TGIF! Usually my Fridays are either off completely or shorter, but today is going to be a full day. Sigh. That will make the weekend so much sweeter when it comes – wahoo!
Today’s topic is about exercise. When I first started my blog, I thought I’d log my workouts like many other bloggers do, then I quickly realized that it just wasn’t me… One reason is that I felt a little intimidated by the rigor at which other bloggers work out and also the frequency. While my workouts did include Bikram and Spinning, most of my workouts (more often than not) were a 40 min speed-walk on the treadmill at maybe a 1-3 deg incline a few days a week. So I stopped writing those up.
Now that I’m preggers, I’m all about sharing 
But before I get into it, look what I got:
The above is the illusive package that my MIL sent me. Why Zulily took so long, I have no clue, but it’s maternity work-out wear –> yahooo!!!
It’s obvious that weight gain is part of being pregnant. Because I’m in the normal, or healthy, BMI range, it is suggested I gain 25-35 lbs overall. As I near week 23, I should have gained about 12 – 15 lbs (+/-). As you saw from yesterday’s post, I have gained about 10 lbs and I’m A-OK with that. I know weight gain comes fast and furious at the end, so I’m not concerned that I won’t reach at least that 25 lb mark!
One thing that I’ve kept up with consistently is my workouts. Since I dodged a major bullet with no morning sickness, I was able to continuously workout with no problems.
But how I worked out definitely changed.
I had no idea that I would start to feel so tired / winded in the early weeks of my pregnancy. And even now that I’m firmly in my second, I still get pooped at medium-intensity workouts. Per my doctor’s advice I have discontinued Bikram (note, I did go 2 days after I found out, then stopped). The main reason Bikram is not advised is because the intense heat loosens your muscles allowing for deeper stretching, but when you’re preggers, that stretching can be dangerous for your already loose ligaments. So no more Bikram for me 
I went to a few Spinning classes in my 1st Trimester, but have since scrapped my gym membership since I wasn’t using it all that much.
Now what does a typical week of workouts look like for this preggers lady?
- Sunday: 35 minutes elliptical (at 4 resistance); 15 minutes on treadmill with average speed of 3.8 mph and incline 0.5 degrees; side planks held for 30 seconds each; walk dog for 20 minutes
- Monday: Dog walk for 25 minutes; side planks for 30 seconds each and windmills
- Tuesday: 25 minutes elliptical (at 4 resistance); 15 minutes on treadmill with average speed of 3.8 mph and incline 0.5 degrees; side planks held for 30 seconds each; walk dog for 20 minutes; 30-40 tricep dips, and 20-40 lunges
- Wednesday: Dog walk for 25 minutes; side planks for 30 seconds each and windmills
- Thursday: 10 minutes stationary bike, 10 minutes pre-cor, 30 minutes treadmill at speeds varying 3.5-4.0 mph and incline 0.0-5.0 deg; held for 30 seconds each; walk dog for 20 minutes
- Friday: Dog walk for 25 minutes
- Saturday: Weights! (routine varies) mixture of lunges, free weights (biceps, triceps, shoulders), leg-press, ab-machine; treadmill ll for 15 minutes or long dog walk
I have gone to one prenatal yoga class and enjoyed the calming zen aspect, but it wasn’t much of a workout so those may be saved for more near the end of my pregnancy.
Oh and the rule of keeping your heart rate (bpm) below 140 bpmis a bit outdated. Now what doctors advise is to work out as intensely as you want where you can still hold a normal conversation. And of course always listening to any aches / pains / dizziness, in which case stop!
So it’s not much, but it’s workin’ for me!
(You can’t tell me I’m not keeping it real with that unflattering picture!!! 
)
Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta get through this work day so I can get baking for the Moms-to-be brunch I’m holding tomorrow 
What are you up to this weekend?
Do you consider walking your dog exercise?
