Pregnancy, Exercise and Go SportID GIVEAWAY

One of the things I get asked most through the blog is about my experiences with fitness during my pregnancy.  What did I do?  What didn't I do?  How did I feel?  I've always provided my take as I'm sure many of my fellow fitness bloggers have as well.  So we thought we'd share a few different views of pregnancy and fitness so you can get a few different perspectives in one place, sort of a one stop shop approach.  So I'd like to introduce you if you don't already know them to a few other excellent bloggers and their take but before I do, I should  mention, we're also hosting a GoSportID $25 gift certificate to three lucky readers. 

If you don't know Go SportID, it provides an awesome way to keep your essential information on you without having to carry an id or wallet and motivates you by putting your motivational mantra right there at your fingertips.  To be eligible for the give aways:

 1.  Leave a comment telling us what mantra you'd put on your GoSportID

 2. Follow me, RunningRachel,or GoSportID on Twitter.  Leave a comment letting us know you followed.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday evening  (11/1/11).

Without any further ado, here's a short look into the experiences 4 different women had with trying to stay fit while pregnant.   First up...

RunningRachel
I too was overwhelmed by all the 'advice' that was out there when I was pregnant for the first time. You have doctors who tell you to stop all exercise, not to get your heart rate above 140 bpm and more. It can be very confusing. I found that when I listened to 'those' doctors and stopped my exercise (per their expert advice) I was cranky, miserable, and gained 70+ pounds of "pregnancy weight".

My biggest advice to you is to trust your body. If you were running before you were pregnant, you CAN continue running WHILE you are pregnant. Trust your body. If it starts to hurt. Stop. If you are winded or tired. Slow down or stop. Trust your body.

With my second and third pregnancies I ran up till my 5th month of pregnancy (both boys). After that for me the added weight of the baby caused discomfort and unpleasant urges to use the restroom mid run. :)

When I stopped running, I continued power walking. I kept moving and exercising because I knew that is what I needed to keep my sanity.

As my family continued to grow, (I have three little boys), I kept moving. My last pregnancy I ended up pushing my two older boys in the double jogger all the way to the day before I gave birth. Granted, the walk was slower and a bit more labored... but the fresh air and movement helped everyone.

My biggest bit of wisdom is simply, TRUST YOUR BODY. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. YOU know what is best for you.

Next...RunningDivaMom
I didn't stick with my training as much as I should have. I decreased my mileage, but didn't quit totally. I just wasn't comfortable. But if women are -- I say go for it! I wasn't a runner with Little Diva, only when I was PG with Little Dude.

I would say it depends on your comfort level.  If you are feeling ill or weak from a lack of dehydration (i.e. dreaded morning sickness) … take it easy … run slow … and there is nothing wrong with walking.  If you are feeling energized and motivated … just go with it.  But, never exhaust yourself during pregnancy.  You should never increase your current mileage/distance from your pre-pregnancy routine.  Always wear a Road ID or some sort of identification device, in case something happens to you out on the road (and your baby).  And, always carry a bottle of water with you when you are exercising … to keep you and your little one hydrated and fueled.

Finally...Me

I went back and fourth with what I did.  My doctor's advice was to listen to my body and not to push it but I was ok to do whatever I was doing before until it became to uncomfortable.  So I listened to my body and kept trucking along. 

I ended up doing a 10k at about 2 months pregnant and had planned to run a half marathon at 3 months pregnant if it weren't for a stupid cold.

I conitnued to run till about the 5 month too and then it was just to dang uncomfortable for me but I did do everything else.  I did weights (minus ab work), elyptical, stair machine, spinning, everything.  At 32 weeks I was still trying to be active.  Doing what I can. 

That's my bottomline advice.  Don't get frustrated.  Do what you can.  Even walking provides so many healthy benefits that it's so worth it.  Pregnancy may seem like a chore to some but remember what you're doing.  It's one of the most gratifing things we as women do and when you see the finish line and hold that little guy (or girl) you'll be so happy and thankful that it will all make sense.