I am serious about my workouts and getting pregnant didn’t sway me whatsoever. From what I read, most women get knocked off their feet in the first trimester. I turned out to be one of those “lucky ones” and actually felt pretty normal for those first three months. I think this is partially because of my exercise regimen and partly because that’s just how my body is handling pregnancy.
Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy is not the perfect time to sit back and put your feet up. (There is a “you’re pregnant not dying” mentality that is so easy to forget — I’m totally guilty — but then again, sometimes it is okay to lay in bed all day and watch daytime tv!)
For most women, it is important to exercise during pregnancy. It offers so many health benefits! I cleared everything with my doctor beforehand and he told me that I could do whatever physical activity I was doing prior to getting pregnancy (pregnant, not dying) which was running and doing workout DVDs.
Now, as for mowing the lawn? Well, I wasn’t doing that before getting pregnant…and with the Viper Pilot deployed I figured it wasn’t the time to start so I hired a guy. 🙂
My workouts have changed slightly, but I’m still good and sweaty 3-4 times a week. I made a weekly chart so that I can record my progress.
I set a goal of three good workouts a week (did you know that typing one-handed while eating an apple is really difficult?) with the fourth day as a bonus. I like my chart because I can look back and see all that I’ve accomplished during my pregnancy. It is a manageable goal; I never feel like I’m over-doing it in any one week.
I have a variety of workout DVDs (which I will get around to reviewing for you one of these days) and I run. I don’t really consider myself a “runner” but I enjoy the rush after a good run, so I try to get in a few miles each week. I make sure I have plenty of water with me and I don’t beat myself up over walk breaks, which I take often. And I never set out to run a specific time or distance each time; I do what I can based on how I feel. Which, honestly, is pretty amazing most of the time.
I love running to my sister-in-law’s Tunes on Tuesday playlists or I watch an episode of my current show, whatever it might be.
To save time and blog space (and because blog posts that are numbered lists are fun), I’ll just summarize my points into three things:
1. You CAN (and should) exercise while you’re pregnant! Believe it or not, you can continue to do a lot of your favorite fitness activities while your pregnant, especially during your first tri. Maintaining some level of physical activity will benefit your physical and emotional health (mamas need endorphins too!). Just be sure to check with you doctor before continuing or changing your exercise regimen first.
2. Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when enough is enough. Please don’t strain yourself. I don’t recommend using weights > 3-5 lbs. This isn’t the time for goal-setting! For your baby’s sake, don’t push yourself past your limits. Once your belly starts growing, your center of gravity is off. You’ll find that you’re a bit clumsier, so take extra caution throughout your workout. What I’m saying is, if you’re tired, STOP. If you feel an unusual pain, STOP. If anything feels uncomfortable, STOP.
3. Drink lots of water! This really goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway. I don’t like the saying “eating for two” but you are drinking for two! Have you gotten a bloody nose yet? Gums bleed when you brush or floss? Pregnant mama’s have 50% more blood in their bodies!! That means you need that much more water to transport all the good stuff to you and your baby. Drink up, mommies!