Weight lifting during pregnancy?

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DebbieD

New Member
Dear Cathe,

Hi! I just wanted to say congratulations on your pregnancy. I just discovered that I too am pregnant with my first, 6 weeks. Although this is extremely exciting, I feel very hesitant as to the type and intensity of workouts that I can do now, in fact I'm scared to death. I seem to be getting different advice from everyone I talk to. I have been doing your workouts for about the last 7-8 years, in fact I won't do anyone elses tapes, I just feel that they are a waste of time! I love lifting weights and can't imagine not doing it for the next 9 months. If you could please give me your advice I would really appreciate it. I usually lift the same amount of weight as you recommend on your tapes. Do I just need to lift lighter weights or should I not lift at all?? If I do need to lift lighter, how much lighter? Are any moves considered unsafe during pregnancy? What about abdominal work? Sooo... many questions, your advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!!
 
Hi Debbie,

I'm certainly not an expert, but I just had a baby 6 months ago, so I was in your situation pretty recently. In my opinion, it is fine to keep lifting weights during pregnancy as long as it is something you're accustomed to prior to pregnancy. Even someone who has never lifted weights could start a very light weight training routine. I think you do have to remember to listen to your body and not work too hard. Also remember that your body releases a hormone that loosens your joints, so you have to be careful with your range of motion. I found that I could still lift weights, but I had to lighten up, especially with lower body weights, because I would get light-headed. Be realistic in what you can do, and don't expect to be able to maintain your current level of strength, etc. It will make a world of difference in your pregnancy and labor to keep yourself in shape. You should check out the pregnancy forum - it's great. There are also sone great books out there. My favorite was Expecting Fitness by Birgitta Gallo. Good luck and congratulations :)

Emily
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-27-01 AT 09:48AM (Est)[/font][p]Debbie,

I forgot to add this. I found it hard to modify Cathe's step tapes because of the impact, but her weight tapes were modifiable. I used a lot of Firm tapes because I could easily lighten my weights and modify the moves to low impact. Next time I'm going to invest in some lower impact, less advanced step tapes because I often got frustrated that all my videos were too hard to modify. I think I'm done now :)

Emily
 
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