Pregnancy Exercises - shoulders and obliques

[JoJoKitty1]

I'm mad nervous for this lady! This seems too extreme for pregnant women. I'm pregnant and wouldn't dare all of this.

[doctorcathy]

@JoJoKitty1 Don't be nervous - there is nothing to fear in pregnancy - it is a normal stage of life. I'm a professional - I've been a personal trainer and aerobics instructor for more than 20 years. I'm a doctor of chiropractic. Don't let anyone put fear into your head about your pregnancy - you are a healthy, strong woman capable of carrying a baby and giving birth like billions of women before you have done on this planet. Pregnancy is not an illness or disease.

[SuperIrene85]

could oblique's exercises develop my diastasis?I'm on 2nd pregnnacy!

[doctorcathy]

@SuperIrene85 Typically oblique work does not cause but may contribute to a diastasis. It is the rectus abdominus work that is more likely to contribute to and/or cause a diastasis.

[gooxgooxhead]

I'm loving these prenatal fitness videos! Everyone is always so afraid to exercise during pregnancy and I know that it's very important to remain in good shape and feel good. FINALLY! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU :D

[doctorcathy]

@gooxgooxhead You are so very welcome!

[gadionson1]

its a bit funny, i felt nervous for her. very interesting

[doctorcathy]

@gadionson1 That's odd - no reason to feel nervous - I'm not sick in this video, I'm pregnant. Pregnancy is a completely normal stage of life.

[MsMomof3boyz]

If I don't have a ball can I just use a chair...

[doctorcathy]

@MsMomof3boyz Yes, or some cushions from your couch.

[doctorcathy]

JBlessing, all of my videos are safe and effective and are designed to keep your core strong. To help reduce some of your fear, take classes in natural birth so you will understand what your body is doing and you will be prepared - not scared. I prefer the Bradley Method; check online for classes near you. Good luck, stick with me and incorporate a little exercise and healthy food choices everyday.

[JBlessing09]

Do all of these different types of exercises help to support your back muscles?? I am planning to go natural when I have my son, no medication or anything, and I don't eat extremely healthy, and I haven't been doing my exercises (I work in fast food so I am on my feet a lot moving and walking and stuff), and I am absolutely terrified of the pain of labor or if it's too late to start exercises. Any suggestions?? I am 25 weeks now, and just getting a little scared, as I get closer to my due date

[JBlessing09]

Do all of these different types of exercises help to support your back muscles?? I am planning to go natural when I have my son, no medication or anything, and I don't eat extremely healthy, and I haven't been doing my exercises (I work in fast food so I am on my feet a lot moving and walking and stuff), and I am absolutely terrified of the pain of labor or if it's too late to start exercises. Any suggestions?? I am 25 weeks now, and just getting a little scared, as I get closer to my due date

[kankon133]

BOOO

[kankon133]

BOOO



[Fneefnoo]

y does the water not break when shes doin this? she has muscles

[doctorcathy]

@Fneefnoo That's funny! Thanks!

[mirelajebogati]

@doctorcathy, what is the weigt of your dumbells?

Is it safe for me to work biceps with 17 pound dumbells?

Thank you.

[doctorcathy]

@mirelajebogati I used 8 and10 pound weights in this video, but every body is different. If you've been using15- 17 pound weights all along, you should be able to continue with that amount. If you haven't been lifting, that may not be the right weight to start off with.You'll have to judge that for yourself; you can always change the amount of weight you're using.Main thing to keep this routine safe is to use proper form and good posture as I discuss in the video. Let me know how you progress

[doctorcathy]

@AlbertaJCW001 I agree with you!

[lulu3jones]

I wish i had found this vid sooner also n not to mention id love to have the energy to do these exercises.

I had really bad sickness for the first 5 months of the pregnancy and had very little exercise but my back is really suffering from lack of exercise n muscles going stiff. I would have loved to have been able to do this and keep my arms n legs toned at least. just feel like a whale now at 28 weeks.

[doctorcathy]

@lulu3jones

don't be too hard on yourself...there's so many well-meaning but grossly misinformed people out there telling women that they cannot exercise. Like they believe pregnancy is some kind of disease or something. Just get moving and stay active everyday.

[needinfo123]

Hi doctorcathy, I have a question regarding abs during pregnancy.Im very active in my workouts, just found out im prego w/ my 2nd baby,I spin, do step, kickboxing and weight training and did as well with my first pregnancy.What I need to know is at what point do I stop doing abs laying on the floor and also I read and have heard that it's not safe to workout by raising your arms above your head while pregnant, like shoulder press and other alike.I didnt do any of these with my first pregnancy.

[doctorcathy]

@needinfo123 You can continue to train your abs throughout first and most of second trimenster. You will know when to stop doing crunches because it will become harder, maybe a little uncomfortable or just limited range of motion due to belly getting in the way. Never heard the one about not raising your arms...how would you wash your hair if that was true? Don't worry about that one - that's just silly.

[sonyxxmunions]

I soooo wish I found you a long time ago. I got pregnant in September of 2008, gave birth to a baby girl in June of 2009, got pregnant AGAIN in July on 2009, and my son is now due in 1 month. I lost all my weight within that month in between, but I was not toned. My body has been through a lot getting pregnant one after another like this. I feel I could have been better off if I had thought to look up preg. excercises MUCH sooner! Great excercises anyhow. :)

[doctorcathy]

@sonyxxmunions Wow - you've been busy. But you're going to need your strength to take care of 2 little babies. Try to do the warm-up video again, and shoot for 3 1/2 minutes this time. Every little bit you do now will make it that much easier for you to recover and get back in shape later. Right now, don't think about your weight or your shape, just exercise for the health of it...for energy and stamina. Then in June or July, you can focus on regaining your shape and toning up your muscles.

[tonyandmelanie]

Wow Doctorcathy! I am so happy I have found you! Pre-pregnancy I was into intense crossfit workouts but quickly realized that it did not meet my new body's needs. Since becoming pregnant, I have been running on a treadmill and using the elliptical to keep my fitness level up but I noticed I was losing muscle tone. No prenatal weight lifting regime was meeting my needs until now. I am currently 7 months along and love your workouts! Thanks!

[doctorcathy]

Wow - thank you, it's so nice to hear that. Keep up the good work and please send me updates on your pregnancy and your baby's birth.

[dawn10270524]

I was 5' 5"125 lbs. when I got pregnant with my daughter in August 08. I gained 40 lbs. She was 7 lbs. 14 oz. healthy, natural, perfect, pain- free home/water birth. I'm 3 months pregnant now at 150 lbs. and afraid of gaining another 40 and I've only just begun a workout routine. Is there any hope for me to safely reduce my potential weight gain over the next 6 months? You are such an inspiration!

[doctorcathy]

Thank you - just keep exercising and watch your food choices - be sure to select only healthy, natural foods. Avoid processed foods, greasy or fried foods and skip fast food altogether. Eat tons of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats. Be sure to get drink at least 10 glasses of water every day, and make time for yourself to enjoy your 2nd pregnancy, your 1st baby and your amazing body!

Keep me posted!

[laceycasella]

your body is amazing

[doctorcathy]

Thanks - see? Anything is possible if we put our minds to it...I gained 18 pounds with my pregnancy, had a natural birth and my baby weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz. Just 5 days after he was born, I only weighed 3 pounds more than the day I became pregnant. It's all in the preparation.

[joyfulhelpmeet]

i must confess i have NOT exercised, but God is convicting me to take better care of my body. I dont have weights, is there something else i can use

??

[ArkansasWindy20]

a plastic bottle filled with water... can of beans etc... anything that causes resistence...

[doctorcathy]

Feel free to use water bottles, cans, even books would work. I've just finished a video that shows some exercises that use only your body's weight for resistance - check it out.

[FatumatuzZehra]

By the way what aboout if you dont have the equipments? And dont have the space in the house to keep the equipments. Are there any other alternatives that we can use as a equipment?

23+6 weeks

[doctorcathy]

If you do not have any weights, you can fill up a gallon jug with water - 1 gallon weighs 8 pounds - and use one gallon jug in each hand. If that's too heavy, begin with a small water bottle and increase to a bigger water bottle over time.

[FatumatuzZehra]

Hi Dr. Cathy.

I am Really glade to find this lovely videos as my antenatel classes has closed down.

I really wanted to do regular exercise during my pregnancy but didn't know how to do it without a teacher. scared to do something wrong. recently thought of looking at youtube, And thank GOD that i found you. Now i can continue my exercise.

I must Thank you with your lovely work and effort for all pregnant women, as it is really useful.

[doctorcathy]

Thank you - I'm glad you are here with me...keep exercising and taking good care of yourself for your baby. Follow along with my videos and you should be just fine.

[leondugue]

I love all your videos! I am 16 weeks pregnant and look forward to continuing with all your exercises right to when i deliver and probably beyond!!

[doctorcathy]

Fantastic - you sound like you are on the right track! Keep up the good work and keep me posted...

[shinesmile77]

You are fabulous, i am sooo glad i found you, i am about 7 weeks pregnant at the moment xo

[doctorcathy]

fantastic - glad you're getting an early start...keep me posted

[doctorcathy]

I agree, you should prepare for conception, pregnancy and birth. Perhaps I can find some time to make some more videos...

[Roosevelt1945]

Dr, Kathy... You are in fantastic shape. As a gym rat, I doubt that very many women at your stage or pregnancy can do what you do in these very excellent videos. Have you considered an exercise routine for women who want to become pregnant?  It seems to me that the best thing to to is to be in one's best possible shape before becoming pregnant. Cheers, Teddy

[doctorcathy]

I never like to recommened ways to lose weight without knowing you personally, but if your midwife is okay with you walking every day for 20 - 30 mintes to help manage your weight, that would be a great idea. Remember, this is a time to be as healthy as possible, for your baby's sake. Manage your weight so it does not become a burden for your baby, but do not diet or starve yourself. Eat healthful foods and exercise a little every day.

[sexanddiamonds]

Dr Cathy, you look so fab! Congrats on your delivery. I used to weigh 125pounds and 5'4" tall before pregnancy. I'm 28 weeks pregnant and already ballooning at 30pounds. Too much weight too soon. What can I do to lose the weight as I'm only supposed to gain 35 max for whole pregnancy|?

[doctorcathy]

I have already had my baby, but in this video I was about 39 weeks pregnant. My pregnancy lasted 42 1/2 weeks.

[RiaVikki]

Hi Dr. Cathy,

Great Exercises!!!

But just curious are you really pregnant???

[mrskadr1]

I love it!! thank you dr. cathy!!

[doctorcathy]

You are so very welcome!

[doctorcathy]

Thnak you - but definitely remind her that women should work with light weights to keep their metabolsim high and their bones strong. Check out some of my favorite healthy recipes.

[nixodian]

Fantastic exercises again, especially just the body weight exercises on the swiss ball, the obliques and abs, your 1st video was even better as that was purely body weight aerobic exercises rather than dumbells. my gf wants to keep her feminine shape rather having toned muscles!

looking forward to your next video

thanks in advance :)