I'm Baack!

[Kathy02]

Ok, so I'm sure that some of you remember the last pregnant nightmare, well, I'm back. I just found out today, and am only 4 weeks along. Here are some questions for you all to help me with.
First of all when did you start to modify your workouts, right away or not until your body told you to. Second of all, with the wieghts training, I usually do MIS and PH, with as hi or weight as I can (especially with MIS.) Are they still safe, or should I lighten my load right away? I don't meet with a doctor for quite some time, so I just want to make sure that I am not harming myself by still doing a lot of the same things that I usually do.

 

[kristi]

Congratulations! I'm surprised I am the first one to respond. It is always so exciting. Earlier today I was looking at the pictures taken of my son, now 13 months old, when he was born. He has grown so much. It makes me want to have another one.

I would answer your question, but their are so many other women on here who have more experience and can give you better advice than me. I did not workout the last 1/2 of my pregnancy other than an occassional walk 1 or 2 times a week because I had gestational diabetes and I did not know of this forum then. The next time I become pregnant I will continue exercising routine. Good luck!!

 

[Kathy02]

Tahnk you Kristi that was very nice of you. I do have one other question for any of you that have been through the whole pregnancy with working out before. (My first I didn't work out at all.)
I am thinking about buying the CTX Series, should I just say forget it until I have the baby or is it safe enough for me to do anyway. Right now I am used to doing IMAX 2, Rhythmic Step, HI Low Heaven, Tae Bo Advanced.

 

[MSJ]

Hi There,
I don't know anything about your history and I'm certainly not qualified to give medical advice, but I have exercised successfully through 4 of my 5 pregnancies. I modify cardio when my body tells me to, but I have found that with weights, I can pretty much follow my normal routine. I have had to lighten a little on some of my leg work however because of some lower back pain. I don't do any abs at all. Lots of women on the forum do, however. Oh, also, I do put my step on an incline after the first trimester for all strength training on my back. Again, some women don't have to do this. If you have a history of difficult pregnancies, you probably want to at least call and talk to your doctor, otherwise I'd say go for it and listen to your body.

I hope everything goes well for you this time.

Maggie
due 9-8-03

 

[briee]

Hi Kathy, I'm not qualified to give advice either although what really qualifies one to give advice. I've received doctor's advice that has been way off and they are qualified right? So here is unqualified advice that has come through experience!!! I've never modified my workouts while pregnant except when my body tells me too. I know of women jogging right through the ninth month. I continued to do my squats and lunges right up until the day of delivery last pregnancy, but I too would have lightened the load if my back bothered me as Maggie stated. I would be going full force at this time which was the plan, but at present I am "wiped out" tired all the time....so I find that while I'm doing strength workouts...I take breaks, stop the tape and wait a few seconds to a minute (sometimes a whole day x( x( ), otherwise I just can't make it through. Believe me, your body will let you know. I just read in "FIT pregnancy" magazine that they recommend you cut your weights in half once your pregnant....but I just can't mentally fathom doing bicep curls at half weight...seems like a waste of time to me and I've never lightened until I feel like I "need to lighten". Some are not doing any work on their backs (such as ab work or chest flies in a supine position) and that is your decision. The ACOG recommends not doing work on your back (edited to say "after the first trimester). Until I can find proof that baby is depleted in oxygen....I'm doing ab work and all else and did so last pregnancy. This is just my own decision. Just a few thoughts and congratulations...hope this one goes better than the last. I'm sure with more physical activity it will be an easier pregnancy!! I had four miserable pregnancies and the 5th was wonderful (was working out through this one). Blessings!!

Briee

 

[melanalyus]

Congrats Kathy & welcome to the forum. You'll find there is an AWESOME support group here at the forum. I can only speak of my personal experiences here, I, like Maggie & Briee, am not an expert in this area. Basically, I've been listening to my body & modifying as needed. There are some weeks that I barely have energy to get out of bed, and other days that I can whip through a tough cardio workout without elevating my HR too high. I've been monitoring my cardio exertion by the talk test, and how I feel. I am not working out into the anaerobic range & I pause the videos whenever I feel that I may be becoming anaerobic.
I'm a cardio junkie...and I don't do too much strength training. I did PLB yesterday, and used embarrasingly (sp?) light weight. I tend to bulk up in my legs (my legs are thin & firm naturally) so I've always kept the weight light in lower body. I use Cathe's weight for upper body work.
I've just entered the 2nd trimester, so I'm not sure how much modifying I'll be doing in the future. I imagine I'll be lowering my step level, and adjusting ab work.
For about a month now a few women have been sharing their workout logs on the forum. You may want to check them out to see what other pregos are doing. This has been extremely helpful for me.
Again, congrats!

Melanie
Due 1/25/04

" Take care of your body like it will last a lifetime. Take care of your soul like it will last for eternity"

 

[Kathy02]

Oh, you all said what I wanted to hear! Than you for all the kind words. I had a miss carriage in April. It was very sad, and I am hoping that this time it goes much better. I don't feel it was the excersize that caused it though, I was only 8 weeks along.
I will keep you infomed as to how everything goes as I progress.