Hi! It's been a long time since I have posted, but this was the first place I wanted to come for serious advise! Like most of you, I have been working out intensely with Cathe for years and love challenging myself. I just found out I am pregnant (for the first time!) and while I have done some reading, I really wanted to hear it from you guys! What do I do now? I conceived while training for 2 consecutive 1/2 marathons, which I definitely didn't expect, and want to continue to exercise and train as diligently as is safe throughout this pregnancy. Are there any rotations that have been put together yet, or any advise (other than talk to your doctor), b/c while I plan to do that, it is from YOU the women who have already gone through or are going through it, that I reallly want to hear from! I would REALLY appreciate any input. It's funny b/c I am the one everyone comes to for fitness advice and I am very confident in my knowledge, but this is a whole other ball game and want some company who can relate!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need advise!!!
- Thread starter chloesmom
- Start date
nspaulding3
Cathlete
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Congratulations!
I guess the best advice is probably just to listen to your body (other than talking to your doctor). I tend to be an overly cautious type so I like to wear a heart rate monitor just as a check to make sure I am not getting too far up there, but I think if it feels good to you you are probably OK. I think most doctors say not above 140bpm, but I sometimes go above this depending on how I am feeling.
I am really sick during most of the first trimester (morning sickness that lasts all day) when I am pregnant so it is really hard for me to stick to any kind of workout schedule. I just do whatever I can whenever I can.
Second trimester I feel much better so I exercise a lot more often, but I do take it down quite a bit. It is all what you are comfortable with, but most doctors will tell you not to do anything flat on your back after 16 weeks. My doctor also told me not to lift anything heavier than 25 pounds (yeah right I have a three year old!) But when I am lifting weights I lift a lot lighter and do only Low Impact. I am 20 weeks right now and am loving Low Max!
When I was pregnant with my son workouts got so much harder for me during the third trimester. Kickboxing was completely impossible for me and I had a lot of lower back pain. I had to modify down quite a bit. I did a lot of Cathe's beginner/intermediate workouts by this point.
Good Luck to you!
Congratulations!
I guess the best advice is probably just to listen to your body (other than talking to your doctor). I tend to be an overly cautious type so I like to wear a heart rate monitor just as a check to make sure I am not getting too far up there, but I think if it feels good to you you are probably OK. I think most doctors say not above 140bpm, but I sometimes go above this depending on how I am feeling.
I am really sick during most of the first trimester (morning sickness that lasts all day) when I am pregnant so it is really hard for me to stick to any kind of workout schedule. I just do whatever I can whenever I can.
Second trimester I feel much better so I exercise a lot more often, but I do take it down quite a bit. It is all what you are comfortable with, but most doctors will tell you not to do anything flat on your back after 16 weeks. My doctor also told me not to lift anything heavier than 25 pounds (yeah right I have a three year old!) But when I am lifting weights I lift a lot lighter and do only Low Impact. I am 20 weeks right now and am loving Low Max!
When I was pregnant with my son workouts got so much harder for me during the third trimester. Kickboxing was completely impossible for me and I had a lot of lower back pain. I had to modify down quite a bit. I did a lot of Cathe's beginner/intermediate workouts by this point.
Good Luck to you!
FitNurseRN
Cathlete
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Congrats!!!
I totally agree. Listen to your body and do what you can. The first trimester you are soo tired somedays. The second was really the best as in excercising and energy. I am currently 38weeks and I work out 2-3 times a week. I try to do a everyother day exercise rountine but, i am getting soo exhausted. You should stay away from anything with intervals or anarobic excercise. I enjoyed a lot of cathe's workouts mostly the low impact. I also do some of karen voights that are good also.
Good luck
melissa
Congrats!!!
I totally agree. Listen to your body and do what you can. The first trimester you are soo tired somedays. The second was really the best as in excercising and energy. I am currently 38weeks and I work out 2-3 times a week. I try to do a everyother day exercise rountine but, i am getting soo exhausted. You should stay away from anything with intervals or anarobic excercise. I enjoyed a lot of cathe's workouts mostly the low impact. I also do some of karen voights that are good also.
Good luck
melissa
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Hi!
I agree with the above- listen to your body. It will tell you what you are or aren't capable of doing. Some days you just won't be able to do your normal workouts. I am 26 weeks. Prior to I was a regular runner, weight lifter and cathe user, but I have definetly had to modify my routine. I always though I would be one of those women who ran up to the day before delivery- but I never felt comfortable running being pregnant. I still do cardio and lift weights 3-4 times a week, but I don't lift as heaviy and I watch my heart rate. The 140 bpm is a little outdated for a fit woman, so I do allow for a little over that- but I really just listen to my body. If it doesn't feel right, I stop. I still do some intervals- but not anaerobic.
Fit Nurse- I wanted to ask you why you recommmended not doing interval? Even modified intervals? Just wondering if there is info out there that I might have missed. Thanks.
Hope that helps you! Remember that this is not the time to push yourself harder or increase your strnegth or improve your endurance. You really wnat to maintain your fitness level to the best of your body's ability. THis has been a huge adjustment for me but I know I can return to my pre preganncy routine after my baby is born. Good Luck and be healthy!
Hi!
I agree with the above- listen to your body. It will tell you what you are or aren't capable of doing. Some days you just won't be able to do your normal workouts. I am 26 weeks. Prior to I was a regular runner, weight lifter and cathe user, but I have definetly had to modify my routine. I always though I would be one of those women who ran up to the day before delivery- but I never felt comfortable running being pregnant. I still do cardio and lift weights 3-4 times a week, but I don't lift as heaviy and I watch my heart rate. The 140 bpm is a little outdated for a fit woman, so I do allow for a little over that- but I really just listen to my body. If it doesn't feel right, I stop. I still do some intervals- but not anaerobic.
Fit Nurse- I wanted to ask you why you recommmended not doing interval? Even modified intervals? Just wondering if there is info out there that I might have missed. Thanks.
Hope that helps you! Remember that this is not the time to push yourself harder or increase your strnegth or improve your endurance. You really wnat to maintain your fitness level to the best of your body's ability. THis has been a huge adjustment for me but I know I can return to my pre preganncy routine after my baby is born. Good Luck and be healthy!
FitNurseRN
Cathlete
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
I meant intervals that make your body become anaerobic. You want to be able to talk during your entire workout. If you cant you need to slow it down a little bit. You dont want your heart beating so fast that your baby isnt getting enough oxygen, with anaerobic intervals that can happen. Hope this makes sense
melissa
I meant intervals that make your body become anaerobic. You want to be able to talk during your entire workout. If you cant you need to slow it down a little bit. You dont want your heart beating so fast that your baby isnt getting enough oxygen, with anaerobic intervals that can happen. Hope this makes sense
melissa
Ditto to what the other ladies have said.
I'm 9 weeks at this point, and found that I had to adjust my workouts down right away. At about 4 weeks, I was huffing and puffing from even doing basic step routines (and I have been a loyal TaeBoer and cathe-ite for years). I was surprised with how fast it hit me, but there was no denying it, my body is in charge at this point!
So far, I've gone from 5 days/week, to trying to get in 3-4. Like the others have said, there are days where I'm just so tired that I can't make it happen. And you have to remember that that's OK. You sound like me when it comes to fitness, and I've been very frustrated with my inability to "force" myself into it, like I've been able to do in the past.
So....listen to your body, be patient with yourself (things are working very hard in there!), and do what feels good for you.
And congratulations!
I'm 9 weeks at this point, and found that I had to adjust my workouts down right away. At about 4 weeks, I was huffing and puffing from even doing basic step routines (and I have been a loyal TaeBoer and cathe-ite for years). I was surprised with how fast it hit me, but there was no denying it, my body is in charge at this point!
So far, I've gone from 5 days/week, to trying to get in 3-4. Like the others have said, there are days where I'm just so tired that I can't make it happen. And you have to remember that that's OK. You sound like me when it comes to fitness, and I've been very frustrated with my inability to "force" myself into it, like I've been able to do in the past.
So....listen to your body, be patient with yourself (things are working very hard in there!), and do what feels good for you.
And congratulations!
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
I also agree with the others. I noticed when I entered the 3rd trimester I had to slow down quite a bit. I switched to a prenatal water aerobics class, prenatal yoga videos and a old Kathy Smith prenatal video I had. It was kind of disheartening to me at first, as I read about so many people keeping up the intensity until they delivered, but I had to listen to my body. Everyone is different and I had to realize that. This is my third pregnancy, so I also know that I can get back into shape after the baby is here (which also makes me feel better!)
Just do what your body feels good doing and you should be fine! Good luck!
I also agree with the others. I noticed when I entered the 3rd trimester I had to slow down quite a bit. I switched to a prenatal water aerobics class, prenatal yoga videos and a old Kathy Smith prenatal video I had. It was kind of disheartening to me at first, as I read about so many people keeping up the intensity until they delivered, but I had to listen to my body. Everyone is different and I had to realize that. This is my third pregnancy, so I also know that I can get back into shape after the baby is here (which also makes me feel better!)
Just do what your body feels good doing and you should be fine! Good luck!
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Thanks for responding guys! I feel like all I keep finding are very basic prenatal workout videos, nothing targeted for the advanced exerciser, so your input is very helpful. I am finding that my heart rate is definitely higher, and everything is just a little harder right now. Mostly I just get nervous sometimes, worrying what is too much. I guess that will get easier with time. Right now it's still so early that while I feel tired, and crampy and sore, I dont' look pregnant and it still seems so surreal to me! Thank god for this forum!!! Have a great day everyone!!!!!!!
Thanks for responding guys! I feel like all I keep finding are very basic prenatal workout videos, nothing targeted for the advanced exerciser, so your input is very helpful. I am finding that my heart rate is definitely higher, and everything is just a little harder right now. Mostly I just get nervous sometimes, worrying what is too much. I guess that will get easier with time. Right now it's still so early that while I feel tired, and crampy and sore, I dont' look pregnant and it still seems so surreal to me! Thank god for this forum!!! Have a great day everyone!!!!!!!
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Chloesmom
I too could not find prenatal workouts for the advanced exerciser- I looked everywhere! So I just do my own modifications. Your heart rate will continue to be higher. Sometimes I feel like it is a little too elevated for me to exercise safely- so I take the day off. Some days you will feel great and other days you will have to rest. Listening to your body is the most important thing. Congratulations and good luck!
Chloesmom
I too could not find prenatal workouts for the advanced exerciser- I looked everywhere! So I just do my own modifications. Your heart rate will continue to be higher. Sometimes I feel like it is a little too elevated for me to exercise safely- so I take the day off. Some days you will feel great and other days you will have to rest. Listening to your body is the most important thing. Congratulations and good luck!
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
Congratulations!
I have a great book recommendation for you. I keep recommending it on this site. It's called "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" by Clapp. It was very informative to me and I think it will ease your mind about exercising even at a higher intensity as long as you listen to your body. In this book he talks about why exercising during pregnancy is good for you and your baby as long as you don't overdo it. He also says that watching your heartrate isn't a good indication of where your at like it is when your not pregnant. He says the perceived exertion rate is a better test. The old rule of not letting your heartrate get above 140 is outdated. It says that in the book and my ob/gyn said it as well. He even explains that you can exercise on your back past 16 weeks as long as your torso or legs are moving. It's when your lying still that the uterus can cut off blood flow to the vena cava. So it's fine unless you get dizzy or light headed while on your back then that means blood flow is being compromised. My ob/gyn says the uterus and the mother's head get the same amount of blood flow during pregnancy so if your head is getting enough blood then the baby is getting enough blood.
Anyway check out this book, it also goes into the physiology of what is happening during pregnancy explaining why we get out of breath more easily and why the heart rate increases especially during the first trimester.
I exercised during the first couple of weeks that I knew I was pregnant and then I didn't exercise at all until I was about 16 weeks because I felt so crappy, but now I feel good (I'm 25 weeks) and I've been doing my Cathe tapes with just a few modifications. I don't do intervals though because I don't want to go anaerobic. My favorites are the 4 day split (except Boot Camp, I haven't even attempted that one) and LIC.
My doctor said step aerobics was fine and jogging is fine as well, she said the bouncing around wouldn't hurt the baby as long as the pregnancy is normal. Talk to your doctor though and see what will be best for you.
Good luck and listen to your body!
Amy
Congratulations!
I have a great book recommendation for you. I keep recommending it on this site. It's called "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" by Clapp. It was very informative to me and I think it will ease your mind about exercising even at a higher intensity as long as you listen to your body. In this book he talks about why exercising during pregnancy is good for you and your baby as long as you don't overdo it. He also says that watching your heartrate isn't a good indication of where your at like it is when your not pregnant. He says the perceived exertion rate is a better test. The old rule of not letting your heartrate get above 140 is outdated. It says that in the book and my ob/gyn said it as well. He even explains that you can exercise on your back past 16 weeks as long as your torso or legs are moving. It's when your lying still that the uterus can cut off blood flow to the vena cava. So it's fine unless you get dizzy or light headed while on your back then that means blood flow is being compromised. My ob/gyn says the uterus and the mother's head get the same amount of blood flow during pregnancy so if your head is getting enough blood then the baby is getting enough blood.
Anyway check out this book, it also goes into the physiology of what is happening during pregnancy explaining why we get out of breath more easily and why the heart rate increases especially during the first trimester.
I exercised during the first couple of weeks that I knew I was pregnant and then I didn't exercise at all until I was about 16 weeks because I felt so crappy, but now I feel good (I'm 25 weeks) and I've been doing my Cathe tapes with just a few modifications. I don't do intervals though because I don't want to go anaerobic. My favorites are the 4 day split (except Boot Camp, I haven't even attempted that one) and LIC.
My doctor said step aerobics was fine and jogging is fine as well, she said the bouncing around wouldn't hurt the baby as long as the pregnancy is normal. Talk to your doctor though and see what will be best for you.
Good luck and listen to your body!
Amy
RE: cathe-ite intense exerciser...newly pregnant need a...
WOW! I can't tell you how happy (and relieved) I am to hear from you guys. Thank you so much for the book recommendation Amy. I am going to buy it today! I was thinking about trying the 4 day split...it didn't seem "challenging enough" before I knew I was pregnant, but now I've been thinking it is probably perfect. I'd really loved to continue this adventure with you guys...it feels so good to talk to people who understand! Thanks for all the well wishes. I wish you all the best as well! BTW, my name is Jenna. (Chloe was my cat when I first signed up 6 or 7 years ago, and every username I tried was already taken)
Have a great day and I'll check in soon!
Jenna
WOW! I can't tell you how happy (and relieved) I am to hear from you guys. Thank you so much for the book recommendation Amy. I am going to buy it today! I was thinking about trying the 4 day split...it didn't seem "challenging enough" before I knew I was pregnant, but now I've been thinking it is probably perfect. I'd really loved to continue this adventure with you guys...it feels so good to talk to people who understand! Thanks for all the well wishes. I wish you all the best as well! BTW, my name is Jenna. (Chloe was my cat when I first signed up 6 or 7 years ago, and every username I tried was already taken)
Have a great day and I'll check in soon!
Jenna
>Hi! It's been a long time since I have posted, but this was
>the first place I wanted to come for serious advise! Like most
>of you, I have been working out intensely with Cathe for years
>and love challenging myself. I just found out I am pregnant
>(for the first time!) and while I have done some reading, I
>really wanted to hear it from you guys! What do I do now? I
>conceived while training for 2 consecutive 1/2 marathons,
>which I definitely didn't expect, and want to continue to
>exercise and train as diligently as is safe throughout this
>pregnancy. Are there any rotations that have been put together
>yet, or any advise (other than talk to your doctor), b/c while
>I plan to do that, it is from YOU the women who have already
>gone through or are going through it, that I reallly want to
>hear from! I would REALLY appreciate any input. It's funny b/c
>I am the one everyone comes to for fitness advice and I am
>very confident in my knowledge, but this is a whole other ball
>game and want some company who can relate!!!
>Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello. I have five children, and all throught my pregnancies I workout in a prety high entesity level just because I knew I could handle it. I also ran 6 miles 4 times a week all through my seventh month of pregnancie, and did all my regular weigh training segments. Believe me it's worth it! I was able to shed the weight in less than 6 weeks. Also a week after having my children I would start doing my workouts. I felt find so there was no need not to. Hope this helps. Good luck and congratulations!
>the first place I wanted to come for serious advise! Like most
>of you, I have been working out intensely with Cathe for years
>and love challenging myself. I just found out I am pregnant
>(for the first time!) and while I have done some reading, I
>really wanted to hear it from you guys! What do I do now? I
>conceived while training for 2 consecutive 1/2 marathons,
>which I definitely didn't expect, and want to continue to
>exercise and train as diligently as is safe throughout this
>pregnancy. Are there any rotations that have been put together
>yet, or any advise (other than talk to your doctor), b/c while
>I plan to do that, it is from YOU the women who have already
>gone through or are going through it, that I reallly want to
>hear from! I would REALLY appreciate any input. It's funny b/c
>I am the one everyone comes to for fitness advice and I am
>very confident in my knowledge, but this is a whole other ball
>game and want some company who can relate!!!
>Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello. I have five children, and all throught my pregnancies I workout in a prety high entesity level just because I knew I could handle it. I also ran 6 miles 4 times a week all through my seventh month of pregnancie, and did all my regular weigh training segments. Believe me it's worth it! I was able to shed the weight in less than 6 weeks. Also a week after having my children I would start doing my workouts. I felt find so there was no need not to. Hope this helps. Good luck and congratulations!