How much do you work out?

[mara16jade]

If you go to the gym, or work out another way, how often do you workout and for how long?

What do you do? Run, jog, walk, swim, weight train, etc.?

I'd like to up my activity, but I'm not sure what's appropriate. I was very active before pregnancy, but was put on pelvic rest until week 17 and have been slow to getting up to a good workout pace. I've been cleared to workout "like any normal pregnant woman" says my doctor.

So...what do YOU do?

 

[Nikko88]

I try to walk my dog 30 minutes every other day and hit the gym the other days for 30 minutes of weights or cardio (jogging, cycling or rowing).

I've had to cut back on the intensity due to fatigue and migraines. Hydration is also a priority. So I always have a bottle of water with me and eat a snack just before or after.

 

[mara16jade]

Thanks!!

Just curious, do you watch the calories that your burn? And do you try to stay even (so not burning more than taking in), burn more than you take in, or do you not worry about the calories at all?

 

[Nikko88]

The calorie counters on the machines are pretty useless. As long as I break a sweat without getting a headache, I'm happy.

I calorie count on and off because it took me 4 years to lose 60 pounds. With the pregnancy, I worry less. I usually check a day's worth of food intake once a week, just to make sure I'm not going crazy. Generally, I focus on just eating healthy (fruits, veggies, proteins and whole wheat with reduced sugars and empty calories). It's a struggle.

 

[JoHio]

I work out 5-6 days a week, in addition to normal active living (going for walks, taking the kids on outings, etc). I do power yoga (1 hour), high-intensity-interval-training (30 minutes - 1 hour), cycling/spinning (1 hour), weight training (30-1 hour) and swimming laps (30min -1hour). Again, a lot of this depends on how I am feeling that day, but I workout almost everyday regardless; the intensity may just vary. I have not been on any kind of pelvic or pregnancy rest and aside from some morning sickness in the first trimester, I have had a pretty solid pregnancy - so far!
I also have also been working out like a fiend for years, so I am not doing anything I am not used to.
I LOVE running, but this is baby #3 and the ol' bladder ain't what it used to be. I had to give up running at 3 months. I did run with my other 2 pregnancies up to 6 and 5 months, respectively. I know some women that run or even jog their entire pregnancy. I envy them. I just can't do it. SOOOOOOOO uncomfortable!

 

[mara16jade]

Great!

Do any of you watch your heartrate, or just make sure you feel ok?

 

[Nikko88]

I just go with how I feel. However, you may want to consult with your OB/midwife/doc since you've been on pelvic rest.

 

[JoHio]

Great!

Do any of you watch your heartrate, or just make sure you feel ok?

The 140bpm max heart rate for pregnant women 'recommendation' is more commonly thought of as outdated these days. (I'm a prenatal fitness specialist, so I promise I am not "just saying that".)
As long as you feel fine, can breath comfortably (no huffing and puffing and shortness of breath) you and baby will be fine.
Of course, there are exceptions, like health complications that would render the 140 max a safer option. (In some cases, no exercise at all!)
There are some days when I am rocking it with a heart rate near 170 bpm, breathing just fine and nary breaking a sweat. There are other days when I get winded tying my shoelace.
So yeah, a long winded way to answer your question: I just make sure I am working within my limits that day and that I feel OK.

 

[mara16jade]

Awesome, great to know. That must be why every time I asked the doctor if I need to keep my hb at or lower than 140, she just danced around it and didn't say yes/no...just said, make sure I was comfortable. lol

 

[wamommy]

I average about 6 days a week exercising, but I vary the intensity based on how I feel and what I'm comfortable with. Sometimes I feel like a rock star and an hour of pretty intense pilates/barre workout feels great!! Some days 20 minutes walking on a treadmill feels SO hard... So I listen to my body and do what I feel it can comfortably handle. On average, I'd say I work out 40 minutes a day. As I get bigger (read: HUGE) it's becoming harder, though!

I also don't worry too much about calories. I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full, and have found that when I work out hard I naturally want to eat a little more.

 

[Anniebobs]

I'm a runner and I'm still running but since ovulation it's been harder and I've been running less and less intense. I'm hoping once I get my energy back in second tri I'll be able to do more. I'm only running about 3 times a week for about 20 minutes. The other days I'll be out with dd and the dog so that normally involves a walk up the Lake District followed by some deadlifts (lifting dd once she gets too tired )

I agree with the other ladies, just do as much as your body feels comfortable with. When I find myself breathing too hard I walk for a bit and start again when I've caught my breath. Really trying not to look at my times while I'm pregnant!

 

[cookette]

I was so sick the first couple weeks I dropped my weight lifting routine, but just ordered a prenatal yoga DVD and Dr advised no free weights/machines but resistance bands were okay.

Was also told not get heart rate over 160, as at that point it can effect blood flow to the baby.

 

[Nikko88]

After weeks of feeling energy-less and nauseated, I had an awesome work-out this morning. I skipped the kettlebells last week, so I was enjoyed playing around with them this morning all the more. Something about them just makes me feel strong and beautiful.

I've already dropped the weight I lift and am having to modify some of the positions in my routine. I hope I can keep it going for a while because the endorphine rush is wonderful.

I think lil' bean likes it too. I swear I can feel a little movement (even though I know it's early).

I miss running outside though. With the weather warming up, it's just about time to break out the outdoor gear.

 

[wamommy]

I'm still going strong! Even though it's become harder and more awkward, I still do about 40 minutes a day. OB says I'm 5 cm dilated and may pop any day, though... So I may take it easy for a few days so I'm not tired/sore during labor!

 

[mara16jade]

Holy cow wamommy!! Its almost time. Any day now!!