How am I suppose to loose those 20lbs before I get pregnant?! As the due date gets closer and my waist line isn't budging, I'm starting to think this is a hopeless task. This last week, I have been cutting back on my intake, but I still don't feel like I am getting the best nutritional balance from what I am eating. But the even harder part is finding time to exercise. After a long day of work, when it's dark, cold, and crappy outside, who wants to work out? Bleh! But I found one website that suggests working out as a couple as a way to encourage each other before and during the pregnancy to stay in shape.
A great way for couples to get closer and at the same time improve their health is by exercising together. It's a perfect way to encourage each other to include fitness, and it can provide the incentive for a pregnant woman to keep fit during the span of her pregnancy and beyond. Although the non-pregnant partner may need to modify their usual fitness program to make sure that their exercise is safe for pregnancy, it is a great way for a couple to bond and provide support to each other.
Take a Walk
Walking is one of the best ways for couples to exercise together. It is an ideal time for couples to talk about how they are adapting to the changes of pregnancy and how they can best support each other during this transitional time in their relationship. In order to keep this activity safe and effective for pregnancy it is important for the partner to keep the following points in mind:
Think about her current fitness level when setting the distance for your walks. If she hasn't been exercising, start with a 15- to 30-minute gentle walk and increase the time slowly depending on how she is feeling during and after each walk.
Avoid exercising during hot and humid weather. Schedule your walks early or late in the day during the summer months to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Bring water and snacks on your walk and drink often. Pregnant women need at least eight to 10 glasses of water each day. She may need more if she's exercising, or if the weather is warm.
Let her set the pace and allow for rest stops if needed. Set up a route with some gentle hills and shady spots to rest.
If she becomes out of breath, you are walking too fast. Slow down the pace and rest more often.
Make sure to apply sunscreen (sunscreen in western Washington?! That makes me laugh! As if!), wear proper athletic footwear and dress for the weather.--www.pregnancytoday.com
My question is: what do you do if both you and your partner want to work out, but your level of exercise is completely different? I'm not even pregnant yet and my pace for exercising is waaaay less then that of my husband's. For one thing, he is a lot taller than I am, so for every one step he takes on a walk, that's two for me! Am I suppose to start huffing and puffing just to keep up? Or is my husband supposed to find twice the time to work out...once just enduring my slow pace, and again later to actually get a workout? I understand what this article is saying, but I have to ask: do they really expect pregnant women to waddle next to their husbands at a slow pace without feeling like they are gumming up the works for a real workout?
It 'aint over until the fat Pickle sings.
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