Step height while pregnant

[Alison]

I'm at 14 weeks, and I'm finally over all the sickness and back to a semi-regular workout schedule. I've been doing my videos modified for low impact and on a 4-inch step instead of my usual 6-inch because that's what I've read other people have done. However, I don't feel like I'm getting a very thorough workout, and my heartrate is staying very low. I know I shouldn't base it on my heartrate, but I thought that's because it's higher during pregnancy. Is there any reason why I shouldn't try to use the 6-inch step?

Also, I haven't done much of anything with weights since before I got pregnant. Is it okay to start back with weights at this point, just using lighter ones? Most of my muscle tone has disappeared, and I want to try to keep it up as much as safe and possible during my remaining 6 or so months of pregnancy.

Alison

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Alison!

I'm so glad you are feeling better. Its perfectly fine for you to do modified step workouts on a six inch step. As long as you are NOT huffing and puffing, and as long as you're stepping cautiously, you can stay on six inches. I, personally, went to four inches during my pregnancy because the pregnancy hormone Relaxin had brought on an old injury(achilles tendinitis). Stepping on 4 inches didn't seem to aggrivate the tendinitis and, therefore, I stayed with it. However, as far as intensity goes, I was still strongly within my safety zone at six inches and would have stayed there had it not been for the tendinitis.

For weights, yes, you can start back with light weights. I would strongly recommend just staying with lighter weights for the duration of your pregnancy. Also, avoid doing exercises that put you flat on your back. You may substitute by using an incline position where ever possible.

Enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy. This is such a special time for you.