Sunday, June 26, 2011

Pregnancy and Fitness: The Game Plan

Okay, I am far luckier than most women who get pregnant. I've only been sick a handful of times (usually it's what I ate that brings it on) and I really only suffer from intense fatigue. Headaches, check. But over all, it's a really easy pregnancy. So why can't I exercise?


Mm... that intense fatigue? Leaves me so tired that most days, I can barely keep my eyes open for a few hours. I heard it gets better in the second trimester, which is coming up soon for me. I made a game plan. And it's a really really good one. Are you ready for it??

Good. Because here it is.

Starting today, Sunday, I am going to ride my exercise bike, Stella for 5 minutes, 2x a day. That gives me 10 minutes. Monday, I'm going 6 minutes, 2 times a day. Each day until Friday I am going to add one minute until I get to ten minutes, twice a day for a total of 20 minutes of Friday. Saturday, will be a rest day.

This adds up to 90 minutes of activity for the week.

Next Sunday will start Week 2 of the plan and it will go like this: 7 minutes x 2, 8 minutes x 2, 9 minutes x 2, 10 minutes x 2, and 11 minutes x 2, with Saturday being another rest day. This also equals out to 90 minutes of activity for the week.

Gradually I am going to up it, repeating a week or two depending on how I feel, whether or not it's too hard, or upping it if it seems too easy. And "easy does it" is sort of the corner stone of pregnancy-fitness. I'm also going to take up a prenatal yoga dvd that I got off of Netflix, and once the weather stays hot, I am going to go swimming too, even if its just floating around a little and working on my tan.

But I am not going to do more than 90 minutes of biking a week. I think even that will help me get ready for labor and I might end up losing a few pounds too (not that I am trying... but I haven't gained weight in 13 weeks, and I am not really following a calorie-based meal plan, so it might happen.)

I'm also going to record how many miles I've done (my bike keeps a running tab, no matter how long its been since the last ride) and how I felt before, how I feel after, and whether or not my mood has improved.

But right now, I need to go take a nap. I have to work on applications and stuff all night, rework my resume and do custom cover letters so I need a little shut eye. Keep sending good thoughts my way... I really need a job! :)

2 comments:

  1. I can't really console you on the whole pregnancy thing, since I've never had a baby. I do support you, though! I can, perhaps help you with a resume (maybe we can barter?) Msg. me on my blog and I can tell you more.
    I am thinking of you! " )

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  2. Sounds like a great plan chika! What about making yourself walk the dog too? just 2 little 10 minute pee breaks for him or something to help get you some of that delicious vitamin D that the sun is giving out?
    What do you do when you bike? I used to enjoy my biking time by listening to podcasts (I could close my eyes and relax) or reading a good book. :)

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