Thank you so much for all the nice comments yesterday on our maternity pictures! This blog will be a little baby heavy for the next couple of weeks, I’m guessing, because, well, that’s all that’s on the brain. I’m trying to keep distracted with work, tv, friends and walking but my mind still wanders to “when is this baby coming” about 10,345,349 times a day. I haven’t started anything to get this baby out, although I did eat eggplant last night, so we’ll see if that old wives tale works.
I’ve also been thinking about what I’m going to do about exercise post baby. First I wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on with fitness and exercise the past couple of weeks.
I officially stopped running at 37.5 weeks. I was just feeling like my stomach was huge and very low and it wasn’t comfortable anymore. I always knew when I wasn’t comfortable running I would stop. I’m so glad I was able to run for so long and I’m totally fine and happy to take a running break until my doctor gives me clearance post baby.
I also dropped the weight/strength training to once a week and just do arms basically. I decided when I stopped running that I would walk as much as possible, but that the next month would be about slowing down and just doing whatever my body felt good doing. No pressure to run, strength train or walk a certain number of miles…and I have to say I feel great. It’s pretty humbling using 5 pound weights, but honestly right now, I don’t really care. I KNOW I’ll get my strength back, so I’m just going with it. I always said that these 9 months were about staying healthy and moving…not pushing myself.
(note: I’m leaning WAYYY over…I can no longer see my feet!)
So now I am walking on the treadmill (unless I’m with someone) most days of the week. I figure it’s good to be on the treadmill just in case I need to stop if I don’t feel good, need a water refill or need to use the bathroom. Yesterday I did 45 minutes on the elliptical on the lowest setting. That was the first time I used the elliptical in probably 5 or 6 months and it felt good to switch it up. My legs feel it today.
That’s basically where I am. I’m still moving. I’m walking until this baby comes out! I’m also wearing Danny’s workout shirts because I was so sick of half my stomach hanging out in my tops.
Now for post baby: I plan on resting/relaxing/recovering until I get clearance from my doctor. I don’t plan on rushing into anything, but I will go for walks when I can and when I feel up to it.
After I get clearance I hope to slowly ease into running again and then maybe do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I figure it will be a good way to get in short at home workouts while baby C is napping.
So that’s the plan…even though I know baby’s laugh in the face of a plan.
And just because I love you, here are my favorite links from the past week about fitness:
Carla just nails it so many times a week, but really with this one (I say that too much, I know.) She writes about how her competition is LIFE...and I can certainly agree with that right now.
Tamara guest posted on Tina’s website with a Rest Based Interval Workout. Can’t wait to get back to workouts like this!
I love when the twins post quick workouts they do. Your workouts do not have to be hours long to get great results!
Carissa posted Lift Like a Zombie workout. Get it done…it looks awesome. 
Speaking of fitness..I’m off for a treadmill walk. See you tomorrow!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I had really cut back on running way before you and somehow have managed to cope. I admit, it does suck…but it is what it is. Like you, I know I’ll get back into it post-babe and never look back!!! The body is awesome so I trust that it will get me to where I want it to be once this baby is out!!
30 Day Shred is the first home DVD I ever got into – it’s so amazing. Your plan sounds very reasonable and I’m sure you’ll be back at it in no time!
I love your blog and anticipate the arrival of your baby too!
I am six months pregnant and get so much inspiration from you to keep on moving during this time.
Did you ever get Braxton hicks during exercise? My dr says its nothing to worry about as long as I’m not dehydrated.
Really loving couple of you. I like your loving couple picture very much because your nice loving family. I wish your nice future. Also I think your fitness update is so helpful to every women. Thanks for your beautiful article.
love the belly and feet shot too cute! and yes you will get your strength back!!! so excited for you and can’t wait to see the little one hugs!!!!
YES!! Isn’t it exciting to know that you will be holding your little guy or girl ANY day now!?!?
I think listening to your doctor and your body are the most important things with returning to exercising post-partum. You will know when you are ready. Esp ready to run. After AJ, I was walking on the treadmill and just felt like it was time and started running. I didn’t have a certain day to start!