Is it possible to get in shape while pregnant?

[babytobe]

Hi ladies,

I'm just into my second trimester (about 13.5 weeks along), and I'm finally feeling better! The exhaustion has died down, and I don't feel gross with an off stomach all the time.

SOOO I'm wondering if I could get back into shape a little bit! I have a physical job, but I only work twice a week, and I am BEAT after work! And I get so out of breath when I play with my toddler now! I know it's partly just from being pregnant, but I'm wondering if I can get my strength and cardio up a bit, if it will make work and life in general a bit easier. Of course I should have thought of this BEFORE I got pregnant lol. It's hard, because I'm naturally slim, so in the past I haven't felt super motivated to work out regularly. Although I do try to get out and go for walks.

Anyhow, any experience with this? Obviously if I start doing something I'll go at it very slowly and not push myself very hard. I'm just tired of feeling like an old lady! I want to feel a strong, healthy, not-out-of-breath all the time pregnant woman!

 

[Bumblebee117]

Will follow this thread. Maybe there is some pregnancy aerobics on YouTube or something?

 

[MommaJJ]

Also following! I have 4 children already so some kind of 'at home workout' would be great

 

[JJay]

Swimming is great, not high impact and feels lovely to take the bump weight off when you get bigger

 

[happynewmom1]

I've been doing a lot of different YouTube videos for prenatal work outs this pregnancy! Here are a few links for more simple cardio ones-
https://youtu.be/pH6IrhTjdR0

https://youtu.be/i2KMP1Rtud4

https://youtu.be/2yZFFGs8dLg

https://youtu.be/0J4N2uNqwx4
Here are some strength work outs I really liked. Just remember to work up to some of these.. Like just take it easy and take breaks when needed at first. Listen to your body
https://youtu.be/OMLBF2cdGzI

https://youtu.be/jrdehcT7sNw

https://youtu.be/eDWBDo0k2s0

Hope this helps some! I have even more in my favorites.. I tend to go between different ones. I have a prenatal hiit I used to do until 3rd trimester but it's pretty intense. Some of these should be great to start to get moving! Good luck!

 

[Tinky_82]

I kept reasonably fit before pregnancy and went to gym once or twice a week but couldn't do anything in 1st tri. At about 16 weeks I had a massive spike of energy so went to gym - I only do what feels comfortable and keep track of my heart rate. I use treadmill - mostly quick walking with a light 5 min jog if everything feels ok, do some work on bike, light weights for arms, squats and plenty of stretching. So far so good but if I feel any discomfort I'll stop.

 

[Lues]

I absolutely think you can!!! (assuming there is no specific medical reason that you shouldn't be)

After all, giving birth is probably harder on our body than running a marathon, and no one would do that without training!

Key factors (in my opinion)
- Make sure you up your water. Every half hour of even moderate activity should increase your water intake for the day by 8 ounces.

- Go slow. Don't make INCREASING anything (strength... even stamina) your goal. I'm not saying it won't happen. I'm just saying don't make it the goal. Concentrate more on maintaining, toning, lengthening your muscles, etc. The only gaining that I let me by goal is gaining of confidence in my body's capabilities.

- You generally want to make sure your heart rate doesn't get too high. My way (not saying it's perfect, it's just my way) is to be sure that at ALL times, I could carry on a conversation without being winded WHILE i'm doing what I'm doing. This actually still allows for plenty of exercise.

- Split it up if you can! I do two 20-minute workouts a day. (if you haven't exercised in a while, you may want to start with two 10-minute ones)

These are my current two favorites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCe3ZS7pAC4

This is just a 15 minute walk in place... (also has small kicks and knee lifts etc). By the end, if you walk to the beat, you'll have walked a mile. I like knowing that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btVp5F7HOfo

This is a toning video specifically for pregnant ladies in 1st and 2nd tri. It does use weights at one part. Use light ones, or nothing, or soup cans.

I feel great when I do both of them. But really even one is good!

One more tip: If you miss a day (or a few... we are pregnant afterall!! Things get cRaZy) Be EXTRA sure not to push yourself when you get back into it. Take a step back. Make smaller motions, don't expect too much of yourself.

I also make sure to bring it up at every appointment with my OB. She just goes "that's great, just don't push yourself", but at least I know she's aware. If there was any reason that I should stop, she'd certainly tell me.

 

[LilMiss_91]

I've been thinking about thia. I might actually talk to my midwife next time I see her and see if she can recommend anything. I don't want to pile on the weight though and want to try and keep things as toned as possible!

 

[babytobe]

Ladies thank you! 👍 I'm going to start tomorrow with one of those videos! It would seriously be so nice to feel like I'm in shape to give birth! I feel inspired knowing that you're all trying to stay or get in shape too. I'll definitely take it slow.

Thanks for all the recommendations 😊.

 

[Gem_Clem]

I've been using youtube for the pregnancy work outs too and doing prenatal yoga on it, swimming and walking are great too

 

[karry1412]

I can't wait to start prenatal yoga but I'm still waiting for the place to email me back to confirm I can attend (as I have gestational diabetes). Thanks for the reminder to chase them up!

 

[mumandco]

I'm finally back at my Zumba class after having to wait until I was 12 weeks,I'm loving being back and feel that even now I'm definitely benefitting from keeping fit and to my usual exercise routine

 

[karry1412]

I'm finally back at my Zumba class after having to wait until I was 12 weeks,I'm loving being back and feel that even now I'm definitely benefitting from keeping fit and to my usual exercise routine

I'm so jealous! I adore Zumba but was told I can't do it at all when pregnant

 

[mumandco]

I'm finally back at my Zumba class after having to wait until I was 12 weeks,I'm loving being back and feel that even now I'm definitely benefitting from keeping fit and to my usual exercise routine

I'm so jealous! I adore Zumba but was told I can't do it at all when pregnant

Oh no how come??
I've been a Zumba addict for 2 years and taking time off from class until I was 12 weeks was a real struggle. I have to do everything low impact which is a bit of a struggle ATM as I'm usually so jumpy and full of energy..and no sit ups or working my core (we do toning at the end of or Zumba class) but apart from that I can do everything I was before

 

[karry1412]

Oh no how come??
I've been a Zumba addict for 2 years and taking time off from class until I was 12 weeks was a real struggle. I have to do everything low impact which is a bit of a struggle ATM as I'm usually so jumpy and full of energy..and no sit ups or working my core (we do toning at the end of or Zumba class) but apart from that I can do everything I was before

I have no clue! Our instructor always says at the start of the class not to do it if you're pregnant Saying that, I know people that have done Zumba (not in my class) throughout their pregnancy