circuit training whilst pregnant

[lovecoffee1]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to know what people's thoughts are on circuit training whilst pregnant? I'm 29 weeks pregnant and feel fantastic after every circuit training.

I was doing high intensity circuit training for 2 years 3x per week before I got pregnant as well as running and lifting weights so I have also been fit. I obviously modify everything now and do everything at a low intensity with more rest time between each excercise and no longer run or lift weights as I'm finding it difficult. I got the all clear from the doctors and midwife to continue as long as I feel good and if I was was already doing it before it's safe to continue, however I recently asked my midwife again (different midwife) she was shocked I was doing circuit training and said I should just walk, swim and do yoga. I already walk and do yoga and wouldn't class that as working out. It just doesn't give me the same feeling I get from circuit training. I did have a look on line and found the information inconsistent. So was just wondering what people think? I really love my circuit training as it makes me feel great about my self and have had a fab pregnancy with no sickness, tiredness or cravings and believe it's because I have remained fit throughout. I really don't want to give it up but obviously will have to if I'm putting baby at risk.

Your midwife is wrong on this one. You can keep working out until you deliver as long as you feel good doing it. I did, both times. The idea that a pregnant woman should only do "gentle" exercise like walking and yoga is very outdated - the fitter you are for labour the better.

I am trying to do it once a week. It makes me feel amazing afterwards but I have been finding it hard to get motivated and I am tired all the time!! Dr has said it is fine to carry on, but look to maintain not to improve.

I'm currently 22 weeks and doing 4 spin classes a week (I have a heart condition and have been encouraged to continue the cardio by the cardiologists). Obstetricians told me when I saw them last week that currently the baby is priority for blood flow but after 28 weeks, if doing intense exercise baby won't get so much and my body becomes more of a priority so intense exercise can lead to slower growth

Ugh why is there no edit function

....if doing intense exercise baby won't get so much and my body becomes more of a priority so intense exercise can lead to slower growth if done too frequently

Thanks guys for responding. That's what I thought but just needed reasurance. I agree with QueenAravisOfArchenland I think the advice is so outdated and also one advice does not fit all. It really just depends on your current level of fitness and how active you were before you were pregnant. Do they really think Serena Williams only did gentle walks and yoga during pregnancy?

A lady at my gym was doing every class like normal till about the week before she gave birth. She was lifting weights, running, doing HIIT and circuits etc.

All modified to suit - some to not be over strenuous and some simply to take account of her massive bump getting in the way!

You are fit and experienced on what you are planning, you will be fine to carry on in a responsible way!

Your midwife is talking nonsense.

If you are fit already then you can continue non-contact exercise in maintenance mode until you feel so uncomfortable you can't continue.

If you can't keep to maintenance mode then obviously stop doing that particular exercise.

Also be aware that you may find it painful/uncomfortable to do things like jumping due to your ligaments being laxer, but it doesn't happen to everyone and if it does not at the same time.

BTW OP I've learnt not to take exercise advice from health professionals who don't specialise in it or have an interest in it, as I've found they talk a lot of nonsense.