Getting Back Into Working Out...Please Help

[mabdoo]

I am hoping that someone can help me out here. I have been unable to work out since November because I am considered a high-risk pregnancy. I am due in six more weeks. I feel huge because of this but have only gained 28 pounds. I guess I am just not used to going without exercise for a few days let alone over 6 months.

My question is this: When I get back into working out would it be ok to break up the gym style upper body workouts into one body part per day? I will have two little ones 15 months apart and know that I will not be able to devote an hour a day (at least not right away) to working out for two reasons, first, I will need some time to get my strength back after such a long hiatus and second, because I am worried that I won't have the time. I know that these sound like lame excuses but for now that is the reality of the situation. When should I do cardio and how much should I do? Should I do some lifting every day with a little bit of cardio? I am thinking right now that my only cardio will consist of taking the girls out for a daily walk in the stroller.

Thanks in advance for any help that anyone can give me.

 

[steppin out]

Mabdoo,

You should really discuss this with your doctor after you have the baby. I would think one body part per day would be fine, but make sure you wait until the doctor gives you the "go ahead" to begin exercising again. Enjoy your children!

Sherry

 

[tricia]

Hi Mabdoo,

I agree with Sherry to definitely get with your doctor on this one. I also know that sometimes our docs don't take us seriously when we tell them we lift weights and do high intensity cardio....What I did after my babies were born (who are now 5, 3 & 3) was to do Cross Train express, either the cardio portion or weights. This is a great way to get back into working out and if you find yourself with more time than 1/2 hour, you can throw in the complete workout and still be done in less than an hour in most cases.

I'm sure 4DS would also work, but it seems much more intense than CTX. Coming off such a long break, it might be overzealous to try that first! I can relate, because I was in a "high risk pregnancy" because I was having twins even though I was never put on restrictions like no exercise or bedrest. But I didn't do much exercising either!

Another option is to just pick your favorite workouts and do some of the premixes. As you have already realized, your time is going to be crunched for the next little while. Just do what feels right, don't stress about it and be sure to get the rest you need. (Especially in those first 3 months after the baby comes!)

I have a little saying I came across that really helped me during those times, it's more about the messy house than our "body clutter", but I think it still applies! I love it, and it still gets to me:

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."

Tricia