Core Exercises?

[mcbaby]

I just walk most days too, whenever I'm out of the house. Haven't really been exercising other than that but I'd like to start. So I need answers to this too!

[SassyPants150]

The main things you want to avoid are just back lying and obliques. I do a lot of standing abs. Think like you would do crunches on your back but just standing. I also do some Pilates inspired moves on all 4s. The "cat stretch" doubles as a stretch and workout as our bellies grow. I think ab work is like the drinking while pregnant thing in that it's much easier to just say to avoid than to give recommendations. There's also a ton of exercises that use a lot of core but aren't direct. I can add more later.

[robotpcr]

I'm loving my prenatal pilates DVD for ab work. I can send you the link, if you're interested. There's several 10 minute segments so it's easy.

[robotpcr]

Here it is. It uses 1-3lb weights in a couple of the sections and I think they're all really good. I've been doing pilates for years and this seems like the perfect level for prenatal.

[smilz4782]

Walking works your core!!
Planks (even modified on your knees)
Sitting on an exercise ball vs a desk chair or couch strengthens your core
Any yoga works your core because you're concentrated on keeping it tight and whatnot

[SassyPants150]

Planks are okay! The main thing is reminding yourself to breathe. You can go to the knees too. It's actually a mega challenge to keep good plank form when pregnant because of the laws of gravity.

[shmee]

What does "exercise" mean?

[viola]

Planks forever! Just do it with correct form as long as you can every day and you'll quickly get stronger.

[viola]

@texasmama15 Do it

[SassyPants150]

Planks have a lot of progressions/regressions too. The elbow down (low plank) like viola posted is your most challenging. Next would be with hands on the floor and arms straight up. 3rd would be to the knees. It can also be done on the wall as the up and down from the floor gets more challenging. Sorry y'all. This is my bag...I write work outs every week for classes and show modifications a lot.

[viola]

Jan 16, 2015 13:20:46 GMT -5 SassyPants150 said:

Planks have a lot of progressions/regressions too. The elbow down (low plank) like viola posted is your most challenging. Next would be with hands on the floor and arms straight up. 3rd would be to the knees. It can also be done on the wall as the up and down from the floor gets more challenging. Sorry y'all. This is my bag...I write work outs every week for classes and show modifications a lot.

I'm obviously a planking pro so elbows all the way

and walking planks. Get on my level, bitches!

[SassyPants150]

Jan 16, 2015 14:02:14 GMT -5 beeorange said:

Jan 16, 2015 13:36:44 GMT -5 viola said:

I'm obviously a planking pro so elbows all the way

and walking planks. Get on my level, bitches!

What are walking planks? Are those real? haha

Loads of fun. Think holding a plank while coordinating your arms and legs to move so you're in motion across the floor.

[viola]

Jan 16, 2015 14:06:24 GMT -5 SassyPants150 said:

Jan 16, 2015 14:02:14 GMT -5 beeorange said:

What are walking planks? Are those real? haha

Loads of fun. Think holding a plank while coordinating your arms and legs to move so you're in motion across the floor.

Not exactly. It's moving from forearm to hands and back again, one arm at a time 
"Take your plank on the move by adding an up-and-down motion. Assume standard plank position on hands and toes. Slowly lower right arm down to your forearm then bring your left arm down as well so you are now supported by your forearms. Then place your right hand on the ground and begin to push your body back up, allowing your left hand to follow. Repeat, allowing your left arm to lead. Sing “Follow the Leader” to keep your rhythm. Ignore any weird looks at the gym; they're just jealous."

But I do those moving planks too. Like a horizontal spiderman in a back brace

[viola]

and if anyone wants 47 plank variations (where I got the walking plank quote from)
here ya go 47 Plank Variations

[SassyPants150]

Jan 16, 2015 14:10:16 GMT -5 viola said:

Jan 16, 2015 14:06:24 GMT -5 SassyPants150 said:

Loads of fun. Think holding a plank while coordinating your arms and legs to move so you're in motion across the floor.

Not exactly. It's moving from forearm to hands and back again, one arm at a time 
"Take your plank on the move by adding an up-and-down motion. Assume standard plank position on hands and toes. Slowly lower right arm down to your forearm then bring your left arm down as well so you are now supported by your forearms. Then place your right hand on the ground and begin to push your body back up, allowing your left hand to follow. Repeat, allowing your left arm to lead. Sing “Follow the Leader” to keep your rhythm. Ignore any weird looks at the gym; they're just jealous."

But I do those moving planks too. Like a horizontal spiderman in a back brace

I just call them high to low planks. some of my class crazies do them on bosu.

[viola]

Jan 16, 2015 14:22:08 GMT -5 SassyPants150 said:

Jan 16, 2015 14:10:16 GMT -5 viola said:

Not exactly. It's moving from forearm to hands and back again, one arm at a time 
"Take your plank on the move by adding an up-and-down motion. Assume standard plank position on hands and toes. Slowly lower right arm down to your forearm then bring your left arm down as well so you are now supported by your forearms. Then place your right hand on the ground and begin to push your body back up, allowing your left hand to follow. Repeat, allowing your left arm to lead. Sing “Follow the Leader” to keep your rhythm. Ignore any weird looks at the gym; they're just jealous."

But I do those moving planks too. Like a horizontal spiderman in a back brace

I just call them high to low planks. some of my class crazies do them on bosu.

*dusts shoulders off* 

[robotpcr]

Jan 16, 2015 13:20:46 GMT -5 SassyPants150 said:

Planks have a lot of progressions/regressions too. The elbow down (low plank) like viola posted is your most challenging. Next would be with hands on the floor and arms straight up. 3rd would be to the knees. It can also be done on the wall as the up and down from the floor gets more challenging. Sorry y'all. This is my bag...I write work outs every week for classes and show modifications a lot.

Interesting.  I always find them easier on my elbows than with straight arms.

[CTri17]

Planks or some seated abs on a stability ball at this point in pregnancy, also being on all 4's and doing opposite ars/legs and pulling it in for a crunch

[robotpcr]

Jan 16, 2015 20:05:52 GMT -5 @nevertoomanyshoes said:

I'm gonna give so,e of these a go today. I finally got my Old Navy maternity workout shorts yesterday so looking forward to being comfy again. I had to buy from USA since no company here makes decent work out clothes for pregnants.

I love my ON workout gear.  I bet you'll like it!