Gym whilst Pregnant

[mixedmama]

Hi All,

We have a private gym just opened on our development, only about 8 pieces of equipment, bikes, treadmill, cross trainer and a few weighty things I dont recognise ( you can tell how often i go )....

My question is do any of you still go to the gym and what is considered safe for you to use etc... never really bothered with gym but seeing as it is on my doorstep and for residents use i thought it wouldnt hurt to maybe go on the bike.

I remember in my first pg I was going to carry on going

I spoke to the woman there and she said most things were fine except lying down stuff, stomach exercises (obv) and ones that stretched your inner thighs cos you can pull stuff

didn't actually test the theory out, went home sat on arse

was thinking about the bike maybe as i am rubbish at runnign and look such a muppet on the treadmill... am quite overwieght anyway so thought if i get some good practice in place now might encourage me once baba is here.

You should be fine on the bike but you need to remember that you are more prone to injury esp your back so take it easy!!

I used the treadmill (walking, not running, plus a bit of uphill) bike and step machine, plus light weights. I carried on quite happily until 7 months when it got too hot, then starting swimming (huge relief when you've got a huge bump).

A word of warning, though, if you've never really done any exercise before now, you should take it really slowly. Also, make sure your heartbeat never gets above 140bpm and stretch gently after lifting any weights.

What exercise have you been doing in the last three years?

Steer clear of bike if pregnant.

I recommend a gentle walk on the treadmill for approx half hour and build this up slowly to a brisk walk for the same amount of time.

Use of weights are allowed, if you have not exercised recently then only use 2.5kg to tone and shape.

I thought you only had to steer clear of normal bikes for the balance and falling off issues, not exercise bikes? I was advised to alternate between all 3, but tbh I found the recliner bikes more comfortable in the later months,

Thanks that really helps ladies. Have done close to nothing - 6 months before becoming preg 3-4 times a week dance aerobics dvds but no gym... am def taking up swimming and they have special aquanatal classes in my area, but will def give the treadmill a go (would only ever walk tho, even normally).

I quite like the bike... what is the problem with the bike when pregnant then.

the bike should be fine! but I would just echo what others have said about not over doing it. the general advice about exercise in pregnancy is that this is not the time to start a big new fitness drive - you can carry on doing what your body is used to, in a modified form, but you have to be careful about taking up new things.
the other thing to point out is the effect of the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which makes you much more flexible. This is a good thing but beware of over stretching as you may pull a muscle.
And exercising on your back should only be for a very limited amount of time - two minutes at most, I think they recommend, before sitting up for a break.
BTW I'm not a doctor! But I have had a specialised pregnancy ante natal personal trainer so have picked up quite a lot of info from her.
swimming, and gentle uphill walking on the treadmill sounds ideal. There are all sorts of other good exercises for pregnant women (to build up your core strength, which reduces the chances of back pain, for example) but you should speak to an expert!
good luck

i did a proper spin class up to 6 months pregger, but had been doing it before (to get my bod in enough shape to cope with pregnancy!)

Stationary bicycle, walking, and swimming are the standard recommended exercises for pregnant women here (in the US). The risk with the bicycle is losing your balance and falling off.. not to mention the usual problems of manic drivers, bad roads, etc., which have been making me more nervous since pregnancy.

Be careful about not overheating -- the main thing is to make sure you get plenty of fluids. Take lots of breaks to drink water, and you'll be fine. I also find it helps to eat something half an hour before working out, whereas when non-pregnant I wouldn't eat anything for an hour or two before exercise.

Let's see... stretch carefully, drink water, don't try to lift anyone heavier than the average toddler... I think that's about it.

If you've not been doing much regular exercise before pregnancy take it very carefully...

Stationery bike, brisk walking, maybe arm bike. Water based stuff, obviously and stuff like antenatal yoga is excellent.

See if the gym can lend you a heart rate monitor - it can help to keep an eye on heart rate. You're unlikely to get hot enough for long enough to cause a problem but just be aware that it isn't good to overheat for long.

hi mixedmama

I'm still going to the gym at 20wks - I go on the step machine and cross trainer mostly and do light weights. I don't bother with the bike as I cycle everywhere anyway. Think it's completely fine to go on bike until 6 months when they say it might be advisable to stop on an actual bike but I would imagine it's fine to continue on an exercise bike. My mw told me the biggest danger on my bike was some mad car driver running me over!!

But the most important thing is if you don't usually exercise go very slowly and stop if you feel very out of breath/dizzy etc. Highly recommend a bit of exercise - makes you feel great and is a good excuse for a bit of over-indulgence in the chocolate/biscuit/chips stakes

Hey skidaddle

Yeah I am talking like half an hour maybe cos i am mindful that i dont usually do too much in the way of exercise, but want to get some good habits going.