(Potentially stupid) question about working out

[mpiemont]

Ladies that work out, especially cardio, how do I know when it's "too much"? I know the whole "listen to your body" thing, but what does that actually mean? If anything is uncomfortable or hurts the tiniest bit, do I need to stop? I have read heart rate shouldn't get above 140- is that correct/accurate? I go to Zumba twice a week and to me, it's a good workout. Once on a while I get a little "crampy" feeling, but it's like if you got a "stitch" in your side when you're not pregnant, nothing severe. I drink a lot of water and modify the higher impact stuff/jumping. I was sooo sedentary last 2 pregnancies so this is all new to me.

[smilz4782]

I don't know about the Hr thing mine gets way up there when I jog 180's +
But when I feel too out of breath I slow down, if I feel a BH I back off, take a drink, etc

[robotpcr]

I go to Zumba too and occasionally get some slight aches. As long as it goes away in a few seconds or in the break between songs with some water, I don't worry. I don't jump and I often cut fancy footwork down to more simple steps, just because I don't trust my klutzy self and I don't find it comfortable to move quite that quickly anymore.

Not sure about the heart rate. Personally, I don't really get sweaty (and I've always sweat really easily at the gym) or super winded. I get a little out of breath after fast songs.

ETA: not that there's anything wrong with either of those, just that that's what the current activity level I feel good at leaves me with.

[Deleted]

I'm pretty sure the heart rate "number" recommendation bad been revised to "if you can still talk." So if your heart rate goes above 140 (or you don't keep track at all) but you can still talk while doing cardio, you're fine.

For me, it was my bladder. After a week or so of bouncing around and noticing that I had to pee immediately from the motion every single time, I stopped those workouts and now only lift small weights and walk for cardio. I still have the stamina to do the same cardio work I did before, but I don't want to put any unnecessary strain on my bladder - it has to last me my whole life.

[Starbuck128]

I get the stitch in the side feeling, but it wraps around my belly now. If that's what you mean, I get that now even with just a brisk walk. I don't know what it is, but I keep going. No way a brisk walk is too much, right? A maternity support belt helps lessen the discomfort, but doesn't prevent it.

[hotcoconuts82]

I am going by the "if I can still talk I'm ok" method. If I start getting weird pains or anything, I will sit out a song (Zumba). If that still doesn't help, I call it quits for the class. Last week I only made it through half the class. But I don't really feel like I should "push through" while pregnant.

[Deleted]

You've gotten some great advice, I don't have much to add. I get that pain when I walk too, I'm guessing it's round ligament pain? Idk my midwife was like that's your body telling you.....I'm like telling me what? That I can't walk? C'mon.
I've been rowing in addition to jogging and the lower impact does seem to curb those pains.

[SassyPants150]

For me, I evaluate a few things when working out. First is my breathing. Obviously as you increase your heart rate your breathing big becomes shortened. If I begin to feel like I'm getting shorter and shorter of breath, I slow down or take a break.

The second thing is the cramping. If I begin to feel the cramps come on, I instantly slow down and take a break. I feel like that's the big "sign" my body is telling me. Even if it's just uncomfortable as opposed to painful.

The 140 HR is an outdated recommendation. There is not a dividing line of safe vs unsafe. Use your perceived rate of exertion. Can you talk at all or are you gasping? Are movements feeling uncomfortable? Do you feel like you are overdoing it?

Make sure never to totally stop moving if you are taking a break. In Zumba do a step touch or just walk around. When you have be active and suddenly stop, it can cause blood pooling in the legs which is dangerous. We are even more prone to it now being pregnant.

[kristina730]

I have similar feedback as everyone else- as a total running/ cardio addict I was nervous at the beginning of pregnancy about everything- now I actually do just go by how I feel! Pre-preg I was running 50+ miles per week, and now it ranges anywhere from ZERO running to 20-25 miles per week- but I do A LOT of elliptical work instead. I find on the elliptical I just have less cramping, hip discomfort, etc- so I can go for a much longer period of time. This morning I did 80 minutes (2 episodes gilmore girls!) on the arc trainer doing the cardio program on level 10 and felt great- the other day I ran outside- needed to pee every 10 seconds, felt totally winded and as if I have never, ever run before in my life. Each day is different. I don't worry about my heart rate at all, just my breathing. If I can't catch my breath or my chest is tight, I back off! ALSO- with running, I have been super careful about making sure that I take days off if something hurts (hips, mostly)- I am terrified of a pelvic floor injury or worse.

For classes- I have found that Barre is awesome and I have barely had to modify!

[tabH]

I second the BH and RLP comments. I don't stop the activity but I do slow down the pace until it passes. If it's during yoga I will get into child's pose and if it's while walking briskly I will slow down.

[CTri17]

Jan 29, 2015 12:03:50 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

Ladies that work out, especially cardio, how do I know when it's "too much"? I know the whole "listen to your body" thing, but what does that actually mean? If anything is uncomfortable or hurts the tiniest bit, do I need to stop? I have read heart rate shouldn't get above 140- is that correct/accurate? I go to Zumba twice a week and to me, it's a good workout. Once on a while I get a little "crampy" feeling, but it's like if you got a "stitch" in your side when you're not pregnant, nothing severe. I drink a lot of water and modify the higher impact stuff/jumping. I was sooo sedentary last 2 pregnancies so this is all new to me.

The 140 HR rule is an old out of date rule, as long as you have been working out then go at your own pace. Some days you will be able to do more than others. I definitely go less hard than when not pregnant and modify as needed.

My HR gets up in the high 180's when NOT pregnant, now I try to keep it below 170 all the time. I'm always drinking water and checking to make sure I'm not having any BH. 

My m/w is cool with me continuing to work out as I feel comfortable, I am still playing volleyball (and was before I was pregnant) I just serve underhand and don't hit very often now and obviously I'm not diving. When I feel like my body is saying it is time to stop, I will

[CTri17]

oh and RLP is fairly common, I definitely slow down when I get RLP, but I figure baby is just repositioning in there or pushing on that side, as long as I'm not have a BH at the same time and it doesn't last a long time I just wait for it to pass

[tomatopie]

I modify in my hip hop and zumba classes. I cut out the high knees and jumping. When I modify I stick my belly out extra far so people know I'm pregnant and not just slacking. Haha. Kidding. Sorta.

*no offense to people who modify due to fitness level, knee or ankle issues, any other reason. That's all good with me:)

[viola]

I don't have much to add, you've gotten great advice. AFM I just take a break when I start to feel dizzy or out of breath which is pretty much the same as when I wasn't pregnant; it just happens a LOT sooner/more frequently now. To me, that is "listening to your body"