Trying for the first time at 36, advice on exercising

[Aliwannabemum]

We're going to start trying shortly (well, in the last couple of week's we've not exactly been careful but our "start trying date is after Easter")and I was after some advice really. I'm 36, I've been taking my pregnacare since January, I'm overweight (and currently working with a personal trainer, supplemented by gym sessions)but don't want to be a fat mum (blush), I want to be able to run around!!! I don't want to give up excercising (I do boxing and powerwalking) and I wondered if there are any real watch outs for exercising whilst I'm trying to conceive?

I'm quite excited but very nervous about the whole getting pregnant thing. I never realised how much I'd want it and now I'm wishing I hadn't given up on my fitness last year, I'd be months ahead but "we are where we are" and so having read the article in the Times magazine yesterday I thought I'd join Mumsnet and seek some advice.

Welcome to MN

I believe that the advice for exercise whilst pg is anything is ok (apart from contact sports so I guess the boxing would have to stop) as long as your heart rate doesn't go above 140 beats per minute - so jogging, aerobics etc are all ok. Sit-ups are ok upto 12 weeks and then you have to stop - not sure about doing weights although I still did weights (light ones) upto about 7 months pg but not sure if this is officially ok or not.

I am also trying to conceive my second child but am an avid exerciser so I have been looking into it.

Good luck

Thanks so much, the boxing's really me hitting seven bells out of my trainers pads, there's no way I'd let anyone hit me, lol !!! But the advice on the heartrate helps a lot as this is the basis of our training. Cheers ceebee74

welcome aliwannabemum. Ceebee74's advice is good but personally I was more concerned with how I was feeling than with my heart rate when i exercised while pregnant. The boxing pad work should be fine. One thing to watch is hat you ligaments etc will be more stretchy (because of the hormone changes) when you are pregnant but be careful not to over stretch them or pull/snap any.
Make sure you always stay really well hydrated and other than the situp rules, keep doing everything you have always doen, just moderate it to keep in line with how you are feeling on any given day/stage of pregnancy.

I am a huge advocate of training while pregnant (I exercised all the way through both my pregnancies, did a spinning class the day I gave birth to my second!).

I'm not sure it helps with labour but the fitter you are, I think the quicker your recovery will be. Good luck with both of your goals.

Welcome to MN Ali - you are in the right place - there is a wonderful mix of fabulous ladies
With regards to working out, it's something that I have thought about and asked before - the general consensus seems to be that you should carry on as you are - but not do anything overly strenuous. I presume that your personal trainer takes good care of you, have you told him of your plans to try for a baby? It might be a good idea - he can tailor your sessions accordingly?

Anyway - good luck

also water exercise classes are great ( if you have access to a pool) because all your muscles are fully supported.
I exercised through both pgs as well - it was fine!