[mumi_mckay]

what should you keep your heart rate to while exercising? ive heard conflictiong stories about this and would GREATLY appreciate any advice.. i go to the gym almost 5 days a week and do a body balance class (mix of tai chi, yoga and pilates) should i avoid the streches? what can i do other than walking and swimming?

[twinzplus3]

Kathy Kaehler is a great resource for exercising when you're pg. I LOVE pilates and did lots of it while pg--even pg with twins. I think the important thing is to listen to your body--it is a very good indicator! And obviously be careful about some of those abdominal things! While pg, I would avoid doing anything that could increase or contribute to the separation of your abdominal muscles. Pilates is great bc lots of pilate exercises do not separate the abdominal muscles but rather serve to strengthen the abdominis recti.

[raganlyn]

A great alternative to walking or swimming is the eliptical trainer. You get a great workout and it's less bouncy than running and you don't have to get in a bathing suit!!! I would ask your doc about the heart rate. I usually keep mine between 145-155. It's hard to do, though, bc it jumps up to that so fast. Just don't do anything on your back when lifting weights and abdominal exercises aren't really necessary, that tummy is going to get back no matter what and you want it to!!!

[twinzplus3]

Originally Posted by raganlyn

abdominal exercises aren't really necessary, that tummy is going to get back no matter what and you want it to!!!

I totally have to disagree! Doing the appropriate abdominal exercise while pg can help with diastasis recti thus decreasing lower back pain and it can help you get back into shape faster after birth. Aside from that for her, she just had a baby so her tummy is much more prone to diastasis recti anyways. If her tummy is already flat. . .she could even prevent diastasis recti by exercising the abdominals while pg. But again--no crunches--it has to be the appropriate exercise. But the eliptical trainer is a great idea!

[wanna be a young mother]

I was told to keep mine under 135 but every Dr. and women are different. So I would say contact your DR. before starting ANY exercise program to be on the safe side! GOOD LUCK!!

[raganlyn]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

I totally have to disagree! Doing the appropriate abdominal exercise while pg can help with diastasis recti thus decreasing lower back pain and it can help you get back into shape faster after birth. Aside from that for her, she just had a baby so her tummy is much more prone to diastasis recti anyways. If her tummy is already flat. . .she could even prevent diastasis recti by exercising the abdominals while pg. But again--no crunches--it has to be the appropriate exercise. But the eliptical trainer is a great idea!

Crunches is what I meant and I'm not sure of what the "right" ab exercises are, I just always assumed crunches are what everyone was talking about. Do you know what we can do for the ab area? Thanks for the info!!!!

[DessireeKrista]

Talk yo your ob, he will tell you what is acceptable for YOU during your pregnancy.

[twinzplus3]

As PP said, definitely talk to your OB about it. I wish I had some links to share but I just don't. I will tell you that I learned about diastasis recti (just in case someone doesn't know what that is--it's separation of the abdominal muscles) the hard way. Some of you may know this but for those who don't I have 5 kids. . .#4 & #5 are twins. So as your belly expands your abdominal muscles separate. It doesn't happen to every one but the more pg you have and the less in shape you are ( or if you pop out two at a time!) the more likely you are to get it.

To give a clearer picture (if this helps) diastasis recti is what is happening when a woman still looks pg. So like in my case. . .my twins are two and I still look a little pg sometimes.

In any case to correct or prevent the issue pilates is very good bc it focuses on 'sucking' in your tummy. The action actually helps bring the muslces together. Crunches separate the muscles which again if you're not pg or you're not recovering. . .is pretty normal.

Am I clear? I am so sleepy I can't tell which way is up. I hope that answered the question!

[purelegance]

everything i've heard/read says absolutly no abdominal exercises. talk to your ob & let us know if you hear any different.

[twinzplus3]

Here is a decent link with pretty good info of what I'm talking about: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/topic_other_topics.html

No crunches or sit ups or anything like that during pg (or right afterwards either as they actually separate the abdominis recti) but definitely do abdominal exercises. It's more like you're sucking your tummy in. . .pilates (did I say this already) generally is based on this type of abdominal exercise.