It’s been almost a month since I posted about the different changes I’ve made during each trimester to my workout routines. As I’m now in the last stretch (just over 3 weeks left until my due date), I wanted to share an update on how things are going now as far as working out.
As noted before, I’m sharing my personal experiences. Please remember that everyone is different and each pregnancy is different. I’m happy to help if you have questions or need advice/guidance as you workout during your pregnancy. It’s so important to listen to your body and if you haven’t been exercising for a long time, it might be worth meeting with a Personal Trainer to learn what is going to be best for you and your baby.
I’ve definitely been experiencing more fatigue the last few weeks (although also exeperiencing some strange and unexpected bursts of energy as well). As I mentioned before, I eliminated running towards the end of my second trimester. I also eliminated any exercises that required me to lay on my back as well as anything that required a significant amount of core rotation. I pointed out before that 2-handed kettlebell swings were getting more difficult as my belly got bigger. They are not impossible right now, but also not comfortable so I haven’t been doing them as much. I’m sticking with one-handed swings and snatches instead.
At this point I have completely eliminated lunges, step ups and all other exercises that put me in a split stance. The pelvic pain I experience afterwards is just not worth it. The best way I can describe what it feels like is if you were riding a men’s bike that was too tall for you and you got off it the wrong way, you’d experience some similar pain. The other time I notice this pelvic pain is if I walk too much. Walking has been great to break up sitting at a computer, but I have definitely gone past my limit a few times and paid for it the next day. Overall, the line between exercising the right amount and overdoing it has become a little bit more fine. I’m trying to take it one day at a time and do what feels right for my body. If I’m achy or feeling like I need sleep, I’ll sleep in. I’ve still been working out about about the same number of times per week, but some workouts are shorter/easier than others based on how I am feeling.
My main frustration at this point with working out has been the urge to pee every 5 minutes. I can literally just have gone and will have to go again. It’s gotten much worse in the last few weeks, but on a positive note the reason for this is that my baby is head down and in a great position for labor and delivery.
I’m still loving the Arc Trainer as it’s so easy on my body and I can still get a decent interval workout in without running. I’ve been stretching more than before, especially my hip flexors, as well as using the foam roller and putting heat on my hips, back and IT bands when they are achy. I have had very little back pain throughout my entire pregnancy! Don’t worry, I’m not letting my lack of back pain stop me from getting my last prenatal massage on Saturday! It’s still going to feel oh so good. 🙂
I’m feeling great about where I am at. I have managed to stay fairly strong. I am still doing kettlebell deadlifts (loving single arm deadlifts right now), snatching kettlebells and doing overhead kettlebell presses with a decent amount of weight. I’m able to do incline push-ups, incline chest press and various types of rows. I’ve even completed some assisted chin-ups lately. I had eliminated them in the beginning of my pregnancy because they felt a little weird, but they feel okay now, just HARD. I have to remember I haven’t done chin-ups in probably 8 months and I am a lot heavier than I was then too! No wonder I need assistance from a band.
A few more weeks to go and I’m hoping I’ll be able to keep feeling decent until the little guy blesses us with his presence. I’m so thrilled that I’ve been able to focus so much on fitness during my pregnancy and I know my future clients will benefit from the knowledge I’ve gained through my own personal experience.
People may focus more on certain exercises at different times in their lives, based on season/weather, work schedule, injury or upcoming competitions/goals. If I look at it this way, pregnancy has been somewhat like dealing with other variables in life. I have done what I needed to do in order to reach a goal, staying fit during my pregnancy. I truly believe that listening to my body has been key in helping me get to where I am now.
What are your favorite exercises right now?
You are doing so great. It can be hard seeing things become more difficult and painful but listening to the body makes such a difference. And you show that you can still get in quality workouts, even if a bit different.
Thanks Tina! You’re right, it’s tough (especially these last few weeks) when things get difficult or painful, but I like the fact that it forces me to be creative! 🙂
I’m still so impressed with your level of activity! Being 3 days overdue, I am feeling a bit limited, but am convinced that staying active has allowed me to have a relatively comfortable pregnancy. I also think that exercise helps you to see past discomfort and not dwell … Maybe you’d agree? I have the same issues with peeing (I think people in the gym think it’s cute when I hop off of the treadmill to race to the bathroom!) as well as pelvic pain from too much walking. At this point in my pregnancy I’ll feel sudden bouts of serious pressure as well – but I’m fine with that! Maybe it means Baby is getting ready! You’re going to be such a fantastic mom, and you are truly doing your family and women (pregnant and not) a favor by remaining active and healthy through your instruction and motivation! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Tara! It’s been awesome getting to know each other as we both finish up our first pregnancies. 🙂 I TOTALLY agree about exercise helping you see past the discomfort. It helps me to stay positive, that’s for sure! Sounds like the pee thing and pressure thing get out of control for everyone at the end. I feel okay with it as long as I know it’s “normal”. 🙂 Your baby is totally getting ready…giving you all the signs. GOOD LUCK and keep it up with your fantastic attitude momma!
Where were you when I was pregnant (3 times..)?!!! I wish I had such wonderful guidance and support when I was pregnant! You’re clients and blog readers are so very lucky! Can’t wait to hear when the little guy arrives!
Thanks Jody – you’re so sweet! Just trying to learn as much as I can so that I can help others stay fit during pregnancy too. I really think it’s made the last few months so much easier! Can’t wait for you to meet him! 🙂
You’re such an inspiration and I hope to stay active throughout my 10 months, too! The first 6 have been going well 🙂
I need to look through your pages more, but what have you done for cardio since you eliminated running? I just cut out my jogging and am sticking with speed walking with incline intervals, elliptical and cutting the grass.
I was doing some walking with incline on the treadmill for awhile, but during my last trimester I have been working out at our studio. We just have an Arc Trainer which I love so I do intervals on that. I also use kettlebells for conditioning (swings and snatches). Otherwise, I have mostly been doing strength workouts. It sounds like you’ve found what works for you and is keeping you comfortable so I would stick with it! Look at you even cutting the grass. I love it!
That’s awesome that you can still workout. Good for you girl! I on the other hand can not. Walking up my stairs is rough for me. I started off with prenatal yoga twice a week but around 6 months, it was becoming extremely uncomfortable for me in my hips. So I stuck with just walking. But these last couple days walking has become a little rough for me as well. Counting down the days till I can get back to a good strong workout routine!
Sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable, Susan! I always say that every woman and every pregnancy is different and I know I am super lucky that I didn’t have any complications that forced me to stop working out. You are almost there and I’m sure you’ll be feeling better and working out again in no time at all. 🙂 I’ve found I have to pay a ton of attention to my hips…loads of stretching, foam rolling and heat have helped a ton.