This past week I was only able to muster the energy for 4 workouts. I should have done more but sometimes it’s just difficult to get moving, am I right? I was 37 weeks pregnant last week though, so I figure I can give myself a little bit of a break 🙂 I felt much better this week than I did a few weeks ago when I didn’t exercise much, so I firmly believe that staying active really does help minimize discomfort, as well as keep my ever-waning energy levels up.
37 weeks pregnant.
Here is a recap of the workouts I did while 37 weeks pregnant:
Tuesday, 10/13. 3.1 mile walk in 64 minutes. Walked to the lake and went around once. Felt lots of pressure in my pelvis toward the end of the walk. Baby is definitely head down now!
Wednesday, 10/14. 2.2 miles on the elliptical in 30 minutes. Exercised quickly so that I could get my heart rate up. I really miss sweaty, heart-pumping runs, but for now this is all I can do. Followed the elliptical with a 16 minute dumbbell workout with 7.5 pound dumbbells.
Thursday, 10/15. 2.55 mile walk in 55 minutes. My husband and I went for a late evening walk after he got home from work. It was really dark! I’ve realized I tend to want to stroll when I’m with him and I walk much faster when I’m by myself. That’s ok though, because I’d much rather be with him than walk fast alone 🙂
Saturday, 10/17. 3.05 mile walk in 57 minutes. Drove to the lake and walked around it twice at a pretty quick pace. It was chilly and windy but it felt good to get outside and move. Didn’t have any cramps or discomfort, which was nice.
I plan to continue with my workouts this week and hopefully it’ll encourage my little guy to make his arrival. I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and the baby is not showing any indication that he wants to show up any time soon. I’m especially ready for him to “drop” because my ribs are really crowded which isn’t very fun. I found out that I’ve gained 36 pounds…yikes!…but I still feel pretty good and fairly light on my feet. I can’t wait for Baby Vail to get here!
Thanks Kelly! I've been doing squats in the gym but not very low ones. I had someone else tell me that they are good for the pelvic floor so I'm trying to remember to squat rather than bend over whenever I need something that's down on the ground. Thanks for the tip, and don't worry, I always welcome advice 🙂 Thanks for reading!!
Don't worry about the weight gain, mama! You look great and most if not all of that will come off pretty fast after baby is born. If you feel up to, work in some squats – half or even quarter squats are fine. They are good for your pelvic floor which is good for labor. It also helps move things along, so squatting once labor starts will help you progress. You didn't ask for advice, sorry!! Feel free to ignore me. Congratulations, you're in the home stretch!
Laura Baranek
October 21, 2015 / 12:07 am
As a former Army baller and someone who still LOVES to workout (more intervals and weight training, rather than heavy distance…although I did run a half marathon 6 months ago) I found this to be a very interesting read regarding pregnant athletes. Or maybe I'm just looking for validation for having gained 30 lbs already and i'm only 7 months pregnant lol.
You are amazing for working out still! I walked and walked for my last few weeks of pregnancy. I did a two hour walk the day I went into labor! I also went into labor 4 days after my due date (little man was born early in the morning 5 days after my due date). It was the only way to stay sane! And the weight will come off. I highly recommend waiting until you are cleared at your 6 week postpartum appt though! Especially if you get stitches, like I did (sorry if that's TMI!!) Plus breastfeeding helps. And constantly lifting up my 20+ lb 9 month old helps 🙂
Laura, thank you for sharing that link! It was really interesting and made me feel so much better. If Kara Goucher gained 38 pounds I feel wayyyyy better about gaining 36 so far. I'm sure it'll all come off once the baby is out, my mobility is restored, and I'm breastfeeding. I'm kind of looking forward to the challenge in a weird sort of way. Congrats to you and good luck with the next 2+ months! The last few weeks are a BEAST!
Thank you Claire! Walking has helped me stay sane too, but isn't it so weird to consider walking "exercise" when you are so used to running long distances? It's been hard to wrap my head around. I will definitely wait until I'm cleared to run, but I'm so excited just thinking about moving freely again. You're such an inspiration and I hope I bounce back just like you did!
Thanks Kelly! I've been doing squats in the gym but not very low ones. I had someone else tell me that they are good for the pelvic floor so I'm trying to remember to squat rather than bend over whenever I need something that's down on the ground. Thanks for the tip, and don't worry, I always welcome advice 🙂 Thanks for reading!!
Don't worry about the weight gain, mama! You look great and most if not all of that will come off pretty fast after baby is born. If you feel up to, work in some squats – half or even quarter squats are fine. They are good for your pelvic floor which is good for labor. It also helps move things along, so squatting once labor starts will help you progress. You didn't ask for advice, sorry!! Feel free to ignore me. Congratulations, you're in the home stretch!
As a former Army baller and someone who still LOVES to workout (more intervals and weight training, rather than heavy distance…although I did run a half marathon 6 months ago) I found this to be a very interesting read regarding pregnant athletes. Or maybe I'm just looking for validation for having gained 30 lbs already and i'm only 7 months pregnant lol.
http://www.saltyrunning.com/2012/07/12/pregnancy-weight-gain/
You are amazing for working out still! I walked and walked for my last few weeks of pregnancy. I did a two hour walk the day I went into labor! I also went into labor 4 days after my due date (little man was born early in the morning 5 days after my due date). It was the only way to stay sane! And the weight will come off. I highly recommend waiting until you are cleared at your 6 week postpartum appt though! Especially if you get stitches, like I did (sorry if that's TMI!!) Plus breastfeeding helps. And constantly lifting up my 20+ lb 9 month old helps 🙂
Laura, thank you for sharing that link! It was really interesting and made me feel so much better. If Kara Goucher gained 38 pounds I feel wayyyyy better about gaining 36 so far. I'm sure it'll all come off once the baby is out, my mobility is restored, and I'm breastfeeding. I'm kind of looking forward to the challenge in a weird sort of way. Congrats to you and good luck with the next 2+ months! The last few weeks are a BEAST!
Thank you Claire! Walking has helped me stay sane too, but isn't it so weird to consider walking "exercise" when you are so used to running long distances? It's been hard to wrap my head around. I will definitely wait until I'm cleared to run, but I'm so excited just thinking about moving freely again. You're such an inspiration and I hope I bounce back just like you did!