Scared to exercise

[mari27]

Hi Ladies,
I am in my 12th week and am very concerned I hear so many different things how you should not jump,or workout to hard or run that I am scared to workout.
When I do workout it is not enjoyable because I am scared.
What I want to know because this is my 3rd pregnancy but 1st while I am fit is, how much is too much and what do you not do and what can you do.
Before I became pregnant I worked out for 3 years 6days a week at about 2 hours a day.
So any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thank You,
Marisol

 

[tvan_horn]

Marisol,

I think we will all agree that everybody is different here, and you have listen to your own body.

I was apprehensive too, especially because I had miscarried with my first pregnancy last spring.

I did not do anything for the first 12 weeks because I had no energy what-so-ever. After that I eased back into cardio. I am modifying Cathe's CTX tapes on a 6-inch board and I am also running. There are days I feel like I can push harder than others, but I try to stay pretty consistent with my intensity level. At about 16 weeks, I started to light strength work with MIS. I am in my 28th week now and I am still doing the same types of workouts. I have cut my runs to 3 miles and only run once per week. I am still doing CTX on a 6 in board, but will probably drop to 4 inches in the next couple weeks because my balance is getting a little wobbly.

If you have not read "Expecting Fitness" by Birgitta Gallo, you must read this. This book convinced me of the importance of fitness during pregnancy. It explains not only the benefits to the mother, but also to the child (which was what I needed to know in order to maintain my motivation).

If you have any questions, just keep checking with your health care provider. Mine has been great in reassuring me that as long as I use common sense and listen to my body, I am not hurting myself.

If the workouts you are doing are scaring you, then back off the intensity. That is hard for many of Cathe's die-hard intensity fans to do, but you will find that happy medium that you are comfortable with.

Good Luck,

Tina

 

[FitMom]

I know how you feel

I know how you feel. Here's something I copied for fitpregnancy.com's site

I’m worried that my workouts might trigger a miscarriage. Is there any risk?

As long as you don’t overdo it, no. In fact, a recent study of more than 300 women by the Columbia University School of Public Health in New York found that women who engaged in aerobic exercise during their pregnancies were less likely to experience miscarriages early in pregnancy. “We don’t understand why or how exercise may be protective, but one theory is that it blunts [or lessens] hormonal changes that can trigger uterine contractions and miscarriage,” says Maureen Hatch, Ph.D., associate professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Hope that helps a bit.

http://www.fitmomsonline.com/allisig1.gif​

Mommy to Zachary, Jillian and.......​

[/p]

Littlest one due on February 24, 2002​

[/p]

 

[SheWolf]

Marisol,

I have to agree with Tina whole-heartedly. Keeping up some type of exercise program during pregnancy is very beneficial to both of you, but you have to listen to your own body. Because things won't feel the same as they did before.

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and have managed to maintain working out through my entire pregnancy 6 days a week, just at a lower intensity level. I had to lower my step to 6 inches and even lower the amount of my weights.

The book by Briget Gallo "Expecting Fitness" is definitely worth reading. It was the first book I purchased, once the pregnancy was confirmed.

Best of luck to you!

Linda

 

[mari27]

Thank You I went on-line and definately purchased the book,
One more question how many of you still do kickboxing or tae-bo?
Are those any safe I feel pretty o.k doing that type of workout, again I guess I am just scared you hear all these different things from so many people.

 

[Sheila]

Hello,

The following is from a post that I put out dated 7/99 regarding kickboxing/tae bo type workouts.

"I have had clients in my prenatal program who have continued their kickboxing classes through their first trimester. I have also had former "kickboxers" that have come into my program during the first trimester because they are too fatigued (as a result of early pregnancy) to "keep up" in their kickboxing classes. I would check with your healthcare provider to get the final "go ahead" before you continued this type of workout after becoming pregnant. Kickboxing's high powered movements generate tremendous force and momentum. I would be concerned about the effects of these moves on your hip joints, your sacro-iliac joint(low back) and your pubic symphysis (joint where the pubic bones meet in the front of the pelvis). These areas will be made less stable to begin with as a result of the "loosening" hormones of pregnancy. The punches would be fine to do if they are executed properly with control. You may be able to continue this type of workout for ~2-3 months into your pregnancy if you "listen to your body." If you get any lower back or pelvic discomfort you should discontinue the workout and engage in an alternate form of cardiovascular activity that would not be so demanding on your vulnerable joints."

I would also suggest that you purchase "Fit to Deliver" by Nordahl. You can go to www.fittodeliver.com to order it, or go to any of the bigger internet bookstore sites.

Keep us posted.

Sheila Watkins