what exercises can i do while I'm pregnant?

Question

I would like to get in shape and tone up the legs and arms but what can i do thats safe while i'm pregnant. Ive got a crosstrainer can i use this?

Answer 1

Pregnancy is never a good time to “start” an exercise program. Were you active before you got pregnant? If you were, there should be no problem continuing. As above swimming is excellent, pilates also if you have done it before, light yoga, or walking. The best think you can do is asking your Obstetrician, they should have ideas or contacts that you can make to find a healthy and safe program.

Answer 2

You are pregnant, it isn't an illness! You can do most of the exercises that you did before you were pregnant!

I have never heard of a 'Crosstrainer' so I couldn't advise on that. Why should you want to tone up legs and arms now? Tummy and back muscles are going to be more important! Walking is always good and will tone up the legs. You can still do sit-ups unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

I think that the very best thing that you can do is book up for your ante-natal classes - they will give you all the advice and exercises that you will need.

Answer 3

Yes. I exercised while I was pregnant. But I had a hernia with my last pregnancy BEFORE I got pregnant so I did not exercise with that pregnancy. I used to work at a bar were there were 'dancers'. One of them was pregnant, she was very fit & pretty & she had leave from her Dr., in written form, that said that she could continue any activity that she was capable of doing before pregnancy, up to her 8th month at which time she should use caution because of the relaxing of the ligaments in the hips. I swear, I am not kidding. She would even hang up-side-down on the pole with her legs locked at the ankles! My point is while you should NOT begin to 'take up' new strenuous activities while your pregnant (say for fear of getting fat with pregnancy) continuing with your regime will actually help you to bounce back after delivery. I think the only exception would be walking or lite, or aqua aerobics. Don't take my word as gospel though because I dont know you or your fitness level. Dont listen to the fear mongers either who will try to scare into not even bathing or having a spicy chicken sandwich, listen to your Dr. & ask their opinion of your regiment. Also, you've noticed the hunger increasing? That's your body's way of protecting your input out put ratio. Keep to 6 SMALL meals a day. Near the end of my pregnancies I could never eat more than small amounts: there just wasn't room! It will also keep you on an even keel with your sleeping & restroom habits. If you aren't sure how to eat 6 times a day, just make a normal breakfast plate for an active adult. Then divide each portion in half onto another plate & eat it two hours later. Same with lunch. Do NOT deprive your self of nutrients, just space them out. There are female athletes who have written about their pregnant routines... try to find some on google. good luck & congratulations.

Answer 4

That depends on what interests you and what your doctor advises. Many women enjoy dancing, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, pilates, biking, or walking. Swimming is especially appealing, as it gives you welcome buoyancy (floatability or the feeling of weightlessness). Try for a combination of cardio (aerobic), strength, and flexibility exercises, and avoid bouncing.

Many experts recommend walking. It's easy to vary the pace, add hills, and add distance. If you're just starting, begin with a moderately brisk pace for a mile, 3 days a week. Add a couple of minutes every week, pick up the pace a bit, and eventually add hills to your route. Whether you're a pro or a novice, go slowly for the first 5 minutes to warm up and use the last 5 minutes to cool down.

Whatever type of exercise you and your doctor decide on, the key is to listen to your body's warnings. Many women, for example, become dizzy early in their pregnancy, and as the baby grows, their center of gravity changes. So it may be easy for you to lose your balance, especially in the last trimester.

Your energy level may also vary greatly from day to day. And as your baby grows and pushes up on your lungs, you'll notice a decreased ability to breathe in more air (and the oxygen it contains) when you exercise. If your body says, "Stop!" - stop!

Your body is signaling that it's had enough if you feel:

o fatigue
o dizziness
o heart palpitations (your heart pounding in your chest)
o shortness of breath
o pain in your back or pelvis

And if you can't talk while you're exercising, you're doing it too strenuously. You should also keep your heart rate below 160 beats per minute.

It also isn't good for your baby if you become overheated because temperatures greater than 102.6 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) could cause problems with the developing fetus - especially in the first trimester - which can potentially lead to birth defects. So don't overdo exercise on hot days.

When the weather is hot, try to avoid exercising outside during the hottest part of the day (from about 10 AM to 3 PM) or exercise in an air-conditioned place. Also remember that swimming makes it more difficult for you to notice your body heating up because the water makes you feel cooler.

Answer 5

You can do any exercise, but you should keep your inner eye on you and note whether you are suffering from it or feeling better.
Mostly you should avoid strainous exercises. Walking is the best in all stages. For first few months you can run if you have habit, then walk.
At home you can do some simple pt exercises of school children. Yog will be THE BEST.

Answer 6

you can do gental exercise such as walking, etc. i wouldnt use the cros trainer while your pregnant- use it after the birth.

why not buy yourself a exercise ball from argos or something and practise different positions and forms of exercise on that. or you can get weights you can put on your wrists like a band.

id say that would be enough exercise whilst pregnant. id leave it to tone up aftre the birth.

Answer 7

Yes.The Doc told my wife she could do whatever was comfortable.I have seen women 8 months pregnant jogging,swimming,even playing tennis.Just eat good and don't play tackle football.Also.Congratulations.

Answer 8

Swim

Answer 9

Walking is great! It helps with the swelling of the legs/feet. Swimming class. Also stretching. This will help tremendously during labor.

Answer 10

Sex is good exercise while being pregnant!