I'm going to start off by just admitting that I'm super lazy when it comes to exercising. I currently have no exercise plan/routine that I follow. However I was talking with a friend the other day about exercising and I mentioned that when I find out I'm pregnant (whenever that may be) that I would like to start walking/using my elliptical more regularly to just to try to balance out weight gain and stay fit during pregnancy. She told me that you're not supposed to do this; that you have to be doing an exercise routine for at least six months before you get pregnant. Her boyfriend is somewhat of a personal trainer and he supposedly read it in one of his books. I say this because he is not super official so idk if I really believe it. Has anyone else heard this? Did you start exercising when you got pregnant? Should I not do this?
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You aren't supposed to start an exercise routine after getting pregnant but the best thing you can do is walk during pregnancy.
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I think the rule of thumb is if you did it before pregnancy, you can continue it after pregnancy. So no, you shouldn't attempt to start a routine once you get pregnant. Walking is great exercise though, and if you start a bit now it won't be too much trouble to continue once you are pregnant!
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I don't think a light elliptical workout would be harmful but I'd ask your doctor. Start by taking walks and then longer walks.
I am like you, I worked out like once every couple weeks before getting pregnant. I'm no where NEAR having my energy back yet (still in the first tri)but I do know I'd like to start being more regular on the elliptical and walks once my energy comes back.
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I definitely wasn't super active before I got pregnant. I did some yoga, but nothing that really got my heart rate up. Once I made it through the first trimester and through the morning sickness, I started walking 3 + miles daily. I found it helped me feel good, and gave me some time to think. I think I'll keep up with it and add yoga back in too.
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My OB said to not start a new workout routine once you're pregnant. However, walking for minimum of 30 minutes is highly encouraged.
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Agree with everyone else-- don't start a big work out regimen after you are pregnant, but adding in walking gradually certainly doesn't seem like it would hurt anything.
However, I would recommend getting into a routine NOW, not when you get pregnant. I was kind of sporadic with working out at all before getting pregnant, then first trimester I had ZERO energy and felt nauseous if I even walked quickly. By the time I felt halfway normal, I had no motivation to get moving or get my butt to the (very expensive) gym. I wish I'd had a routine that I was already used to.
I do walk a lot though, since I live in the city and take public transportation.
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i didn't exercise at all before i got pregnant. around my 2nd trimester i started walking 3 miles a couple times a week. it's sad to say but i was more in shape while pregnant than i am now... i need to get back to it!
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haha. I was more in shape when I was pregnant than before pregnant and now!! I joined a prenatal yoga class when I was in the beginning of 2nd trimester (I was busy puking my brains out in the first trimester), Best life-long friends were made (a few of us who had the same due date still see each other now and have play dates) and it was the best decision ever.
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Honestly, about the only thing you'll probably be doing (everyone's different, so perhaps not) is walking for excercise. I was a pretty active runner before I got pregnant, then after battling the exhaustion and morning sickness of the first tri, there was no chance for me to continue running. I tried in the second tri but by then I had a belly and it was too difficult. As long as you are active (walking, stretching, etc) and you balance your meals, you should be fine with weight gain.
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Like everyone else, I heard that it is not a good idea to start exercising once you become pregnant. I exercised about 3-4 times a week before I got pregnant. While the fatigue hit me pretty hard and I didn't exercise as much or as hard in the beginning, it still helps me out a lot with my pregnancy symptoms keeping my standard exercise routine. Some of the harder workouts I was use to doing I found I had to cut back on because it just became more difficult to physically do it. I would most definitely recommend getting into a habit of exercising before you get pregnant.
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I am training to be a certified personal trainer and like others are saying here, you should not begin something new once you are pregnant, but if you've always done something, then that's ok. just don't push yourself too hard. I run half marathons 3 times a year and once dh and I get our bfp I will continue running, just probably cut down my mileage some.
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Thanks for all of the help everyone!! I don't plan on starting anything super strenuous, because I don't do anything remotely intense now lol I do however do a bit of walking in the evenings w/hubs especially this time of year when it's daylight later in the evenings. It's nothing scheduled or planned, it usually ends up being a spur of the moment kinda thing. My plan was to just make the walks more regular and more of a priority when I get pregnant and when the weather doesn't permit outdoor walking either walk on an indoor track or use my elliptical. I will definitely try to get into some sort of a routine right now though, because I'm sure that will help my motivation and energy later on down the road!
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I know you aren't supposed to start a workout routine once you get pregnant that you hadn't already been doing - but I actually ended up doing this. I upped my walking and started prenatal yoga when previously I had not been working out at all. It is all really light excersizing though and I think it's fine since it's not like I was in BAD shape previously.
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I lifted while I was pregnant.
I lifted food up to my mouth.
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@dagret: haha!
I started working out when I found out I was pregnant. My dr said there was nothing wrong with it. Infact he has patients training for marathons.
He also told me I could eat and drink whatever I wanted. But everything in moderation.
I have cut back on intensity sense I found out I'm having twins.
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@dagret: Hahahhaha. That is hilarious!
@CharityAnne: Agreed with all that said you shouldn't start anything new when pregnant but walking should be fine. And it's great if you can start the habit now! Getting healthier can only help with TTC
I actually had a really intense training program before my last pregnancy. Even though it would have been technically "ok" to continue per my doc, my trainer erred on the side of caution and took it down a couple of notches. She was mostly worried about impact (so no more jumping and running) and my heart rate. She told me to get a heart monitor but unfortunately I MC'd before I could. Oh and I was and still am afraid to do crunches while pregnant. Probably illogical but I just can't!
Now I don't use her anymore but I kept up with jogging and weight training on my own. since she lowered the intensity I've now done the same (6w6d) ...jogging for shorter distances (2 miles) on elliptical only and no more than 5lb weights. I'm probably being overly cautious with the weights, but I'm scared after last time. But I still get a good workout! -
I walked a lot. That's about it.
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Oh, start excercising now! Pregnancy kicked me in the butt starting right at the beginning, especially with respect to stamina and breathing. I can't imagine what that would be like if I hadn't been excersicing beforhand. And even so, with going to aerobics three times a week, once pregnant, I'm lucky if I get in a walk to get a slurpy.
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When I think of not starting a new exercise routine once pregnant, I imagine the doctors mean don't start something strenuous like crossfit or long distance running. But I wouldn't think that walking, ellipitcal or simple yoga would be something that a doctor would ever advise against. Althought I seriously know nothing about what doctor's think or know so I don't know why I'm posting this...
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yes @lisamarieloves -- starting a walking, light cardio or yoga routine is not a bad thing at all. but beginning something like heavy weight training or long distance running wouldn't be advised.
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@CharityAnne: I agree with pp that walking is best. you shouldnt start any bew strenous exercise that your body isnt already used to. You can do pregnany yoga and easier exercises though
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I'm a midwife and absolutely disagree with all the "only do what you did before" answers. Yes, you shouldn't start a marathon training program or a massive weight loss project after you conceive, but you should definitely do some moderate exercise - walking, gentle elliptical, swimming - none of this will be anything but beneficial. Listen to your body and stop if you have any difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, etc. and scale back the intensity. Keep hydrated, keep cool. Keep it to 20-30min sessions at a gentle intensity if you're just starting. And seriously, why not start before you conceive? Make that body hospitable for the newcomer!
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