How do I stay motivated?

[Gayla]

I am 33 weeks pregnant and am on the brink of a major exercise slump. I am still working out about five hours a week (down from 6 1/2 to 7 hours in the second trimester), but it is becoming more and more of a struggle. No matter what I do, my stomach is in the way, and I am so tired at the end of the day that I can't enjoy aerobics workouts.

Is this normal? Is this something I should just push through or is my body telling me to slow down? I am frustrated with myself because I feel that I am being a little bit of a baby. I didn't work out much at all during my first pregnancy, and I know that I have felt better this time because of regular exercise. On the other hand, right now everything but sleep seems to make me feel worse rather than better.

 

[lwseymour]

Hi Gayla

You're probably hoping for a respone from our expert Sheila, however, I just wanted to tell you my story. I found it extremely difficult to workout the last 7 or 8 weeks of my pregnancy also. I was walking (quite fast) about 5 to 6 miles per day throughout my pregnancy and was feeling wonderful until those last few weeks. This had been my usual routine for a year or so before becoming pregnant. My stomach wasn't getting in the way so much, but I simply became extremely fatigued very quickly. It seemed like I was walking just as fast as usual, but apparently I wasn't since (at the end) it seemed to take me almost twice the amount of time to walk my usual trail. It seemed like, no matter how much I tried, I couldn't go any faster. In my opinion,(whatever that's worth), this is just normal for your stage of pregnancy. You are certainly NOT being a baby. In fact, sounds like you are quite the trooper instead. I slowed down those last couple of months, and just stopped pushing myself. I kept on walking but stayed at the speed that my body felt good at. I will never forget doing a 5K race/walk for charity and by the time I crossed the finish line (not only was I last), but they had already taken down the tents and was out of water and food etc. Oh well, it was still great fun! Still a good laugh!
I'm sure Sheila can give you more specifics about what to do. Good luck to you!
Lisa

 

[Gayla]

Thank you

Thanks, Lisa. I slowed down quite a bit this week--I pretty much had to, since I had a bad cold and spent part of the weekend in bed--and I feel much better now. So I think I am going to stop pushing myself so hard for the rest of the pregnancy. It's just six weeks or so, right?

Gayla

 

[Daphne M]

Not Sheila either

But I'd recommend listening to your body. Some pregnancies are tougher than others and some weeks are easier than others. At this point in your pregnancy, I bet you'd be amazed at what a workout you're getting just walking a little bit. Don't wear yourself out now -- the hardest part comes AFTER the baby is born! You'll need your energy. OH -- and five hours a week is a LOT!

My first pregnancy was harder on my body. By the end, even taking my dogs for a walk made me miserable. (In my defense, their combined weight is 180 pounds and they were frisky 2 year olds.)
For some reason with my 2nd child, I felt great throughout the pregnancy and took a step aerobics class with my step at 6" the day before I gave birth. I wasn't pushing myself, that felt like a comfortable height for me.

I ended up with two beautiful children and in both cases, despite having 2 c-sections, I was feeling AWESOME within 3 days. No, I am not kidding ... they threatened to put me in the medical textbooks.

Best of luck with your baby. Bet you can't wait to meet her/him so soon.

 

[BLinda]

Relax, then do something-

I'm a big believer in listening to your body. That said, I must say it was never quite as honest with me during pregnancy as other times. I found that pushing myself to work out in the last trimester worked for me. I am convinced that is why I had my second 2 weeks earlier than my first, and felt great immediately. And I must add that I never would have worked out while pregnant without pushing myself. That said, I didn't push myself hard in the workout, just forced myself to work out. My body was pretty accurate for a reasonable exertion level once I started.
My personal (and non-professional opinion) would be to give yourself some time off (a week or two) and see how you feel. You may be pushing yourself too hard, and your body may be telling you that. Get more sleep. If you don't feel like working out in a week or two, re-evaluate, and see if you can find any reason. If not, reduce your exertion level, but do something. Walk, and let that count. And don't push for an aerobic heartrate (if your like me, getting out of a chair would put me in the zone) you're doing plenty as it is!

 

[Gayla]

Thank you, BLinda!

I think you're right about your body being less "honest" during pregnancy. It is, in my experience, much easier to say, "I don't feel like working out today" when you're pregnant. I haven't been pushing myself in terms of exertion ("Dance Step" is not exactly interval training, even when 7-8 months pregnant) but just in terms of making myself get off of the couch.

I worked out a little last week, but not much--about half of what I have been doing. I have also started setting my alarm for 5 a.m. instead of 4 a.m. (!) and plan to do that for the remainder of the pregnancy, so I have gotten some more rest. I feel much better now and am back on my regular schedule. And as of yesterday, I am 34 weeks, which means, hopefully, six or fewer weeks to go!

Gayla

 

[Gayla]

Thanks, Daphne

You're absolutely right that even walking is an aerobic workout these days--I am horrified by how winded I am just walking up two flights of stairs to my office. I think that the main thing I need to do in terms of increasing my energy is get more sleep--I have only been getting 5-6 hours a night, which is enough for me during "real life" but not during pregnancy.

I'm amazed that you could use a 6" step the day before you gave birth. I haven't used my step at 6" since early June.

I didn't work out during my first pregnancy and my main goal this time around has been feeling better during the pregnancy, hopefully having an easier delivery, and recovering more quickly (it took a LONG time with my daughter). My doctor thinks that exercise will help with all those things, and I must say that for the most part, I have felt MUCH better.

I truly can't wait to see my little boy in just a few weeks.

Gayla