Exercise - what are you doing?

[misssmilla1]

Before getting pregnant I tried to be a regular gym goer, probably making it on average 4-5 times a week with pretty hard cardio and a couple of weights / resistance sessions thrown in.

Reading up, I saw that if you exercised regularly before, you should try and keep going whilst pregnant, and do something of a similar type or exertion. I'm still trying to get there 2-4 times a week but am losing motivation as I'm getting bored of what I'm doing so wanted to see what others are doing.

I've modified my routine to stationary biking, uphill power walks and zumba, with some weights / resistance thrown in when I can be arsed (which isn't often..) but it all feels very samey. We don't have swimming pools near us that are open yet for another couple of months so am limited on that front too.

Any recommendations for exercise routines that can be done in or out of the gym?

I'm doing Zumba and starting yoga in a couple of weeks but would like suggestions too

I'm 29 weeks and still doing a zumba class a week, although really starting to ache after now

What about long walks outside in the fresh air - bit of sunshine and some nice views might help?

Have you tried a spin class? I used to do one and the instructor kept going until she was 34 weeks I think.

Also, do you have a buggyfit or similar franchise nearby? In my experience they allow pg women to attend too.

If you can find it, aqua fit classes or Aqua Zumba are great - makes a bit of a change, you have an instructor to help motivate you and you can vary the intensity to suit you energy levels/stage of pregnancy. I appreciate you don't have access to a pool yet but maybe something to consider when they open?

Do pelvic floors count?

OP, I kept up with pretty much all my usual gym classes til about 38 weeks, when I dropped them in favour of two weeks of yoga and long walks. If you are feeling okay then go for it! I'm convinced all the exercise contributed to the straightforward birth I had.

takestwo I've considered the walks but had been reading that as I was pretty active before that i should try and do similar - i.e. that long walks weren't that effective in keeping the fitness up. Not sure I totally buy it as I'm definitely finding doing 'normal' exercise more challenging as I'm getting out of breath quicker for a start!

I still try and get to spin but the class instructors are a bit mental, and seem to think that unless you're hitting your max heart rate of 170+ (non pregnant obviously...) then it's not worth it. I was still doing body pump but struggled with the last couple of classes as about 1/3rd of the exercises weren't comfortable (felt like stretching / pulling in the wrong place) or to be avoided (lying on the back, lots of abs)

Now the weather is better I'd like to get out on my bike but have been now been put off it by reading the doom merchant 'what if' scenarios and I'm paranoid enough as it is!

Am signing up for pre natal pilates in a couple of weeks; our local pool is another 50 quid a month to join (on top of my existing gym membership elsewhere) and focuses more on lessons and individual swim sessions rather than aqua classes, and the ones they have are scheduled for weekday mornings. Am keeping my eye out for when the open air pools open for the season

God, I sound like a right moaner / have an excuse for everything! I think because I actually enjoyed exercise before, I'm finding it hard to not consistently do something. I think I might start to look at doing something a bit different - next may be to try and persuade the OH to do something like a beginners dance class before the bump gets too big!

Well there's a difference between strolling along the promenade and yomping up and down hills at a brisk pace I would do whatever you are comfortable with. Tell the gym instructors you are pg and just go at your own pace in the class. Maybe get a couple of pregnancy fitness DVDs and pick some pg friendly exercises you can switch to when the rest of the class is doing someone you can't eg abs work on their backs. Can you get one of those static trainer things to put you bike on and stick it out in the garden/on a balcony and get the exercise without the risk of falling/being bumped in to?

I'm doing fuck all! I was cycling to and from work until around 20 weeks, but I've got absolutely agonising round ligament pain and even walking quickly has me doubled over in pain. I have had to admit that I hate yoga having given it several chances, and the only antenatal swim classes are at 11:30am on Wednesday, because what woman of reproductive age is going to have a job? I'm basically waiting for it to get warm enough to swim in the sea, now.

Can you jog?
I used rowing machine during my first pregnancy.

Pilates once per week

Dancing when husband is out

And weekly very short kettlebells session

Oh and I walk, at a good pace, whenever possible.

I will stop changing the water on the water cooler as soon as there is someone else about to do it! 3 times in 4 weeks it's ended up being me!

I'm a brisk walker and keeping up my daily walks in the park (even though less brisk now). I also did mat pilates before preg and yoga (on and off). Doing both now but for pregnancy.

OP the people behind Body Pump have produced a really useful leaflet about doing it while pregnant. There's lots of little modifications you can make to the exercises, and using these I managed to do Pump 3 times a week until 38 weeks. Have a Google and you'll be able to find it.

I'm mainly doing (teaching) Bodypump, with last pregnancy was still teaching 9 months pregnant. Was really helpful and I felt great (and was back in the class a month after having the baby)

Pregnancy leaflet here: w2.lesmills.com/files/GlobalCentral/Clubs/PregnancyBrochures/BP%20pregnancy%20brochure.pdf
Also talk to your instructor and ask for alternative exercises for crunches etc.

I'm 23 weeks and I am currently doing two 90 minute sessions of Aqua aerobics and seeing a pre- natal personal trainer twice a week. I'm determined to stop myself turning into a whale!

I go for walks, I tried a yoga class, but i found the tara Lee yogo pregnancy DVD easier to keep up as can put it on whenever your in the mood.

I had the same worries because I am very active and didnt want to stop exercising. I usually do crossfit type sessions but I have told my trainer and he modifies things where appropriate and keeps a closer eye on me! I think if you speak to the spin instructor and/or other gym staff they should be able to help you maintain what you're doing with some modification!

I have been to piloxing classes twice weekly for the past 7 months. I have just got back from my first class since finding out I'm preggers (I'm 5 weeks 3 days) and I had to cut the toning session out from the end and leave early gutted but all the jumping about made me want to hurl plus it was warm in the room. I'm dreading the nausea kicking in as it was horrendous with my first 2. I've had to come home and lie down before I go on the school run.

So glad to find this thread! I'm a regular gym goer too, mainly spin and yoga but have recently started a body pump class too. I went to spin last night (in only 4weeks 2/3 days) and was worried throughout to be honest as its so active! But I'm fit so know it should be fine and I want to carry on...looking online it seems as if weights are no goes though, squats lunges etc? Anyone have any sports related qualifications?

ooh, thanks for the bodypump tips, I'll take a look at the links and think I'll go back next week and get there early to chat with the instructor.

I'd forgotten about the rowing machine; might try and get on there to change things up.

looking weights and squats etc are fine from what I've read. In fact I was told if you do resistance training already you should try and carry on, you may just need to modify or lighten the weight. Squats and lunges are also ok - again, I was told if I could to carry these on, as it sounds like the muscles will help at birth. The only challenge I've had now my belly is bigger is doing a good narrow legged squat as it gets in the way!

looking I'm a certified bodypump instructor and it's fine to do squats and lunges when pregnant. There's also research that squats are better than Kegels for your pelvic floor - based on the anecdotal sample of one, I can indeed confirm that after doing Bodypump during my first pregnancy, I didn't have any issues with that.
If you feel that the belly is affecting your balance when doing lunges, you can always do them without weights, or switch to squats instead.

I'm only 4 weeks 3 days so no bump! Thanks for the info though. Do you think it's still ok for me to go to the body pump class (it's actually called group power but same sort of thing)? I've only been to 2 classes but I'm fit and well, cardiovascular-wise.

the usual advice is not to start anything new, but if you're generally fit and keep weights moderate, I wouldn't kick you out. Ask your instructor as well though.

Another newly-pregnant gym rat here!! I was doing a lot of running, sprinting, crossfit and TRX before I got BFP. Now 6+5 and have only managed a yoga class, one crossfit class (didn't do any jumping or jerky moves tho) and a lot of walking and cycling. Was too terrified I'd miscarry to carry on with old routine (was TTC 18 months!!!), but equally I really miss it. Nausea had hit a bit but have worked out how to handle it with eating, so am thinking I might go back to crossfit this morning. Will discreetly tell instructor I'm preg so they can give me modifications.

Helpful info re: squats being as effective as kegels by the way, thanks!

Some of you might find this article from Women's Health Mag useful - a good structure to follow when you're in the gym.

www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/pregnancy-exercises-for-the-first-trimester

Much of it felt a bit gentle to me, but the exercise bike sets are quite a good calorie burner, which I feel like I need right now!! Secretly wishing this nausea would get worse so I can shift the extra kg I put on on holiday (just after getting my BFP!) - lol!!!

Just finished crossfit class which was great but now having to have a sit-down as am feeling a bit weak! Idiotically forgot to bring a snack to eat afterwards. Still learning...!!

This lady's blog is also good for ideas but I have to admit I don't / didn't think I was fit enough to do some of the stuff, even before I got pregnant!

blondeponytail.com/workouts/prenatal-fitness/

For those newly pregnant I have to say that at 19 weeks I'm feeling much better and inclined to exercise than between week 5-10. The nausea and general 'mehness' has disappeared and I actually feel like doing something apart from sitting on the sofa worrying about every twinge and stuffing my face with refined white carbs and sugar.

I do find that I get hotter quicker and need more water, and it's handy to have a snack on hand (nuts, banana etc) for after as sometimes I feel a bit light headed (but I get that just wandering around sometimes as well)