What workouts would you recommend?

[kristhegirl]

Stationary bikes should be fine. Aerobically you just want to make sure you aren't making your heart race (or, of course, passing out or getting light-headed or dizzy.)

For strength training, anything that works your arms or legs is OK. Core stuff I'm not sure about, I remember when I was researching this I read that anything that suspends the fetus below you should be avoided after the first trimester. I could be remembering wrong, though.

Does the gym offer prenatal yoga at all? You might see if you can speak with an instructor to see what all they can do; most yoga is OK to do while pregnant with just a few adjustments or props (like the block or a strap) and the instructors should be able to help guide you as you get bigger.

Don't do anything that hurts. When in doubt take it easy. Staying active is a really good thing!

[gamergirl360]

We have a workout center in our apartment I occasionally visit. I wasn't very active before pregnancy so I keep it pretty simple. Walking on the Treadmill, Recumbent Exercise Bike, Elliptical. I just go at my own pace.

[imavera]

Definitely do yoga! It'll help with labor, along with feeling good while you do it.

I wish we were still members at our YMCA, but I just couldn't get it together enough to go enough to make it worth it. I miss the childcare, lol

[natalie115]

I did water aerobics and prenatal yoga last time around. This pregnancy I don't have time to do both so I will just be doing yoga because the stretching is such a necessity for me, especially in 3rd tri.

[Nittany]

+1 for yoga and elliptical. I always heard elliptical was good since it's low impact.

[emeraldeyed315]

Another vote for yoga. Yoga completely made my last pregnancy a breeze and L&D was a great experience...I truly think it was yoga that helped!

[beepers]

I loooove my prenatal yoga class! It's good low impact exercise that still help with endurance and strengthening

Also anything in the pool is great.

[Deleted]

I agree with others and would definetly day check out the yoga. I think the elliptical and treadmills would be good also.

[errsbear11]

Not to hijack, but where do you ladies find pregnant yoga classes? I really want to go, but I can't find a single class around me. The hospital I wanted to deliver at holds them, but they are once a month packages for several months, and you pay upfront. The hospital is over an hour away, and I'm now moving somewhere different, so it will be 2 hrs in a month

[ncjulia12]

Jan 23, 2015 22:06:18 GMT -5 errsbear11 said:

Not to hijack, but where do you ladies find pregnant yoga classes? I really want to go, but I can't find a single class around me. The hospital I wanted to deliver at holds them, but they are once a month packages for several months, and you pay upfront. The hospital is over an hour away, and I'm now moving somewhere different, so it will be 2 hrs in a month

There aren't any prenatal classes offered near me, so I ordered a couple prenatal workout DVDs off amazon that I like. I just read a bunch of reviews until I found the ones that matched what I needed.

And @apriltrees and all you others that have Y access- I am sooo jealous. There is not an indoor pool within an hour of my house.

[mrsgeyser]

I take a beginner yoga class and told the instructor I'm pregnant so she helps with modifications (no prenatal anything at my gym) I'm hoping to also take some real prenatal yoga classes at a separate studio soon... Otherwise, I like the elliptical!

[yl]

Jan 23, 2015 22:06:18 GMT -5 errsbear11 said:

Not to hijack, but where do you ladies find pregnant yoga classes? I really want to go, but I can't find a single class around me. The hospital I wanted to deliver at holds them, but they are once a month packages for several months, and you pay upfront. The hospital is over an hour away, and I'm now moving somewhere different, so it will be 2 hrs in a month

I'm lucky that I have a studio literally across the street that offers prenatal yoga classes. They don't have a ton, and half of them are in the middle of the day on weekdays, like only people with no jobs get pregnant or something. But I've been a few times and I love them! I had to switch studios because my other one I was going to didn't offer them...but this one is closer, so it works out. 

I talked to them when I signed up and asked what other classes I could take...they said anything non-heated, and just let the instructor know you're pg so they can help you with modifications. I was going to try that today, but I ended up napping on the couch instead. Heh. 

[jessijean]

I'm basically addicted to water aerobics....that's pretty much all I count as exercise. Once spring hits I'll be doing more walking though.

[krissybeck]

I'm doing prenatal pilates now and love it. I'm also going to add prenatal yoga next month. I've been wanting to get back to the gym and was thinking about doing body weight exercises like squats, lunges etc.

[beachy]

If you plan on doing a lot of cardio I highly recommend getting a heart rate monitor. I have a polar one that is Bluetooth and reads onto an app on my phone instead of a watch, and it's perfect to throw on the machines at the gym. I am shocked by how quickly my HR skyrockets now when doing intense cardio, but I just keep an eye on it and scale it back when needed. Try not to let your HR go above 170, or without a monitor keep it so that you can talk the whole time.

[tashala107]

Ladies- don't shy completely away from core strengthening. Your bodies need stabilization right now. It will help protect your back as your belly grows and can assist in preventing diastisis recti postpartum

These are some simple exercises I commonly use with my prenatal and postpartum patients with back and pelvic pain. Check then out and give them a try!
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/pregnancy-exercises/sls-20076779?s=1

Prenatal yoga and Pilates are great! Lower body strengthening is also important as your hips start to widen and your body takes on more weight. This 10 minute Popsugar routine is great!
www.popsugar.com/fitness/10-Minute-Leg-Butt-Workout-Pregnant-Women-23287977

Oh, and kegels!!! I can't stress kegels enough! Aim for 10 second holds x 10 reps 3-5 times a day!

[kristhegirl]

Yeah, tashala107 for the win!

[bshelly]

Thanks tashala107!

For those that mentioned ordering videos, any specific ones you recommend?

[CoachTsWife]

Jan 24, 2015 10:18:11 GMT -5 bshelly said:

Thanks tashala107!

For those that mentioned ordering videos, any specific ones you recommend?

I'd like to know this, too.

[jessijean]

Jan 24, 2015 0:07:19 GMT -5 @apriltrees said:

Would you recommend deep water or shallow water aerobics? jessijean

I personally do more shallow water but it's nice to mix it up.  Deep water works different muscles, but you also have even less impact because shallow water often involves jumps.  But I personally like jumping sequences.

I've noticed I've had to slow it down a bit compared to what I did pre-pregnancy...just listening to your body at going at your own pace is key.

[catladymeow]

If anyone is looking for prenatal yoga and doesn't have access to classes and doesn't want to order a DVD, doyogawithme.com has a few prenatal videos that you can stream for free. I haven't tried any of them yet, but I've used other videos on that site and I quite liked them.