Safe Exercises or Fitness Routines to do While Pregnant

Sammie_24
Sammie_24 Posts: 15 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone,

I recently found out that I am with child. I'm about 2 months now, and I have been really confused about what kind of exercises or fitness routines are okay to do while pregnant. I've found that there is a lot of conflicting information out there, so If anybody could help me out with any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • alathIN
    alathIN Posts: 142 Member
    A couple of things:

    The whole pregnancy isn't the same. In the first trimester there is not much difference from your usual exercise tolerance. Some providers have advised keeping HR < 140 bpm from my lit searches I do not believe there is any evidence basis for this restriction.

    Later in pregnancy the risks are mostly mechanical. You're heavier, your balance changes, your joints are more prone to injury, and there is possible risk from a blow to the abdomen (for example, falling off a bike). Most people advise avoiding impact-heavy exercise like running in late pregnancy (although one of the coaches in my multisport group did a half marathon at 32 weeks and was fine) and avoiding exercise where this a higher risk of falls/blows/trauma.

    If you swim, pregnancy is a great time to rock the pool. You stay cool easier, you don't have to worry about the weight and impact issues.

    Do be careful to stay hydrated and keep cool.
  • Sammie_24
    Sammie_24 Posts: 15 Member
    Thanks a lot, that's great advice. :smile:
  • bljohnson89
    bljohnson89 Posts: 7 Member
    I am also about 2 months pregnant and that is one of the first questions I asked my doctor. Swimming is GREAT and she also told me that continuing any type of exercise you have been doing is fine as your body is used to it. Otherwise if you are just starting up just start with something small and listen to your body. If you are tired - quit. No weights if you haven't been weight training..

    The first trimester has been so hard on me this time with being tired all the time and I'm just FINALLY feeling up to working out again...so I'm going to start some cardio at the gym and take it from there.

    Good luck and congrats. :-)
  • weber22c
    weber22c Posts: 41
    Generally speaking, you're fine to continue with normal exercise in your first two trimesters. Later in your pregnancy, chances to your connective tissue may mean you want to tone down the high-impact exercises to avoid injury.

    The only thing I'd really consider avoiding is any sports where you have a major risk of injury - for example, I ride horses and do not plan to ride during pregnancy. I've known plenty of women, especially trainers, who rode and competed right up until the day they gave birth, but that's not the right choice for me at least.

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