Talk to me about exercise

[gerberdaisy]

I have never been good about exercising. I'll go through periods of working out, then take like seriously 2 years off.  Its bad.  So now, obviously, I'm pregnant and I have no clue what I can/can't do.  I've tried google and such and most says continue what you were doing, cut down from there, but what if I wasn't doing anything?  I did take yoga for a year, but stopped about 6-8 months before getting pregnant. 

Any advice/what do you do?  I know walking, try to do that and now that the weather is getting warmer that will help.  I've looked up prenatal yoga classes and there is one a week that I'm trying to attend (been working out of town making it impossible).  Anything else? 

Also, I've been getting awful RLP and sciatica pain that makes walking too much unbearable.  Sciatica pain has always been there, just getting worse with pregnancy.

Oh and I'm 20 weeks, if that matters.  Thanks!

[katinthehat]

I think walking and prenatal yoga are always appropriate no matter your pre-pregnancy exercise level. And you might find a support belt helps with the RLP and sciatica. I am dealing with some pretty awful sciatica and find that walking neither helps or hurts it, it just is, so I keep on walking.

I am going to check with my OB about seeing a chiropractor because I'd rather not just deal with it if I have other options.

[MrsDarcy]

Maybe try swimming or riding a stationary bike (not a spin class). Something that doesn't put pressure on your nerves.

[mandymay]

There are some good prenatal yoga and pilates dvds too, if you are finding it difficult to get to classes. When it gets warmer, swimming might be a good option for you and should be easier on your sciatica pain.

I'm walking/jogging and doing prenatal pilates right now.

[linz]

I would try some water aerobics or even just swimming in a pool. The main thing I've always heard is don't try anything new or a new training program. So if you weren't a runner now is not the time to start.

[Myrrhine]

I would check with your doctor. I was in your position (not exercising really at all in the months before pregnancy), and my doctor was fine with me doing prenatal pilates, walking, and using the elliptical (although I take it easy and keep my heart rate under 140). That is just what I asked about though.

[aqualuv]

I would definitely check in with your doctor. I was recently told I cannot do strenuous exercise, but I am cleared to still walk and do my prenatal yoga class.

[gerberdaisy]

luckydog I haven't tried prenatal pilates, but how is the instructor? I've found that most of the prenatal instructors (dvd/you tube) drive me bonkers with all this connecting with your fetus stuff.

That sounds callous, but really, I did a prenatal yoga on demand and it was like we barely did anything because all she did was talk about how great it is that your baby is growing inside you and then some very slow basic moves.

Thanks for the ideas everyone! Never knew prenatal pilates existed before, I'll try tonight in my hotel room. Once summer comes I plan on swimming in the lake a lot, but in the mean time there isn't really a pool available.

[gerberdaisy]

Apr 8, 2014 15:45:27 GMT -5 luckydog said:

Apr 8, 2014 15:15:08 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

luckydog I haven't tried prenatal pilates, but how is the instructor? I've found that most of the prenatal instructors (dvd/you tube) drive me bonkers with all this connecting with your fetus stuff.

That sounds callous, but really, I did a prenatal yoga on demand and it was like we barely did anything because all she did was talk about how great it is that your baby is growing inside you and then some very slow basic moves.

Thanks for the ideas everyone! Never knew prenatal pilates existed before, I'll try tonight in my hotel room. Once summer comes I plan on swimming in the lake a lot, but in the mean time there isn't really a pool available.

I totally understand what you mean. She doesn't do any of that "bonding with baby" that I've noticed, and I find it obnoxious too. She does mention that certain exercises help prepare whatever body part for delivery, but I found that helpful. She is a fitness instructor, and doesn't try to do any spiritual stuff.

Thanks! That sounds perfect. I'll look it up tonight.

[anna7602]

Belly dancing is A LOT of fun while pregnant. I haven't had time to take classes this time (all in the evening, when I am home with DD), but I have taken them in the past and loved them. It's one of the few exercises where I think having a bigger belly actually enhances the normal moves. I guess I should look for a DVD now that I think of it...

Ditto pp on water aerobics, but if there's no pool around you, that's not practical.

[Wonderwall]

My OB made it clear to "keep doing what you're doing" and no be sure that right now is not the time to kick it up a notch just maintain intensity and modify where necessary.

I was running and doing Insanity and Jillian Michael's vids in the AM prior to getting preg.

Since then I've kept doing those but kept distance short, pace steady, and cut out all plyometrics.

Everything else I'm still able to do although I admit that I get tired a lot lore a easily now.

I say listen to your body. Stay hydrated. Don't overexert yourself.

[Wonderwall]

Oops sorry about the typos I'm on the stupid app.

Like others said I think walking and yoga are always great. You can get a great workout from yoga - there's lots of strength involved!

[Blue Moon]

I'm aiming for 30 mins a day. If the weather is nice, I'll take a brisk walk. If not, I'll do a prenatal yoga routine. I like Lara Dutta's routine which is available on YouTube, but it does have a bit of the "connecting with your baby" spiel. I don't mind it.

[narockshard]

I've had a ton of back pain this pregnancy, as well as in my legs/crotch area if I walk too much, so the elliptical has been awesome for me. I can still get a good sweat in without any part of my body hurting. I also alternate with light weight training too. Someone on here recommended some Fit Sugar prenatal workouts on YouTube which I love. I do the legs and butt one, the arm one, and the Heidi Klum trainer one for a total of about 30 minutes.