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?
This topic is fascinating to me – thanks for keeping us up to date on the latest advice. You’re rockin’ the belly!
This weekend I am hosting a housewarming party for my new apartment! Meaning I’ve got lots of baking to do, as well
I love your pregnancy workout routine! I think that it’s important for moms to be to exercise and stay healthy…as long as you’re listening to your body, you’re good! And I think you know this about me…but I think walking in general is a great form of exercise!
I hear ya Parita –huge fan of walking!
I think if walking gets your heart rate going and if YOU feel like you are exercising, then you are.
I never knew why pregnant women were not supposed to do Bikram, so thanks for the explanation!
I always thought it was because they were cookin’ the baby in that heat
I totally count walking the dog as exercise. I dont care if it takes nearly an hour to cover 3kms, if Im moving it counts.
If I’m moving it counts — I like this Leah!
I think you’re still doing a very good amount of exercise! Even if it’s just walking the dog- always moving is key to being active (in my opinion). That includes lower intensity activity fo’ sho’!
Oh my gosh, those maternity workout clothes are SUPER cute! You look so adorable. Love the pink one
The pink outfit is all non maternity
I love your belly pic! And I love that you shared with us your workout routine, I always wondered how it may change once you’re pregnant and it looks like you’re keeping an awesome level of activity…especially love all the ab exercises (planks) you do, I have to get better about that!
And I definitely count walking as exercise…it’s one of my fav ways to workout. Love the low impact of it and if I add an incline I really get a great workout in, especially great for toning the tush too!
Agreed Shayla. And walking is so calming which I also appreciate
I think pregnant exercising is such an interesting topic! Thanks for sharing. Oh and walking your dog is totally a work out. As is dancing by yourself in your kitchen, moving boxes, and re-filling the ice bin at work.
Moving is totally a workout..it’s exhausting!
That picture isn’t unflattering at all! You look gorgeous. Look at that belly growing!!!
I think it’s amazing that you’re keeping up your work outs while pregnant! And that picture is anything but unflattering – you’re glowing!
Thanks Stefanie…and working out is keepin’ my moods up
TOTALLY EXERCISE!! Jeez…walking better be exercise…or I’m in trouble
And with a dog? Even more so – he can pull you along probably faster than what I stroll 
aw that brunch sounds like so much fun!!! i saw you made some scones last night on twitter.
you are still a little peanut
I totally think dog walking counts! It’s exercise, right?! I think you have a pretty good workout system going for you. I didn’t know about the bpm thing for when you’re preggers, but it’s good to know for in the future. I like doing sprint running sometimes, so I wonder how that would work once the hubby and I decide to have kids.
Weekend plans – are a little delayed – but the hubby and I are going to Niagara Falls tomorrow night and then heading over the border into the states to do a little shopping. My excuse is being a student again, for needing clothes – plus, I just really badly need some new stuff!
I have no idea what you’re talkin’ bout, girl..unflattering unschmattering my toosh. You still look great!
Bikram is also SO dangerous because of the heat! The 140bpm is way outdated…but you do NOT want your core temp rising too much because that is so unsafe for baby! Good thing your doc warned you to stop.
Weekend plans…hope that Irene doesn’t hit us too hard!
I think it’s awesome you are continuing to exercise! There is a pregnant woman who comes to my body pump class occasionally. She doesn’t go full-out anymore (which is a good thing), but it’s nice to see that she’s still continuing to do what she LOVES throughout her pregnancy.
You look great! And congrats on continuing to exercise! By the end, dog walks were pretty much the only thing I was pulling off! And, it depends on the kind of dog walk in my mind. I have a hyperactive German Shepherd who does between 2-5 miles a day. YES that is exercise. But a putt around the block with a little purse dog that stops more than it goes? Uh uh.
E have a German Shephard mix and she is the least energetic dog ever..we jprobably walk her 3 times a day for about <1 mile at a time and she's pooped!