Exercising in the TWW?

AlanaIris · #1 October 16th, 2009, 07:11 AM

So, I joined a gym in Jan. and was on a really good routine with going and then once summer rolled around I just stopped going. I really want to get back into it, so I started going again the other day. But the trainers at my gym said no tummy exercises while pregnant to a friend of mine. So, I was wondering, should I be doing crunches/ab stuff in the TWW? What is the risk here, if any? I really need to work on my stomach the most, so just wondering...

CandaceDianne · #2 October 16th, 2009, 07:14 AM

I think its a personal choice, but I am 8 weeks pregnant and I still do crunches, just not as many. If it would make you feel better, get one of those big balls and do crunches on those.

erleigh · #3 October 16th, 2009, 07:41 AM

I think you can do regular crunches up until your 2nd trimester. I don't know WHY...I just remember reading that you're not supposed to do any excercises lying on your back after the 1st tri.

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #4 October 16th, 2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanaIris

So, I joined a gym in Jan. and was on a really good routine with going and then once summer rolled around I just stopped going. I really want to get back into it, so I started going again the other day. But the trainers at my gym said no tummy exercises while pregnant to a friend of mine. So, I was wondering, should I be doing crunches/ab stuff in the TWW? What is the risk here, if any? I really need to work on my stomach the most, so just wondering...

Quote:

Originally Posted by erleigh

I think you can do regular crunches up until your 2nd trimester. I don't know WHY...I just remember reading that you're not supposed to do any excercises lying on your back after the 1st tri.

I think exercise is good for you and especially abdominal exercises. Having a strong core will help you with labor.

When I was pregnant with Jeremy I had such bad back pain that I ended up having to see a physical therapist and she said you could do crunches when you were pregnant. I can't remember when you need to stop but after that you can do modified exercises to strengthen your core. I will have to go look and see if I can find info but you definitely can be doing it during the 2ww. And I would.

Quote:

Myth or Fact: It's not safe to do abdominal work during pregnancy.
Myth. Not only is it OK, experts say abdominal workouts can provide many benefits.

"Your abdominals and your entire core, including your pelvic floor, should be strengthened throughout pregnancy, and doing so will help not only during pregnancy, but also aid in labor and delivery -- and recovery," says Sue Fleming, a certified fitness instructor. Fleming is also founder of Buff Fitness.com and creator of the video Buff Moms-To-Be.

Moreover, Fleming says, it's going to help with posture problems which will also benefit you after baby is born.

Because you should avoid any exercises that you have to do on your back after the first trimester, Fleming suggests gentle standing pelvic tilts, seated belly breathing, or tightening abs, holding, then releasing, as good ways to keep ab muscles in top condition.

Exercise During Pregnancy: Myth vs. Fact

So I think you can do crunches while you are in the first trimester and then you should start modifying them.

TeresaSuperMama · #5 October 16th, 2009, 11:32 AM

I have looked into this one. You are fine doing everything you are doing in the 2ww. Once you are pregnant you will want to stop doing exercises laying on your back once you are out of your first trimester.

Wallflower · #6 October 16th, 2009, 12:23 PM

Oh yay, Thanks for asking this, it has been my biggest concern in doing exercise during the TWW!

AlanaIris · #7 October 16th, 2009, 01:18 PM

Thanks, ladies. I figured it was probably okay, but everytime I go to do my ab stuff the thought pops into my head. Thanks again!

MountainMomma · #8 October 16th, 2009, 01:22 PM

Dang it! Ya'll just took away my excuse not to exercise! lol

Actually I am glad to hear this. I always stop working out other than walking on my treadmill during the 2ww and it's taking me SOOO much longer to lose weight that way. Now that I know it's okay, maybe I can get back on track again.

Wallflower · #9 October 16th, 2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainMomma

Dang it! Ya'll just took away my excuse not to exercise! lol

Actually I am glad to hear this. I always stop working out other than walking on my treadmill during the 2ww and it's taking me SOOO much longer to lose weight that way. Now that I know it's okay, maybe I can get back on track again.

Ditto!! I totally use my concern as an excuse, and i know I would get down to my goal weight sooo much faster if I wasn't so overly cautious during the TWW!