Cannot motivate myself to exercise

[carlablack]

15 weeks here. Even though I feel fine, my bump is small and my doctor encouraged me, I find it very hard to motivate myself to exercise regularly.

It's odd for me as I used to work out 6 days a week for at least an hour everyday, for the past 5 years or so. My workouts were rather challenging and I lifted heavy weights, built a bit of muscle even. Right now it just seems pointless. My body will be ruined eventually anyway and I cannot work out hard enough to get that serotonin boost to make me feel happy.

But I know I need to do something, as I have the risk of developing GD later on.

I know pregnant women can keep up their usual routines if they're experienced. Problem is that my routine consisted of a lot of jumping and heavy lifting, both are not permitted by my doctor. I'm only allowed to do pregnancy workouts which are just laaaame.

How do you stay motivated? How do I get my butt off the chair?

I feel the same at 33 weeks! Wish I could tell you something motivating! Only do what you feel capable of, you should listen to your mind and body x

I've continued with weight training, I've just reduced the weights a bit (normally lift pretty heavy), mostly because I couldn't train at all for 3 months due to nausea. I'm now weight training twice a week and cross training twice a week (because I've found running makes me want to vomit - I might try running again soon). I've not used pregnancy workouts because I find them too low intensity. Main thing is to avoid abs work as it can increase the risk of diastasis of your abs but otherwise there's lots you can do!

Meant to add I'm 18 weeks but have only got back to training since 15 weeks as I felt so rubbish before!

I'm not sticking to the pregnancy workouts, they're generally dull as hell. I'm kinda just making it up from things I like that I can do at home and just taking it a bit easier than I normally would.

For me that's squats, lunges, matwork etc. Agree it's hard without an 'aim' so I'm working on trying to focus on things that will strengthen my legs, bum and back to help me carry the bump when I'm big.

Also doing some pregnancy yoga which is supposed to be great for helping with the birth and I actually really enjoy (down dog pregnancy app) - I am mixing in some of the tougher yoga I used to do before too, just for fun.

I've only just started getting into it though, had zero energy until recently (currently 12 weeks). Cannot wait for the swimming pools to reopen.

I did no exercise for the first 20 weeks because I felt so ill and exhausted!

I’m now 34 weeks and have been weight training again - lighter weights than previously, but not specific pregnancy workouts. I’ve just been listening to my body and adjusting as I go to avoid injury. Also not doing any exercises that involves lying flat on my back because it affects blood flow to your brain and placenta (I don’t know if I’d be able to get back up again now either!!) For cardio, I’m just walking/waddling 3-6 miles daily (but I’ve always hated cardio)

Motivation is getting easier as due date gets nearer - I want to be fit and have the stamina to get through labour and I want the glutes/thighs to be able to squat and the upper body strength to hold myself up etc

Give yourself a break if you’re feeling rough, but remember that all of the aches and pains that come in third trimester are very much improved by good muscle tone and remember that at the end of this 9 months you’ve got a tough physical challenge to get through that can last days! Better get training!

I was active before pregnancy, did a lot of running , hiking , walking . But the moment I fell pregnant I had nooooo energy . It took me until closer to 20 weeks to get my energy back. For the rest of my pregnancy I did tons of walking and felt great . Don’t put too much pressure on yourself because you can’t help how you feel .

I feel the same! 15 weeks here and apart from my usual yoga I haven't been able to do any of the other workouts I normally do. I'm determined to go running again next week though, as soon as my new sports bra arrives (assuming it fits, I've already had to send back two as theyve been too small!)

Don't forget though, your body is working hard, and you won't instantly lose all your fitness as if you've never exercised before. It's great if you can find something that motivates you and keeps you moving, but there are very few things as physically altering as pregnancy where one would just be expected to carry on as normal!