach. GL to everyone with staying fit and don't hesitate to ask me questions. I don't specialize in prenatal fitness but I'm learning out of necessity now! :D

[Tiger Lily]

So am I the only one who didn't have some sort of work-out/fitness regimen before getting pregnant??

Nope, I've been a slacker. I actually lost about 20-25 lbs last spring/summer with dieting, but I've been terrible with the exercise. I've managed to keep all but about 5 of the weight off though.

I think I must be retaining fluid--my weight by the scale is going up up up. This morning I weighed in heavier than I have in 7-8 months and it freaked me out, but my hands were swollen. The wierd thing is that my clothes are still fitting just fine--maybe even slightly looser.

Anyway, I'd like to join this thread if that's okay. I need some motivation to keep this up. I posted another thread on this subject today before I realized there was already a thread.

Can I re-ask this here: What's safe as far as abdominal exercises and when?

[mkmb129]

I only just started exercising regularly a couple of months ago. I've noticed a slight difference in my body, but no weight loss. I feel 1000 times better, though, so I'll keep it up. This was a surprise pregnancy, and I don't want to get any bigger then I am, I'm already over weight, and I wasn't pre-ds. I just want to be in shape and healthier, not necessarily "skinny".

[Faerieshadow]

My big exercise plan for the day is to walk to church instead of taking the car. It's probably only a quarter mile there, but it's something. :lol We always stay active at the beach, which is the plan for later today, so even though I won't be doing any strength training, I'll be keeping my heart rate up.

I'm still trying to figure out the abdominal exercise thing too, Tiger Lily!

[TaraRae82]

Nope, I've been a slacker. I actually lost about 20-25 lbs last spring/summer with dieting, but I've been terrible with the exercise. I've managed to keep all but about 5 of the weight off though.

I think I must be retaining fluid--my weight by the scale is going up up up. This morning I weighed in heavier than I have in 7-8 months and it freaked me out, but my hands were swollen. The wierd thing is that my clothes are still fitting just fine--maybe even slightly looser.

Anyway, I'd like to join this thread if that's okay. I need some motivation to keep this up. I posted another thread on this subject today before I realized there was already a thread.

Can I re-ask this here: What's safe as far as abdominal exercises and when?

Anything is fine through the first tri. After that, you need to avoid anything laying flat on your back. Pelvic tilts on your hands and knees are great and you can do crunch-type exercises as long as it's on a stability ball and you're on an incline. It just decreases the range of motion and keeps you from laying flat. I'll go find some pics or videos to post.....

[Tiger Lily]

Anything is fine through the first tri. After that, you need to avoid anything laying flat on your back. Pelvic tilts on your hands and knees are great and you can do crunch-type exercises as long as it's on a stability ball and you're on an incline. It just decreases the range of motion and keeps you from laying flat. I'll go find some pics or videos to post.....

Thanks! That would be fabulous!

Is the stability ball the same thing as an exercise ball? and can I use it as a birth ball, too? :D

[TaraRae82]

^Exactly the same thing! Make sure you get the right size for your height. 5'-5'4" should use a 55cm ball, 5'4"-6' uses a 65cm ball which is the standard size. You can get a cheap but good quality one at WalMart for about $11. The stability ball is my fave piece of fitness equipment and can be really utilized for a prenatal fitness routine. :)

[Changed]

Oh yay! We have our own instructor!!!! :)

I pretty much stick to walk/ run on my treadmill, lunges and crunches. Some pilates in there but not lately. My target gain is about 10 pounds. After being pregnant this many times, I know that for me at least, the recommended gain only leaves me with a lot to lose and I can't lose one single pound while breastfeeding. I also have smallish babies. I'm sitting at 138 right now and I'm 5'3 so I have plenty of fat stores. :lol

[ibusymomto5]

I've really been slacking on exercise the last week because of the nausea and fatigue, plus we've all been battling nasty colds. I finally did get in a fast 45min walk last night, and it felt great. I'm planning on getting in another walk and some weight lifting later today.

[mkmb129]

I got an 1+ hours in on the Wii this afternoon ;) You really work up a sweat with Wii Sports!!

[ibusymomto5]

Oh yay! We have our own instructor!!!! :)

I pretty much stick to walk/ run on my treadmill, lunges and crunches. Some pilates in there but not lately. My target gain is about 10 pounds. After being pregnant this many times, I know that for me at least, the recommended gain only leaves me with a lot to lose and I can't lose one single pound while breastfeeding. I also have smallish babies. I'm sitting at 138 right now and I'm 5'3 so I have plenty of fat stores. :lol


I so wish I could figure out how to only gain about 10lbs. I don't even know if it's possible, but I'd sure love to know how. I'm starting this pregnancy heavier than I'd like, and I also have a very hard time losing any weight while breastfeeding, at least for the first year. I do tend to make big babies though, but I'm a small frame at 5-2. It's like pregnancy and breastfeeding cause my metabolism to go into super slow mode, and 10 or 15lbs overweight feels like a lot on me. I'm already up a pound, and I've been trying to eat so healthy(well I did cheat a couple of times). I'd actually be thrilled if I could keep my weight gain around 15-20lbs instead of the 50 I usually pack on. I'm so thankful for this thread to help keep me motivated!

[TaraRae82]

My energy has been pretty good today so I took advantage and worked out. I don't normally workout on Sundays. I did 15 min of abs, 30 min of weight training exercises that work multiple muscles at the same time and then did a little bit of step aerobics. I'm tired this afternoon but I didn't sleep well so I'm sure that's why. I'm starting out this pregnancy at about 7 lbs heavier than I'd like to be. My goal is to gain 1lb per week but I hope to not start that gain for another few weeks at least. I'm only 4wks right now so I hope I've got at least another 4 weeks before I can expect to gain any weight so for now, I'm maintaining. :) We'll see how crazy I am. :lol The thought of gaining that much weight makes me feel like puking....I'm so anal about my body fat.

[Changed]

With my last I gained 19 pounds. Mind you, I was very overweight when I started out. I lost 10 pounds and struggled with the last 9 for YEARS! So, that's where I get my idea that 10 is an ideal number for me.

I'm staying on my weight watchers mtnc for the first tri and then I'll slowly add more calories to make sure I'm getting enough. Ideally, I'd like to have gained 2 pounds at 20 weeks and then 8 in the next 20. We'll see how that goes. :lol I gained 80 with my first baby and 50 with my second. BTDT, don't want to do it again.

[lee1203]

^Exactly the same thing! Make sure you get the right size for your height. 5'-5'4" should use a 55cm ball, 5'4"-6' uses a 65cm ball which is the standard size. You can get a cheap but good quality one at WalMart for about $11. The stability ball is my fave piece of fitness equipment and can be really utilized for a prenatal fitness routine. :)Good to know about the different sizes!

I got an 1+ hours in on the Wii this afternoon ;) You really work up a sweat with Wii Sports!!That's my kind of workout too! ;) :D

All this talk of weight gain scares me a little. I've always been slender - heck, I was officially underweight until I was 22 or so - without me having to do a darn thing to maintain it. Please don't hate me, by the way. Anyway, I know that age and now pregnancy will probably take a toll. So yeah, I need to do something right now, and since I refuse to count calories (I'm following the Brewer Diet and just aiming for sensible eating) then that means I need to get off my butt and exercise. *gulp*

[Baby_Cakes]

So today I felt great and hit the gym! I ended up doing about 25 min on the treadmill, mostly walking fast but I did run for a few minutes. It felt SO GOOD to run! I haven't been able to work out almost at all this week due to m/s, so it felt really good to get back into my old routine. Almost like I had myself back for a few minutes.

I did stretching today too. Usually I skip stretching b/c I feel like it's a waste of time, but I've been so tight lately and my sciatica has been bothering me, so I did some stretching as well as some crunches. Gotta keep this belly flab at bay for as long as I can!!

Tara - it's going to be so great having you around in the fitness thread, both as motivation (b/c you look amazing) and for information! So glad we got you!!

[Tiger Lily]

I got myself to bed (somewhat) early last night, so I got up and hit the gym this a.m. I did 30 min on the ellipses machine and then did some crunches.

Oddly, the stiffness and soreness I get after going to the gym seems to motivate me more. . .if I go back and get my muscles warm and limber again, it relieves it.

I'll definitely have to look into an exercise ball. My kids have one of those giant Wal-Mart balls (the ones that are about 2' diameter) and I was rolling back and forth under my calves and feet last night while I was on the phone. I could feel my thigh muscles working!

[TaraRae82]

My energy is pretty good again today so I picked up my house. Cleaning your house burns lots of cals ladies!!!

I have 2 classes to teach tonight, 1 floor cardio class and 1 weight training so that'll be my workout for the day. I'm not eating enough right now to support doing my own workout on top of my classes. My appetite is suprisingly low. I'm just REALLY thirsty!

[mkmb129]

I did 60 minutes of walking today. And I'm exhausted!

[Fly Girl]

Today I ran 3 miles and did 30 minutes of weight training. And it felt great! Yay! Last week I was just dragging during my runs.

Good to see so many mamas in this thread. We have to try to keep each other motivated to get off the couch :)

[NicaG]

You ladies are inspiring me! I've gotten out of shape this winter--used to run 3-4 miles 3-4 times a week, plus a lot of walking. But I hate running in the cold/wind, so I've let it slide a bit. I ran when I was pregnant with ds1, up until about 32 weeks. Ds is at school this morning, I should really push myself to go to the park and run!

[ibusymomto5]

I just went 2 miles on the treadmill and did some ab crunches. I was a little nauseous before I got on there, and now it's gone.:)

[TaraRae82]

I taught a one hour class that combines cardio and weight training at 9:30 and felt pretty good. I have another class at 5:15 tonight that's all step aerobics. All of my classes include abs so I'll get that in too. My legs feel weak right now but at least I didn't have to stop in the middle of teaching! We'll see how the step goes tonight.

[Changed]

I just folded 4 loads of laundry, put them all way, washed one more and cleaned 3 bathrooms. I was doing this while I was supposed to be walking on the treadmill. :lol I'm pooped!n Oh and I went through and cleared out all of the clothes DD has outgrown.

[TaraRae82]

^You'd be shocked if you knew how many cals cleaning the house can burn! It's actually a GREAT workout! It's a total body workout because you're moving in a large range of motion (ie. picking up a laundry basket). :) No shame in being pooped after cleaning! Give yourself some credit! :wink Cleaning house burns just as much if not a little more than walking on a treadmill.

ETA: Here's a site that I thought would be helpful.

http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist.htm

[Down2Earth]

Wow! I'm going to love this thread! :D I haven't been exercising (no excuse, just been depressed.) I plan on walking, maybe intervals, on my treadmill. I also like doing dvds (I have some pregnancy ones) and the Denise Austin and Pilates: From the Inside Out thats on TV.

I need to read my Fit to Deliver book, that I bought for my last pregnancy. Last time, I also bought Pregnancy Without the Pounds online. I need to stop goofing off and get to work!

[Changed]

Awesome! I only cleaned upstairs... maybe I should do more. :lol



How is the pregnancy without pounds thing? What's it all about (other than the obvious)?


It sounds funny but I was just thinking today, after losing so much this year I have a lot of extra skin on my tummy. That usually bums me out but it's looking like it'll just wrap around my growing belly nicely. No new stretch marks for me! I've got plenty of old ones....

[ibusymomto5]

I'm intrigued about the pregnancy without pounds too. I'd like to get a good pregnancy workout on dvd too. Need to research to see what a good one is. Oh, and I hear ya on the loose skin thing. That's one reason there'll be no bare belly pics of me, hee hee.

Tara - you are so encouraging, and I'm so glad you're a part of this due date club. That's good to know about house cleaning!

Sounds like you ladies are doing awesome!

[ibusymomto5]

I just saw this posted on another due date club, and I was wondering if anyone here knew the answer? I'm really curious about it myself. No one on that ddc seemed to know.


can anyone tell me what mode a pregnant body goes into when excercising? When a body is not pregnant, any excercise will help burn fat, get muscles stronger etc, as long as it's a good intensity of course. But when one gets pregnant what will happen? If doing cardio, will the body still burn fat, thus helping with those problem areas like belly, hips, thighs? Or will the body start holding onto it in case it needs it to help develop the baby and instead just slow down extra fat gain? I'm still doing moderate excercise and speed walking, and would love if that extra back fat would dissappear but don't know if that is a wish that just won't come right now.

[triple07]

I did 20 mintes on the elliptical and went on a walk for an hour with Petri (ds)

[TaraRae82]

I just saw this posted on another due date club, and I was wondering if anyone here knew the answer? I'm really curious about it myself. No one on that ddc seemed to know.


can anyone tell me what mode a pregnant body goes into when excercising? When a body is not pregnant, any excercise will help burn fat, get muscles stronger etc, as long as it's a good intensity of course. But when one gets pregnant what will happen? If doing cardio, will the body still burn fat, thus helping with those problem areas like belly, hips, thighs? Or will the body start holding onto it in case it needs it to help develop the baby and instead just slow down extra fat gain? I'm still doing moderate excercise and speed walking, and would love if that extra back fat would dissappear but don't know if that is a wish that just won't come right now.

Again, I'm no expert on prenatal fitness and I'll post again if I can find another answer but here goes. I don't believe anything changes when you're pg. You need to be sure you're eating an additional 300 cals per day when pg. So, if you were eating 1500 cals before and consistently seeing a change in your body, then just add 300 to that to adjust for the pregnancy. Does that make sense? Exercise burns cals no matter if you're pg or not. It burns cals and burning cals decreases body fat. You must burn more than you consume but be sure to eat enough to support the activity level and the new baby.

We all have a basal metabolic rate (BMR). That number tells us how many cals we need a day to sustain life, based on sex, height, and weight. That means, eating that amt of cals per day will not support any exercise routine or babies. So, add to the BMR an approximation of cals you burn doing your workouts (see website above or get heart rate monitor) and then subtract 500. That is the number of cals per day to eat if you're looking for fat loss. When you're pg, you need to subtract only 200 in order to account for the extra cals needed to grow a baby. I hope this all makes sense. Google basal metabolic rate calculator and you should be able to find an online calculator that will give you that base number. GL!

[Down2Earth]

How is the pregnancy without pounds thing? What's it all about (other than the obvious)?


It's a website and kit thing I found during my first very short pregnancy. The "kit" includes 3 pdf files, which are like ebooks that talk about the program (diet, exercise, nutrition, and pregnancy info) and the exercises. And 2 excel files to help you keep track of your exercise and weight. There are three exercise routines: Tired Mama, Moderate Mama, and Fit Mama. And you are suppose to only do the routine that fits your energy level that day.

The kit gives you a plan to follow. And keeping track of your weight gain and exercise, I think helps you be mindful of what is going on with your body. I would imagine it is really easy to gain too much weight when you only wear sweats and only are weighed at dr. visits.

Since, I'm overweight for my height, the program recommends I only gain 15-25 lbs during pregnancy. :eyesroll I can only hope!

[mkmb129]

I walked for about 30-40 minutes today at a rather quick pace. I also did lots of carrying, bending over, picking up, etc of stuff while I helped my mom and sister out at the food bank we run. I say that counts :D

[Baby_Cakes]

Tara, thanks for that answer! I was wondering the same thing. Like, am I only working on cardiovascular fitness, or am I still able to impact the way my body looks too? So thanks!

I went the gym after work! :D I trudged through the snow and made it there. It's coming down fast, although they're only calling for 2 inches, it feels like a lot since its our first snow of the year. Anyway, I did 20 min on the elliptical and then 10 minutes on the treadmill (walked and ran). All in all I did good!

[JoyfullySubversive]

My target gain is about 10 pounds. After being pregnant this many times, I know that for me at least, the recommended gain only leaves me with a lot to lose and I can't lose one single pound while breastfeeding. I also have smallish babies. I'm sitting at 138 right now and I'm 5'3 so I have plenty of fat stores. :lol

I so wish I could figure out how to only gain about 10lbs. I don't even know if it's possible, but I'd sure love to know how. I'm starting this pregnancy heavier than I'd like, and I also have a very hard time losing any weight while breastfeeding, at least for the first year. I do tend to make big babies though, but I'm a small frame at 5-2. It's like pregnancy and breastfeeding cause my metabolism to go into super slow mode, and 10 or 15lbs overweight feels like a lot on me. I'm already up a pound, and I've been trying to eat so healthy(well I did cheat a couple of times). I'd actually be thrilled if I could keep my weight gain around 15-20lbs instead of the 50 I usually pack on. I'm so thankful for this thread to help keep me motivated!

With my first two babies I went from about 115 to 150. but with my third I was 130 when I conceived, and still made a nice 150. My doctor was so concerned near the end. She sat me down, and explained that I had only gained 16 pounds, and they reccomend 25 to 35. So I was explaining to her, how I was overweight in the begining and my body had used it, because my thighs/butt/arms/etc. were all back to their normal size, and I was just all belly. She looked a bit confused. :lol Anyway I expect to get around the 150 mark again this time. I started at 120 BTW. Luckily breastfeeding does take the pounds off me. Two weeks PP and I'm between 115 and 120.

Exercise. I don't go to the gym. Yoga, Tai Chi and bellydancing. And we hike a LOT. So that's my exercise routine for this pregnancy. Oh, housework, of course. And a toddler. She's my personal trainer. :o

As far as diet, I'm already an organic vegan, so I'm not a junkie eater really.

I took a bad fall down the stairs yesterday, and am really banged up. So one of my sons made me breakfast today. I was a pb&j, and it disturbingly hit the spot. I foresee many more of those. :)

[Tiger Lily]

I've been so tired today! I'm going to yoga in about an hour and I'm hoping it will help perk me up. I always feel so good when I come out. What I'd really like to do is go to bed though. Hopefully I won't fall asleep during meditation!

[TaraRae82]

Oh God, I'm so tired today. I'm physically TIRED. I got up at about 5am to pee and couldn't go back to sleep. I finally dozed off and on from about 8-9:30 but it wasn't restful. Unfortunately, the sleepiness is hitting on a day when I have to teach 3 classes. I have a weight training class at noon and then a cardio class at 5 followed immediately by a weight training class. I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep this afternoon before the evening classes. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'll make it!

[mkmb129]

I actually feel suprisingly not tired today, which is a welcomed change after the last 4-5 days! I'm sure it'll just hit later, and by 6 I'll be ready to drop!

[Down2Earth]

I walked on my treadmill for 30 mins. I don't know if I will do another 30 mins today or not.

[ibusymomto5]

Thanks for the info Tara. I confess I've never counted calories.:o Maybe that's a lot of my problem, lol. It seems overwhelming to plan out a menu that's perfectly balanced with the right amount of calories, maybe because I'm not familiar with how many calories are in various things. Proteins I have down and know off the top of my head about how much is in almost anything I eat, but with calories I'm clueless. I tend to focus on mainly protein intake during pregnancy, and I'm thinking I need to expand that focus if I want to avoid gaining 50lbs again.

Thanks again for all your help. Hopefully you can sneak in a nap today, so you'll be good to go for your class tonight!:)

[TaraRae82]

^There's a great book that tell calorie counts for all foods including restaurants and fast food. It's called Calorie King. I got my copies at Borders. I'm sure any bookstore would have it. It's small, pocketsized almost. SO much info though! It shouldn't take more than a week to get an idea of what foods have what cals especially since most people tend to eat the same foods every week. :)

[ibusymomto5]

Perfect! I'm heading to the bookstore this weekend, so I'll look then. Thanks!

[ibusymomto5]

Well, I felt unusually good today and ended up going a little over 3 miles on the treadmill and got in a 20 min upper body workout as well as some ab exercises.

[xochimama]

Not in your DDC, but I just have to pop in: I am soooooooo jealous that you have TaraRae here! Go, mamas! :)

[myrmom]

I am so not an exercise person...i wish i was but i'm not..but i'm going to try.

I walked the kids to indoor play today pushing a stroller with 3 kids equalling 80lbs though fresh snow...so does this count?? It took about 20 min there and 20 min back and my heartrate was up.

[Tiger Lily]

Maggie, I'd say that definitely counts! That makes me tired just thinking of it.

So, there's another newly pregnant girl in my yoga class. The instructor just gave her some modified instructions occasionally. I talked to the instructor afterward and told her I was newly pg as well and she said I could continue the class until I delivered if I want. Hooray. I was afraid she'd boot me out the minute I started showing. There is no prenatal yoga to be had in my area.

[Changed]

That's awesome! I'd love to do a yoga class but I'm a total novice and I'd look like a dork.

AAM- More exhaustive housework today. Took LO to the park for about 90 minutes. I'm maintaining my weight and I'm very pleased with that. :)

[Baby_Cakes]

Did great at the gym today! At first I had an awful side stich, but I managed to work through it and I got out 1.5 miles on the treadmill and another 10 minutes on the stairmaster - a total of 45 min of cardio! I felt great afterwards and during.

[TaraRae82]

Maggie, I'd say that definitely counts! That makes me tired just thinking of it.

So, there's another newly pregnant girl in my yoga class. The instructor just gave her some modified instructions occasionally. I talked to the instructor afterward and told her I was newly pg as well and she said I could continue the class until I delivered if I want. Hooray. I was afraid she'd boot me out the minute I started showing. There is no prenatal yoga to be had in my area.

Yoga is a wonderful prenatal exercise! You'll be fine to continue but you do need to modify a few things. No downward dog, or other inverted poses like shoulderstands. Also, after the 1st tri, you cannot lay on your stomach or flat on your back so that will exclude things like upward dog, bridge pose, dead bug, yoga pushups. Also, no forceful twisting of the torso after the 1st tri. GL! There are some yoga videos out there that give you a different routine for each tri that might be helpful. I'll go find it and post.

I think this is the DVD:

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=029956088825&itm=1

The Gaiam brand in general is very good. I highly recommend.

[Changed]

Actually, I was at a presentation by a prenatal physical therapist recently and she said the on your back thing is outdated. It's fine to lay flat on your back as long as you listen to your bodies cues. If you feel dizzy or sick, that is a sign that the weight of your uterus and baby are messing with your bloods flow. She said that's fine all 9 months and that your body will tell you when it's time to move. hth!

[Tiger Lily]

Actually, I was at a presentation by a prenatal physical therapist recently and she said the on your back thing is outdated. It's fine to lay flat on your back as long as you listen to your bodies cues.

Yeah, the instructor last night was telling me (with the "ask your doc" disclaimer) that a lot of the docs are saying abdominal exercises are okay now??? I'm going to do some more research. I've got 7-ish weeks to figure it out :D

[Changed]

She said that too! I about fell over. My how things change.

But she did point out the importance of exhaling when you crunch or whatever.

[TaraRae82]

Actually, I was at a presentation by a prenatal physical therapist recently and she said the on your back thing is outdated. It's fine to lay flat on your back as long as you listen to your bodies cues. If you feel dizzy or sick, that is a sign that the weight of your uterus and baby are messing with your bloods flow. She said that's fine all 9 months and that your body will tell you when it's time to move. hth!

Very true. I say to avoid laying flat on your back because most women find it uncomfortable when they're pg since it makes breathing harder. It's definitely a generalization and you should absolutely listen to your body. I always tell people, of any population or ability, to do what is comfortable and challenging. If it hurts or is uncomfortable, don't do it. :D

And, yes, you can do abs throughout pregnancy. It's best to do them with a stability ball so the range of motion is a bit smaller. Again, do it to a point that is challenging for you and not a bit further.

[triple07]

Went for a walk with DS for an hour. DH is never wanting to go the the gym with me, and I have trouble pushing myself...

[TaraRae82]

I taught a step class this morning and I'm done with everything for the day. :) YAY! Maybe I'll be able to sleep for awhile today. I didn't sleep much last night.

[Changed]

What a great job to have to keep you in shape during your pregnancy!

[TaraRae82]

What a great job to have to keep you in shape during your pregnancy!

I do love my job but it's pretty difficult right now to teach. None of my classes know I'm pg so I have to fake energy and that takes even more energy. My Doula said the energy thing should get lots better after the 1st tri and I should feel pretty good through the 2nd tri. I sure hope so because I'm not going to be able to continue to work like I am throughout this pregnancy if I'm tired like this from now on.

[ibusymomto5]

I do love my job but it's pretty difficult right now to teach. None of my classes know I'm pg so I have to fake energy and that takes even more energy. My Doula said the energy thing should get lots better after the 1st tri and I should feel pretty good through the 2nd tri. I sure hope so because I'm not going to be able to continue to work like I am throughout this pregnancy if I'm tired like this from now on.



The energy level definitely gets better in the 2nd trimester.:thumb Love the 2nd trimester!! It's going to be nice for us all to go through it at a time of year when it's fun to be outdoors too.

[ibusymomto5]

I was more tired and nauseous today than yesterday, but I made myself hit the treadmill anyway. I got in 2 1/2 miles and some weight lifting and ab crunches. Now the nausea is gone, but I'm super tired. Going to try to get in a nap this afternoon and see if that helps my evening nausea & fatigue.

[Tiger Lily]

I'm not going to the gym at all today. My whole body ached last night and I just felt like I needed sleep, so I let myself sleep in this a.m. No yoga tonight since it's V-Day. The class is still in session, but we're going out to dinner as a family. Gonna drag myself out of bed tomorrow night though.

[mkmb129]

I did 60 minutes of fast walking yesterday. I feel like I should be doing more then just walking, but I just don't have the energy!

[triple07]

I will be cleaning the house from top to bottom today. Fun for me. Probably no walk today. Maybe tho. We'll see.

[Changed]

Yes, it totally gets better in the second tri. Course by then they may know you're pregnant. :lol

[Down2Earth]

My plan today was to walk 30 mins. I did 24 mins and covered just over a mile before I gave up. I'm either in terrible shape or the baby is exhausting me!

[Tiger Lily]

Gonna drag myself out of bed tomorrow night though.

Yeesh, I was tired--that should have been tomorrow morning, which was actually THIS morning and I did go. Yay me! It's encouraging because I'm starting to see some more muscle tone in my legs. Hopefully I can keep this up because I splurged on a really cute maternity suit for this summer.

[ibusymomto5]

It's freezing cold here today! When it gets this way it makes me not want to move. I think my exercise for today will have to consist of housecleaning. 40min of vacuuming has to count for something, lol!

[TaraRae82]

I taught a core and cardio class this morning and then stayed for 30 min of the next class (step) so I could get a harder workout in. My energy is pretty normal today. I may do another short workout before the day's over. I feel like I should take advantage of days like this where I feel good! I think I'll work on my Bosu for a bit. Love that piece of equipment!

I got my new pg fitness book in the mail today! Expecting Fitness. What I've read so far looks pretty good. It's not lame and cheesy so far. We'll see. I've only skimmed through the first chapter so far. I'm fascinated by some stats in it: 65% of fit mamas deliver in less than 4 hours and all experience at least a third less pain! Stronger muscles and a higher pain tolerance due to intense workouts are to blame. :) YAY!

[ibusymomto5]

Tara, I so believe in the exercising through pregnancy helps to make for a quicker and more pain free labor/birth. The stamina it takes to get through transition without drugs is very similar to that feeling you get at the peak of exercising when you want to quit but keeping pushing yourself. The only difference is that labor is more extreme, and your body is doing it without your permission whereas with exercise you could quit if you wanted. Also, the high after a natural birth is similar(only WAY higher) to that adrenaline rush that comes after a good run or workout. I'm always comparing labor to running, and I draw upon that strength during labor... kind of thinking of it as just another workout with a huge reward at the end.

Well, this has been my experience anyway.:-)

[TaraRae82]

^Thanks for that. :) I love hearing comparisons of birth to workouts. It makes me feel more secure in what I know my body can do.

[Tiger Lily]

So are we all geared up for another week? :love

I have not been so great about eating this weekend and my girlfriend is taking me out to lunch tomorrow for a belated birthday celebration, so I need to stick with it this week. I should visit the food thread for some ideas too. . . all the healthy stuff I was eating is starting to sound not so good, so I need some new ideas so I don't resort to some of the stuff I did this weekend.

[mkmb129]

I walked/ran for 30 minutes yesterday. Mind you, I haven't ran in years and years.. and it wasn't half bad! I hope the weather improves a bit so I can get out and run again.

[dis]

I hope I can join this thread! I'm a bit nervous, since I just got my BFP and I've got both a miscarriage and a chem preg under my belt. But I was reading and saw this and just had to respond:

Tara, I so believe in the exercising through pregnancy helps to make for a quicker and more pain free labor/birth. The stamina it takes to get through transition without drugs is very similar to that feeling you get at the peak of exercising when you want to quit but keeping pushing yourself. The only difference is that labor is more extreme, and your body is doing it without your permission whereas with exercise you could quit if you wanted. Also, the high after a natural birth is similar(only WAY higher) to that adrenaline rush that comes after a good run or workout. I'm always comparing labor to running, and I draw upon that strength during labor... kind of thinking of it as just another workout with a huge reward at the end.

Well, this has been my experience anyway.:-)

ABSOLUTELY. I never realized it until I read this, but the feeling during transition was very much like a really intense step workout.

FWIW, I didn't exercise during my pregnancy with DD (I had brutal morning sickness and a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms that made it difficult), but I was a major gym rat before I got pregnant. My L&D was 6 hours long with her. This pregnancy - if it sticks! - I'm hoping to at least keep up with walking/light cardio instead of becoming a great big slug. And I want to keep my eating under better control than I did with DD; I gained waaaaaaaaaay too much weight with her, partially because eating helped the morning sickness so I ate constantly, and partially because I'd been controlling my diet so strictly for years before I got pregnant that I went a bit crazy. I have a much healthier relationship with food now!

Also, I'm sure the fact I was in great shape before I got pregnant helped with my body pretty much snapping right back, once I started exercising again and lost the weight.

Yesterday I played dance dance revolution for 45 minutes and worked up a good sweat. I'm going to enjoy playing until I get too big to keep up with the music. :D

[LoveLife]

I was in really good shape working out everyday until I got a new position at work and couldn't go to they gym during lunch anymore. That was back in August! So here I am with a BFP and moving positions again- (YAY lunch hour!) and I hope to at least start walking everyday, maybe working up to jogging.

My only concern is that I've constantly got mild cramps in my lower abdomen- is this normal? Maybe you ladies who are a few weeks ahead of me can tell me!

[elspethshimon]

Andy and I went to the gym this morning. I spent 30 minutes on a stationery bike. Later I will take my dog for a walk (although you can't really depend on a pug for a workout) and will probably double it so he is extra tired tonight.

[TriGirlVA]

I'm an early morning riser, so I was up at 5 am and cycling at the gym by 6 am. I took the 6 am spinning class, which is 90 minutes. I had planned to swim immediately after, but 1) I was hungry, :eat: and 2) I needed to get home and help DH with something before he headed out the door.:eyesroll

Tuesday is a rest day for me. Then I have to teach a double cycling class on Wednesday (A.M/P.M.). I'll be nice and whipped by 9 PM on Wednesday.

Keep up the good work, ladies!:thumb

[TaraRae82]

I taught a "Southern Exposure" class (everything from the waist down) this morning and I definitely felt worn out by the end. I feel good though. I have nothing else all day today because of the holiday so I'm going to relax and then go take a class or 2 tonight (Cardio Mix & Bosu).

I'm so afraid that m/s is going to kick in this week and I won't be able to teach all of the classes I teach in the a.m. or take care of my morning clients (5:30-10:30am M-F). I'll have to tell them all I'm pg! They'll never believe that I have the flu for 6 weeks! :lol

[triple07]

Well I have a full day of shopping with my bub sitting in his sling across me :) thats gotta burn some cals, no...

[Tiger Lily]

Anybody wanna share their workout playlist? I'm getting seriously sick of the songs on my iPod and I need an update.

[dis]

Ugh, too sick and tired to exercise yesterday - I need to get something in this afternoon, it looks like evenings are going to be rough, in terms of being tired and nauseous.

[Faerieshadow]

The most I've been getting in is about a half hour every other day of very basic exercises (crunches, etc) but I'll take it right now, it's better than nothing with all this ms.

[LoveLife]

Yesterday wasn't so good for me. I tried going on the treadmill, my goal was 30 minutes and 1 1/2 miles (I regularly did 2 miles in 30 min in the fall). Well, I got just over a mile and suddenly got so lightheaded and dizzy that I had to stop. I thought I was going to pass out. I stopped at 18 minutes.

I think maybe I pushed a little too hard and plus I hadn't eaten anything since 8:00 am and I worked out at 12:30 pm. That was definitely was too long to go between meals and throwing in a workout certainly didn't help. So I'm going to have a snack in a few minutes and work out a bit lighter today. I'll let you know how it goes.

[TaraRae82]

I taught a class this morning and felt pretty good. I think I wore the class out before myself for once! :lol I've got another class to teach tonight and I'll probably do a short workout this afternoon of just random exercises I love like pushups and a few less-traditional abs.

[Changed]

I have GOT to work out today. Right now I'm sooo tired and drained. I'm heading over to a friends house in a little bit to have her take my sons picture and when I get home, I promise, I will get my butt on the treadmill.

Today is DH's birthday and he requested guacamole chalupas and cheesecake so I have got to get my metabolism going!

[Down2Earth]

Yippee! I finally felt like exercising! I might have overdone it, but I walked for 60 mins with some intervals. I'm just really conscious of not getting overheated, so I made sure I didn't push myself. But now I'm too tired to do my floor exercises. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

I'm so envious of the gals that are really fit already. I'll have to just do what I can.

[LoveLife]

Down2Earth, I know what you mean about being envious of those already in shape. If only I would have kept myself in gear... But nope, now I have to start from scratch.

Today I did well. I went 2.9 miles on the treadmill in 50 mintues. I did it on my lunch hour, so 50 minutes is all I can manage to get in before I have to get back to the office, or I would have made sure to get 3 miles in.

It was much better than yesterday when I pushed too hard. I dropped the incline by one, and kept my speed .2 miles slower. I feel really good right now! I hope it lasts and I'm not falling asleep at 7 tonight because I'm so tired.

[triple07]

LOTS of walking around at Target lol! Going on a walk with dh, ds, and our 2 puppies when dh gets back too!

[Baby_Cakes]

Yay, I finally get to post on this thread again!

I made it to the gym today after work, and did 2 miles running/walking on the treadmill and then an additional 10 minutes on the elliptical. I was BEAT. Then I had to run some errands afterwards, so it was a LOOOOOONG day overall.

[ibusymomto5]

I finally get to post again on this thread too. I felt so pukey all afternoon and this evening, but I just made myself go get on the treadmill a little while ago anyway. I felt pretty awful for the first mile and had to go slower than my usual, but then I was able to kick it up a little the 2nd half. I got in a little over 2 miles and then felt good enough to do some upper body weights. I still feel nauseous but not near as bad as before I exercised. I'm super tired though and have a feeling I'll sleep good tonight as a result.

[Changed]

I only did 30 minutes on the treadmill yesterday but today I'm going to try for 30 minutes, twice. I'd like to just walk for an hour but since we moved the treadmill to the basement and DS doesn't nap reliably anymore, he gets bored with his trike after about half an hour.

I'm going to investigate prenatal yoga classes today. :)

[TaraRae82]

I taught a weight training class at noon but I didn't use any weight since I did a full body weight training class yesterday too. I have another weight training class tonight at 7 and won't use weights again. I'm pretty tired today. I think I need to not do my own workout today like I normally would. My body is just telling me I need to chill, especially since I know I'm not eating as much as I should. Maybe I'll do a light yoga workout instead of any impact.

[LoveLife]

3 days in a row! I'm rockin'! Ok maybe not, but I sure am proud of myself. LOL.

Anyway, today was pretty good. I sent 20 min. on the ellipitical (sp?), did 1.06 miles, and then did 20 min. on the treadmill and went 1.03 miles. Not too bad. I finished off with a set on my arms using 5# weights, but then I ran out of time and had to get back to my office.

I'm feeling good. Working out is definitely boosting my mood. Oooh, there was a question I was going to ask, but I can't remember what it was now!! I'll post again if I remember.

[Tiger Lily]

3 days in a row here, too! Though I'm exhausted today. . . I may just take tomorrow off and pick up on Friday if I still feel like this tonight.

[TaraRae82]

I thought I'd post a link to some info about prenatal yoga. Someone asked about it earlier but I don't remember who. This site tells what you can and can't do during each tri. It's the only site I've found that says more than just "don't do inverted poses during pregnancy" which doesn't tell us much since the 1st tri is so much different than the 3rd! HTH someone!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_great-pregnancy-exercise-yoga_7862.bc?page=1&articleId=7862

[triple07]

Another walk with petri, puppies, and dh :)

[mkmb129]

I took the 18th off.. and was lazy yesterday, didn't do much. My walking buddy hasn't been able to walk, and I hate going alone. But I got a crosstrainer, so I won't have to worry about walking alone anymore!

2/19 15mins crunches, push ups, leg lifts, stretching
2/20 25mins on crosstrainer, 15mins crunches, pushes, leg lifts, stretching

[TriGirlVA]

Ladies,

You rock! :thumb Keep up the exercise, it's so good for you and the baby! I'm sure TaraRae82, as another fitness professional, would concur.

On Wednesday, I taught two (yes, two!) indoor cycling classes--one at 6 am and another one at 630 pm. I've been blessed with tons of energy and no morning sickness, so my doc said I could keep up all my activities provided I keep my heart rate a bit lower than my previous training levels. I race triathlons and marathons, as I shared with you all the other day, so backing down a bit has been a challenge for me mentally. But, I know there will be time to race after the baby comes....I have too many friends WITH kids who are much better shape than me since they trained THROUGH pregnancy, so I know it CAN be done. :D

I'm about to head out for a 7 mile run and some weights. Have an AWESOME day.

[TaraRae82]

^ I do indeed concur! :wink

I don't have any classes today which is nice since that means I can use any energy I have to do my own workout. I teach 10-12 classes a week (9 of those are split between M, W) so a day w/o is an odd occurance and I need a day off right now! Not sure what kind of workout I'll do today. I may do one of my Cathe Freidrich Step DVD's and then hit some total body weight training with my Bosu. Cathe is such a haus! I want to be just like her! :D :lol

[Tiger Lily]

I was feeling sooo crummy yesterday. Then it dawned on me that I was feeling crummy like this LAST wednesday too. Both times I went to yoga tuesday night and got right back up and did a workout wed morning and then felt crummy all day. I think it might just be too much for me right now.

[triple07]

Does anyone have any really good at home workout suggestions? I go on walks most days with ds and my puppies but I feel crappy but when I go to the gym and do the elliptical I can only stay on for a few minutes before I get these terrible pains in my lower tummy. Before doing any more of that I am definately asking my MW. But that will have to wait until Monday when I have my appt. Anyway, good at home workout suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated :) Thanks in advance :thumb

[LoveLife]

I was soooooo tired this morning that I thought there was no way that I was going to be able to workout. But MADE myself go to the gym and said that I was at least going to walk on th treadmill!

Anyway, I went 1.66 miles in 30 minutes on the treadmill and then did some abs, and upper body (back, arms, shoulders, etc.) I actually feel pretty good now. Although, we'll see if I have any energy to clean the house tonight. :lol

[triple07]

Anyway, I went 1.66 miles in 30 minutes on the treadmill and then did some abs, and upper body (back, arms, shoulders, etc.) I actually feel pretty good now. Although, we'll see if I have any energy to clean the house tonight. :lol

I thought we werent supposed to do ab workouts pg... no?

[TaraRae82]

I thought we werent supposed to do ab workouts pg... no?

Not true. You can do abs of any kind as long as you aren't uncomfortable through the first tri. After that, you just have to modify so that you aren't flat on your back and even then, if it doesn't cause discomfort, it's fine. I'll be modifying by using a Bosu or stability ball so I'm never in a completely supine position, always just slightly inclined. There are plenty of ab exercises you can do w/o doing crunches too. Planks and pelvic tilts are a great option and anything laying on your side (like squeezing your straight legs together and lifting them both off the ground to target the obliques) are great too.

As for exercises that you can do at home when you can't get to the gym, pushups are my personal fave. Stationary lunges or pendulum lunges (a forward lunge and then a reverse lunge) are a must for me since I carry my weight in my tush and it keeps it lifted and firm instead of just looking big. I love combining exercises together like doing a squat and then pressing a weight over your head as you press to standing (squat push press) or a single arm row as you push to standing from a lateral lunge position. Things like jumping jacks or wall jumps for 45 sec to a min at a time are great way to get cardio in too. Squat thrusts are awesome for getting the heart rate up as are mountain climbers. You could probably find pics online if you google any of this to see what it looks like since it's difficult to describe. :) I wish I could workout today. I feel better this afternoon but I'm afraid to push it.

[LoveLife]

:truedat:

What Tara said. LOL. Although I have to admit I was a bit nervous about doing ab work at first. Today is the first day I've done any since getting my BFP. I was very careful to listen to my body- and aside from some incredibly weak feeling abs, everything was good! No cramping or anything. So I will probably slowly add more to my workout as I'm comfortable.

[triple07]

Ahhh, I used to be so good at plank and such... pre 1st pregnancy lol! I will definately be picking up on those (lightly tho). I remember last time the ultrasound tech said I had such tight abs which was good for me, bad for her trying to position the babe lol, hoping for that situation again haha

[triple07]

As for exercises that you can do at home when you can't get to the gym, pushups are my personal fave. Stationary lunges or pendulum lunges (a forward lunge and then a reverse lunge) are a must for me since I carry my weight in my tush and it keeps it lifted and firm instead of just looking big. I love combining exercises together like doing a squat and then pressing a weight over your head as you press to standing (squat push press) or a single arm row as you push to standing from a lateral lunge position. Things like jumping jacks or wall jumps for 45 sec to a min at a time are great way to get cardio in too. Squat thrusts are awesome for getting the heart rate up as are mountain climbers. You could probably find pics online if you google any of this to see what it looks like since it's difficult to describe. :) I wish I could workout today. I feel better this afternoon but I'm afraid to push it.

Thanks for the advice!

[TaraRae82]

Thanks for the advice!

No prob. I hope it all makes sense! :)

[mkmb129]

I did 27 minutes on the crosstrainer tonight.. boy am I wiped out! At this rate, though, once the weather finally warms up I'll be all ready to jog and put my BOB to some good use!

[LoveLife]

Well, I had to make myself go again today. I came SO close to just sitting at my desk. I think getting there is 1/2 the battle. I ordered a couple of pregnancy workout dvds, we'll see if those help too.

I went 20 min. on the elliptical going 1.09 miles and then I did 20 min. on the treadmill going 1.05 miles. Not too shabby, about what I seem to be averaging this week. I'm going to have to make sure to take lots of walks this weekend, plus I'm going to be starting the early season stuff in my garden.

[Baby_Cakes]

I forgot to post this yesterday, but I really want to keep a good record of when I exercise. Yesterday I did 2 miles on the treadmill walking/running - mostly walking these days. I just can't believe how TIRED I get from running. I can barely go for 5 minutes at a time, when I used to run a whole mile, or mile and a half. Anyway, I did the treadmill, then I did the stairmaster for an additional 10 min, making it 40 min of cardio altogether.

I rested on a bike (seriously, rested -- just sat with my feet up, drinking water) for about 10 minutes, and then did some weights and some abs. I felt really good, but so tired afterwards!

[TaraRae82]

No working out for me today. I'm still taking it easy since I have extra classes to teach next week and I'm still spotting. But, the spotting is still a diluted brown color so that's good. Hopefully I'll feel better and get back to it on Monday.

[mkmb129]

I did 25 minutes on the crosstrainer. I'm starting to get crappy while exercising now. I really don't want to stop, I'm not sure why my body's reacting like this all of a sudden. Anyone else have any experience with this? I don't want to push it and cause harm to the baby.. but I also don't want to spend this pregnancy sedetary.

[freedak]

My husband and I JUST got our home gym set up today--yay! We have an elliptical (I can't do treadmills because of arthritis in my back), a Bowflex (his dream), and a bench with free weights. He bought the flat panel TV and installed it today, so I'm ready to go! I used the elliptical today for about 15 mins., but my boobs starting hurting so I stopped. Last summer I was a workout junkie (45 mins. cardio + 45 mins. weights 4-5 days/wk), but I have been pretty sedentary since the fall. I'm a teacher, so I pretty much veg out at home during the school year. My question--how enthusiastic should I be when starting? I am 5'4" and weigh about 135 lbs. I would always really push myself at the gym last summer, but I'm afraid to do too much now. I'm thinking I should work myself up to about 30 mins. a day on the elliptical and 15-30 mins. of free weights a few times a week. Any suggestions? I also want to start yoga again, but the local prenatal class won't let me start until I have a note from my midwife (my appt. isn't until March 27). :(

[mkmb129]

I would say listen to your body. If you feel you're doing too much, you probably are and stop. I'm having to stop after 25 minutes these days, and that's pushing it. It's not my idea of a good work out, but my body is saying that's enough.. I did 15 minutes of some hardcore shoveling today, which resulted in such terrible cramps I really thought I was miscarrying, and so I won't do anything else. I'm moving this week, so I have no choice but to do lifting and such, so I won't work out in addition because it's too much for my body at this point.

[freedak]

Last night I ended up doing 20 minutes on the elliptical and about 20 minutes of strength training. I did:

3*15 bicep curls
3*15 tricep extensions
3*12 shoulder...lifts? (when you pretend you're flying with your arms outstretched--what are they called?)
3*50 crunches on an incline (thanks for that advice, Tara)

I plan on repeating tonight except focusing on the lower body with strength training. What's everybody else up to in the fitness dept.?

[TaraRae82]

Last night I ended up doing 20 minutes on the elliptical and about 20 minutes of strength training. I did:

3*15 bicep curls
3*15 tricep extensions
3*12 shoulder...lifts? (when you pretend you're flying with your arms outstretched--what are they called?)
3*50 crunches on an incline (thanks for that advice, Tara)

I plan on repeating tonight except focusing on the lower body with strength training. What's everybody else up to in the fitness dept.?

You're welcome!!!

Those would be called lateral raises, if I'm understanding your description correctly.

I'll be back to teaching class tomorrow night so I'll get quads, glutes, biceps, shoulders, triceps, abs, low back in then. If I feel well enough, I may get up and go take a cardio class at a gym in the morning. If not, I'll do some step at home when I feel up to it. :)

[freedak]

Tara, I aspire to be half as fit as you are. If my life didn't consist of teaching 7 year olds for 7 hours a day, I would love to work out all day long! As it is, I find it difficult to even sit up straight at the end of a day! How long have you been a trainer? Was it difficult to get certified? Does it pay decently? I'm always looking for alternative careers :)

[Changed]

Well, I don't get it. I walked/ran for about half an hour yesterday before lunch and then did crunches, lunges, squats, push ups, etc for about 20 minutes before dinner and I weighed more this morning! I thought I ate pretty well yesterday. Mind you, I feel a little swollen and fluid-y but dang. I never imagined I'd struggle with weight gain this much, already. At this rate, it better be twins. :lol I'm going to journal my intake this week and see where I'm wasting calories. I had a few sodas this past week and I know that doesn't help.

I just went to the grocery store and bought lots of fruit and the stuff needed to make a huge pot of chicken noodle stew. It's surprisingly low fat and high in nutrients and protein. Yay!

[TaraRae82]

Tara, I aspire to be half as fit as you are. If my life didn't consist of teaching 7 year olds for 7 hours a day, I would love to work out all day long! As it is, I find it difficult to even sit up straight at the end of a day! How long have you been a trainer? Was it difficult to get certified? Does it pay decently? I'm always looking for alternative careers :)

Oh, I don't feel very fit with all this m/s every evening. Ugh. :lol

As much energy as it takes for me to do my job, I never understand how teachers find the energy to do their job!! So much more physically and emotionally demanding and draining! Thank you to all of you teachers. You deserve more.

I've been a trainer since I graduated college in April of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. I haven't gotten certified in personal training because I have a degree that is directly related. I just don't feel the need. I do have a primary certification in Group Exercise though. I'd love to continue those certs and get more specialized ones like kickboxing, Bosu, step, etc. since I teach it all and I always need new ideas. But, I won't be working much after Baby Hufflette is born so I don't want to put the money into it ($69-$several hundred depending on the company and cert type) when I'll only be teaching a class or 2 a week (just to keep adult contact!). The pay can be good but I don't make much. I work for myself so I train clients in my home or theirs and I try to keep my fees very affordable because I hate the idea of people feeling like they can't advance their fitness because it's expensive. I'm teaching more classes than clients right now so that makes it harder to make money since there's only so many hours a day that I'm physically able to workout! I teach anywhere between 1-5 hours a day depending on the day and what subbing opportunities are available and I have clients anywhere from 10-15 hours a week. The national average for trainers is $60/hour but I don't charge that much since I'm in the midwest. The gyms charge that much but private trainers can't usually charge that much since they don't have the facility to back it up. Instructors locally are paid an average of $25/class. It all sounds like a lot but really, it's hard to find clients to fill the day since most people want to work out before work (5:30-8:30am) or after work (5-8pm) so I normally work a split shift. Right now my schedule is full during those peak hours but DH still makes more than 5x as much as I do. It's a more lucrative career if you're on the coasts or in states that are healthier like Colorado. :) Wow, sorry that response got so long!

[TaraRae82]

Well, I don't get it. I walked/ran for about half an hour yesterday before lunch and then did crunches, lunges, squats, push ups, etc for about 20 minutes before dinner and I weighed more this morning! I thought I ate pretty well yesterday. Mind you, I feel a little swollen and fluid-y but dang. I never imagined I'd struggle with weight gain this much, already. At this rate, it better be twins. :lol I'm going to journal my intake this week and see where I'm wasting calories. I had a few sodas this past week and I know that doesn't help.

I just went to the grocery store and bought lots of fruit and the stuff needed to make a huge pot of chicken noodle stew. It's surprisingly low fat and high in nutrients and protein. Yay!

My weight fluctuates up to 4 lbs per day. One day of positive changes won't make a difference on the scale the next day generally. Plus, when you're pg, your body won't generally lose since working out doesn't wokr exactly the same for pg women. You're definitely getting stronger and healthier but you won't be losing body fat. The scale is the worst way to figure out if your workouts are working anyway. Do you feel stronger? How do you pants fit? (if you weren't pg!!) Is your body fat changing? Can you workout longer than when you started? Do you miss working out when you don't do it? Those are all much better measures of fitness and health. Hang in there and just remember that you're not working out to change your body right now, you're working out to help you through the marathon that is labor/birth and to encourage a healthy life to grow. :wink

[ibusymomto5]

I'm having mixed feelings on exercising right now. The last couple of times I've exercised I feel so awesome afterwards... for about an hour or two, but then when I come down off the adrenaline high I'm worse than ever for the rest of the day and into the middle of the night. I'm talking super bad fatigue and nausea that is way worse than before I exercised. On days that I don't exercise I still have fatigue and nausea, but it's not nearly as bad as on the days that I do exercise. So, I'm wondering if it's my body's way of telling me to slow down a bit? I may need to cut the intensity, duration, and frequency down a bit, but at this point I'm a little afraid of feeling awful for the rest of the day if I do decide to work out. The weather is gorgeous here today, so maybe I'll just try for a walk outdoors with the family later today instead of pushing myself hard on the treadmill.

[TaraRae82]

I'm having mixed feelings on exercising right now. The last couple of times I've exercised I feel so awesome afterwards... for about an hour or two, but then when I come down off the adrenaline high I'm worse than ever for the rest of the day and into the middle of the night. I'm talking super bad fatigue and nausea that is way worse than before I exercised. On days that I don't exercise I still have fatigue and nausea, but it's not nearly as bad as on the days that I do exercise. So, I'm wondering if it's my body's way of telling me to slow down a bit? I may need to cut the intensity, duration, and frequency down a bit, but at this point I'm a little afraid of feeling awful for the rest of the day if I do decide to work out. The weather is gorgeous here today, so maybe I'll just try for a walk outdoors with the family later today instead of pushing myself hard on the treadmill.

I think you need to do what is comfortable for your sanity. I think the idea of doing something super light like walking at a comfortable pace for 20 min is a good idea for now. If you find you feel crappy like that after lighter activity too, then take a break from it for awhile. The 1st tri is hard and if you're miserable that's not healthy for your body either. GL to you and I hope you find a way to stay somewhat active and not fel so absolutely awful. :hug

[ibusymomto5]

I think you need to do what is comfortable for your sanity. I think the idea of doing something super light like walking at a comfortable pace for 20 min is a good idea for now. If you find you feel crappy like that after lighter activity too, then take a break from it for awhile. The 1st tri is hard and if you're miserable that's not healthy for your body either. GL to you and I hope you find a way to stay somewhat active and not fel so absolutely awful. :hug


Thanks Tara.:) I think you're absolutely right. The first trimester is hard, and I think this is my body's way of telling me to take it easy. Besides, the kids will love some walks in the neighborhood or park now that the weather will be getting nicer. The fresh air will be good too.:thumb

[Changed]

I wish that were all true. Ideally, my concern would be the baby and pregnancy. I've spent the last year losing weight and the better part of the last decade fat. I know it's a huge mental issue that I'll have to get over but right now, I'm still in lose fat mentality. I've weighed myself daily for the last year and I know that for me at least, my weight only fluctuates upward if that's a true trend or if I'm retaining fluid and it leaves soon. I think I'll go look for a book on healthy eating and pregnancy.

[LoveLife]

Jora- I know how you feel about the being scared of gaining weight. I was never over weight, but still struggled with an eating disorder. After I got over that I was able to learn how to be healthy, not just worry about my size. But its always still a battle with the scale, and I'm so scared to gain weight and not be able get it off. Just wanted to let you you're not alone.

I haven't worked out the past two days. Dh has been out of town so I used that as an excuse to "relax." LOL. But on top of that my eating has been horrific!

I went out to lunch today, so I didn't hit up the gym. But I got the Perfect Pregnancy workout DVD and plan to try that for the 1st time tonight. I'm hoping that positing it here will help me to stick to it! :p

[TaraRae82]

I lived through teaching my 4 classes yesterday, barely, so I haven't worked out today. I think at this point, I need to save any energy I have for my classes and rest on the days I don't have to teach. I feel guilty when I don't work out because it's such a huge part of my life. I don't really want to work out though so I'm ignoring the guilt. :lol

[Baby_Cakes]

I didn't work out all week and I feel like doodoo about it. :angry

[JMarie930]

I've been too tired to go to the gym this week (and haven't had time with DS's surgery anyway...), but the yoga studio has prenatal classes on Saturdays. I think I might sign up for the 12-week session, just so I know I'm doing *something* good. I do work on the third floor and I have been taking the stairs, but I know that's not enough. I feel like a blob.

[ibusymomto5]

I've felt like such a slug all week; have pretty much been nauseated 24/7 with just occasional unexpected breaks from it. Needless to say I've felt way too pukey and exhausted to do any exercising, and ugh I feel so bloated as a result. I cannot wait to be out of this phase... please hurry 2nd trimester!

[TaraRae82]

I taught a core conditioning class today, a step class, a 15 min ab lab, and a 45 min weight training class. Ugh. I'm dead.

[triple07]

I walked around a rodeo/carnival for 3 1/2 hours while carrying DS in my arms! Gotta count for something lol

[TaraRae82]

^That totally counts. Any activity counts right now, especially as tired as we get. :)

[jencat]

Hi ladies.

This is a great thread. I have always tried to eat healthy and stay in shape so I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Even tho I'm "advanced maternal age" (36) and ttc'd for 17 months, my dr said to go ahead and work out like usual. I asked him if it's ok for me to "push myself" and he said yes... so I'm going to spin class today - I have found this to be an intense workout that I usually do once or twice a week. It's really fun!

It helps, though, that I have no m/s and don't really feel that tired or "pregnant" at all. I have had a cold for 1.5 weeks though so I will take it easy if I start to get too huffy. (I'm bringing my kleenex!)

Tara - you rock woman! I would say if you teach classes, you've worked out... especially if you're tired, you probably don't need to do more on top of that! Up until about 1 month ago I had a pregnant spin teacher. She was probably 7 months when she stopped teaching. But even before that, she drank A LOT during class and wore a heartbeat monitor and stopped when her heartbeat got too fast... I may get one later too... but for now I think I'm ok.

[TaraRae82]

Hi ladies.

This is a great thread. I have always tried to eat healthy and stay in shape so I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Even tho I'm "advanced maternal age" (36) and ttc'd for 17 months, my dr said to go ahead and work out like usual. I asked him if it's ok for me to "push myself" and he said yes... so I'm going to spin class today - I have found this to be an intense workout that I usually do once or twice a week. It's really fun!

It helps, though, that I have no m/s and don't really feel that tired or "pregnant" at all. I have had a cold for 1.5 weeks though so I will take it easy if I start to get too huffy. (I'm bringing my kleenex!)

Tara - you rock woman! I would say if you teach classes, you've worked out... especially if you're tired, you probably don't need to do more on top of that! Up until about 1 month ago I had a pregnant spin teacher. She was probably 7 months when she stopped teaching. But even before that, she drank A LOT during class and wore a heartbeat monitor and stopped when her heartbeat got too fast... I may get one later too... but for now I think I'm ok.

I use a heart monitor as well. I love it. It's nice because I'm not always aware of how high my heartrate is since I'm used to just going hard until I can't go anymore. This gives me warning that I'm at my limit and should slow down before I ever feel like I've overdone it. :) I'm sure I'll be a much better instructor again once I get out of the 1st tri and feel better.

[mkmb129]

I haven't done much exercise-exercise in the last week, but I've been moving.. and moving out of a building on the third floor, and that is 70 regular steps from the elevator (not sure what it is in actual footage). Needless to say, I'm pooped and I'm for SURE counting it as exercise!! lol I'm actually seeing a difference in my hips/butt area, but the belly is a bit bigger.

[LoveLife]

Well, I managed to get the to gym and walk on the treadmill today. I only walked for about 35 mintues though because of this nausea (is it werd to be afraid to say M/S? LOL)

Anyway, DH and I went for a walk with the dog yesterday too, so my week is off to a decent start. Hopefully I can keep it up.

[Changed]

I'm having a hard time with exercise. I get really crampy after about 20 minutes and I'm not doing anything but walking briskly. So, to try to get a little something in, I've been walking with DS to pick DD up from school. He wants to RUN the whole way! Luckily his legs are short and that translates to walking a little fast for me. It's not far at all but it's something and it's only about 7 minutes each way.

I'm hoping that whatever is making me cramp goes away. I don't like not working out since I know it's important for the birth to be in good shape.

Anyone else having this?

[TaraRae82]

^I think you're doing exactly what you need to be doing...taking it slower and listening to your body. Remember that the most happens in the 1st tri and your body is being taken over! Do the best you can and take it one day at a time. Every day will be different. :)

AAM: I taught a lower body weight training class this morning and then a total body weight training class over lunch. I have another total body class this evening and I'm exhausted and feeling terrible. I just want to veg all the time. It's so strange to feel like this. It's so new to me. I'm normally so energetic and rarely sick that this is pretty frusterating. It's making me feel gulity since I know I'm not as good of an instructor when I feel like this and I can't even explain to my students since we aren't ready to tell them I'm pg yet! Ugh. Sorry. Rant over. Thanks for listening.

[Fly Girl]

I have been really sick for the last two weeks so I haven't been doing anything but laying in bed. Dr's orders. But I am finally feeling better so I went out for a 4 mile run today and it felt great!!! I am so happy to be up and moving again :)

[triple07]

LoL I was dancing to Billy Idol with DS and Im pooped haha

[Qestia]

I have been really sick for the last two weeks so I haven't been doing anything but laying in bed. Dr's orders. But I am finally feeling better so I went out for a 4 mile run today and it felt great!!! I am so happy to be up and moving again :)

Glad to hear you're good after a break. This is my first time on this board, I got my due date adjusted today and am not as far along as I thought (by a month!). I am a regular runner but have not run for two weeks due to nausea and fatigue--was going to try tonight, worried about how it would go after the break--thanks for the inspiration!

[Baby_Cakes]

Woo hoo! I went to the gym today after work!

I managed to walk/run on the treadmill for about 30 min, mostly walking. I got an awful side stitch, and unlike during my pre-pregnancy days, I wasn't able to just run through it. It hurt SO MUCH! Gah! Anyway, then I did a few minutes on the stairmaster. Not a bad workout considering how inactive I've been for the last week and a half!

[TaraRae82]

Woo hoo! I went to the gym today after work!

I managed to walk/run on the treadmill for about 30 min, mostly walking. I got an awful side stitch, and unlike during my pre-pregnancy days, I wasn't able to just run through it. It hurt SO MUCH! Gah! Anyway, then I did a few minutes on the stairmaster. Not a bad workout considering how inactive I've been for the last week and a half!

Good deal! Good for you! :D It's normal to not be able to go as hard anymore. You don't have enough oxygen moving through your body because it's all being stolen! :lol That lack of oxygen causes it to become anaerobic activity (=w/o oxygen) and that causes a buildup of lactic acid which is what you feel in that burn or stitch in your side. Try breathing only through your mouth since you can get more oxygen through the mouth than the nose and keep the breaths big and slow down when you feel the cramp coming on. :)

I taught a circuit class this morning which is great because I don't have to participate, just keep track of time and walk around to fix form and remind students when and how to breath. :) Tonight I taught a step class and felt pretty good until about halfway through and it was downhill from there. Oh well. I'm getting pretty used to that feeling. Tomorrow's a busy day with 4 classes so I'm thankful for an easier day today.

[Baby_Cakes]

Good deal! Good for you! :D It's normal to not be able to go as hard anymore. You don't have enough oxygen moving through your body because it's all being stolen! :lol That lack of oxygen causes it to become anaerobic activity (=w/o oxygen) and that causes a buildup of lactic acid which is what you feel in that burn or stitch in your side. Try breathing only through your mouth since you can get more oxygen through the mouth than the nose and keep the breaths big and slow down when you feel the cramp coming on. :)



That's actually really interesting and good to know! I've always been prone to getting a side stitch on my left side, but when it hit this time I was just in so much pain, I actually stopped the treadmill for a minute and stretched it out. There was very little I could do - so I did the breathing through the mouth thing and felt like a wuss until I could walk briskly again.

It's a lot harder to run b/c I do feel like I'm out of breath and panting a lot more. So I'm switching to brisk walking more and more. I still feel like I'm working out, but I'm not so beat afterwards or during. My goal from here on out is to do 30 min 3 times a week, instead of focusing on miles/calories burned the way I used to. Set my sights low, so to speak.