Newly pregnant--does my exercise need to change?

[mregan]

Hello,
I am about 3 weeks pregnant with my first. When do I need to start changing the way I exercise. I am 41, in good physical shape (doing most of Cathe's DVDs), and at my ideal weight. I've been exercising at least 3 times a week for years. Is kickboxing safe? What about all of that bouncing on the step? What about Boot Camp (a killer!) and abdominal exercise? My husband keeps telling me I should probably stop all of this intense exercise and do yoga exclusively (which I already do). I read somewhere that pregnant women should switch to cycling and swimming--gentler exercise. Unfortunately, neither of these is an option for me. Any comments on how I need to modify my exercise program will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Manmohini

 

[shopaholic]

Hi and congrats!
I didn't modify at all early in my pregnancies. This time I do some modifications first trimester due to morning sickness . Overall, I listened to my body. If it felt fine, I did it.

 

[melanalyus]

I only modified when my body told me too. You may want to check in at the weekly preganancy check-in. There's lots of great ideas and support there. Good luck & congrats on your pregnancy. This must be a long-waited blessing!!

**Melanie**
28lbs lost 5lbs to go

Jadon born 11/23/05
Justin born 1/17/04
Jory born 4/9/94
" Take care of your body like it will last a lifetime. Take care of your soul like it will last for eternity"

 

[dcat]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! When I was pregnant, I just followed the signals my body gave. During the first trimester, I remember fatigue setting in around the time of morning sickness and just worked out when it felt right to and modified when needed.

As my belly grew, there came a time when doing just basic step routines were the most comfortable, without all the turns and twists of more advanced choreography. I stayed away from interval training altogether. In addition to modified step, I did low impact floor aerobics. I didn't do much kickboxing but mainly because it wasn't comfortable for my back. I had to lighten my weights up some and really didn't do any weighted leg exercises.

I did traditional ab work until the 14th week, then did it on a step incline, and when that got uncomfortable I would sometimes use a stability or do them on all fours. I did yoga as well (in fact, got a yoga certification during my first trimester!) but later strictly went to a pre-natal yoga class which really helped me a lot during the last four months.

Bottom line, listen to your body as you'll find that it's truly different for every woman and every pregnancy differs. Enjoy your pregnancy. There may be days when you'll feel otherwise but it really does go by quickly!
Diana

 

[scm]

I agree, I only modified when my body told me too. However, I was more conscious of not letting my heartrate get too high during cardio.
Susan C.M.
[link=http://lilypie.com][img noborder]http://bd.lilypie.com/elmYm5.png[/img][/link]

 

[dcat]

Oh yes I was more conscious of that, too, good point. And I always had a fan blowing on me, as well, as I was always worried about about getting too warm.

Wow. Looking back...was I ever careful!!