Exercise

[kchristophel]

I know that exercise in pregnancy is recommended, as long as it's mild (like walking or gentle yoga). Does anyone have experience with more vigorous exercise? Nothing crazy (no p90X or anything), but something that does elevate the heart rate a little bit? I'm not very in shape right now, but I know that improving, or at least maintaining my current level of fitness will be beneficial for me and baby.  I'm really early in (4 weeks, 5 days) and I'd like to do some strength training, like using kettlebells. Thanks!!

[kchristophel]

Thanks you all for the advice! I appreciate it!

[Kermit3243]

I was advised not to start anything new but if it's something your used to to carry on. Good suggestions on here from other ladies if you don't already exercise.

I'm impressed, smcdsmcd, insanity at 38 weeks!! Wow - I hope I can still do that at that stage (I'm currently only 7 weeks!)

[dominika1980]

I do 20 mins of medium impact aerobics a day. Already reaping the benefits with zero backache at 27.5 week.

[organicmama]

Swimming walking yoga Pilate's are good for non exercisers. I still go to the gym but I did that prepregnancy. I definitely would not start an intense workout regimine. But you could do light hand weights for your arms, 5lb probably, and leg lifts, squats, lunges, the plank for legs. Assuming your doctor approves and you are not high risk. Exercise definitely does help you feel better just don't overdo it.

[Emlue]

Swimming is actually real good...no pressure sine ur body is suspended and it's a full bossy workout. At your stage I was going pretty hard but I was going that hard prepregnancy, so the key is not to go too overboard from what ur used to. You can also speed walk, jog and use light weights, the further u get in pregnancy the more u will need to modify. Run it by ur doc before trying anything new tho! Oh, and any cardio is ok just watch ur heart rate, good indicator is being about to carry a conversation, if u can't do that while working out, ur doing too much! And take breaks n keep hydrated always. Good luck!!!

[Mel_Singh]

Raspberry leaf tea also helps speed labour it did for me. I went into the hospital 1am and had baby at 8.08am it was my first baby too.  I was in early labour all day but it was tolerable,I did my usual daily activitys. The real pain hit me by 1am. Its a uterus toner,and makes contractions more strong.speeding labour.but its only reccommended to start drinking it at 37w. and if u plan on breast feeding it increases milk supply.

[smcdsmcd]

I am 35 weeks and still do vigorous exercise.  Running, insanity videos, long hikes,  etc.  I was doing all of this prepregnancy and doc has continued to tell me that it's still ok as long as I'm tolerating it well.  I just modify here and there as needed and listen to my body.  Working out makes me feel good and helps to take away the backache I get from sleeping with this big belly!

[nannewmom]

You are so early I wouldn't lift any thing to heavy mama,  you dont want to trigger a misscarage. I am a high risk pregnacy so I haven't been able to workout like I used to pre. pregnancy. I would stick to aerobics,  walking, and eating healthy. But that just me:) Good luck to you:) take it easy, enjoy being pregnant. Once the baby comes we can go back to being hot mama's;)