Burining Off that Carrot Cake

I have been reading lots of other blogs and articles about working out when pregnant.  Everyone says something different.

Don't get your heart above 140.

Run marathons!  It won't hurt the baby.

Just do yoga.

Don't lie on your back.

The list goes on and on.  What is really "right" to do when pregnant?

Before I knew I was pregnant, I was running a lot.  My Heroic Husband and I love to go to a local track to run and do drills.  We have been doing this all summer, despite the 100 degree weather.  While I was pregnant, I even beat my best 800 meter time.

Once I found out I was pregnant, I didn't have the energy to exercise too hard.  Running was definitely out.  Walking a few miles was a bit of a strain.  I resorted to lots of floor exercises - like leg lifts, abdominal exercises, hand weights, etc.  That felt good.  Whenever HH and I would watch a movie, I would spend the whole two hours doing slow exercises.

As I move into the second trimester, my energy levels are increasing.  I still love my afternoon nap : ) but I finally have enough stamina to really work out.  But what should I do?

Stationary Bicycles

Although many women claim that running while pregnant is perfectly fine, I have decided to take a few more precautions.  I am not going to run while BC is growing.  I love walking - especially hills - with weights.  I love stationary bikes.  If I had the opportunity to use an elliptical, I would give that a whirl too.

I am also continuing my leg lifts and hand weight exercises.  Weight training and various kinds of squats are also good to tighten muscles.

Hydraulic Weight Machines

I was doing sit ups on the ground.  I have now begun to feel a little uncomfortable lying flat on my back.  I have transitioned to doing my ab exercises on an fitness ball.

Back exercises and stretching are also very important early in pregnancy - to hopefully lessen some of the later pregnancy discomfort.  I have begun to diligently do my back stretches every day.

Other fun workouts are low-impact exercise videos!  Buns of Steel, Cathe Friedrich, etc. are some of my favorites.  I do not do yoga videos though.

If there are too many "jumping" drills, I modify.  If it feels uncomfortable, I modify.  It is very interesting to me that my body tells me exactly what feels good and bad.  I just have to listen.  The first time I tried to walk hills on a treadmill, I had some cramping in my abdomen.  I slowed down and decreased the incline.  The pain subsided.  I tried to move up again, the pain came back.  My body was telling me something - it was not time for that high of an incline yet.  This week, I was able to increase my incline without any cramping.  Just listen to your body.  God created your body in such a miraculous way.

Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb.