What's your doctor's advice as far as excercise?

[eastvillage]

Yes, they all say "excercise is good" but I'm doing the eliptical machine in the gym for 30 minutes at a go (not as hard as I did pre-pregnancy but still working up a sweat) and the trainer is telling me that now that I'm into my 6th month, it's too high-impact and I should go to walking.

I LIKE TO EAT so I need to burn some calories somewhere, and walking ain't gonna cut it. My doctor is super -vague and noncommittal (welcome to Israeli culture!) so I wanted to know what the American doctors are saying.

If I'm healthy and have been doing this type of excercise for over a year now, can I continue the jostling of the eliptical machine, or honestly it's safer to become a 100-year-old mall walker?

[Mosaic]

Keep it up! I worked out on the elliptical and lifted weights straight to my birthing day. Just listen to your body, taking it easier when needed and revving it up when you can. And kudos to you for keeping yourself healthy! :thumb

[bluepetals]

I don't really see why the elliptical would be high impact since you actually don't lifet your feet from the machine...isn't it lower impact? I wouldn't change your routine at all if you are still comfortable! Good for you :) That said, I have heard that ellipticals are not really mimicking a natural motion, so you might want to keep a close eye on how your joints etc are feeling and ease off if you are getting a lot of discomfort.

[alegna]

My midwife said exercise is great. Keep up whatever you feel up to. If it feels like too much- back off.

With dd I ice skated up to 40 weeks.

-Angela

[Qestia]

I did the elliptical until a week before I gave birth, I had been a runner and it was a concession to my own paranoia (my doc had said running was fine). This time, I'm still running. But, I've been running regularly for ten years. I don't think pregnancy is the time to start any strenuous --new-- exercise routines, but if it's something you've been doing, you're feeling good and listening to your body (no cramping, shortness of breath, spotting, etc.) go for it!

[mytwogirls]

I would say keep doing what you NORMALLY do. I live on a farm so I worked cattle up until 1 week before I gave birth. I rode a couple of my horses (ones I knew would not throw me) right up before I delivered. That made my doc a little nervous but he learned to deal :)

[LeahC]

:scratch Huh, I am a little confused by your personal trainer's advice. It is the exact opposite of everything I have read and heard. The elliptical machine is as low impact as you can get. Walking/ jogging has much more impact on your body than the elliptical. Just think of every step you take and the impact it has on yoru body. The elliptical has none of that. All movement is much more fluid.

That said- my doctor is very happy that I am still exercising. I do 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes on the treadmill. I then do free weights and/ or nautilus equipment. Just listen to your body and keep your heart rate in the 150's or lower depending on your cardiovascular shape/ health.

[itsy]

Definitely keep it up if you are feeling good and healthy. I'm still power walking on the treadmill (not running anymore but still keeping my heart rate up) and I'm at 37 weeks.

Exercise is great for circulation in your legs etc and endurance during your labor!

[eastvillage]

Thanks so much for your feedback; this is what I THOUGHT! I will keep it up as it's not at all uncomfortable, and it makes me feel good and allows me to continue my nasty little Ben and Jerry habit.

[njbeachgirl]

Well actually an elliptical is no-impact in my opinion. Impact is if your feet leave the ground and come back again, like running, jumping jacks etc.

I plan to continue on the elliptical as long as it's comfortable for me, i'm 5+months now and do that and fast walking, yoga etc. :thumb

My MW said anything I was doing before I can continue with as long as it's comfortable for me. My SILs Dr. told her she could not continue jogging or doing anything that would get her HR above 140. :eyesroll