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Expert Q&A
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| By Sandra Grenier Prenatal Fitness Instructor | ||
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I started walking for exercise yesterday. I am seven months pregnant and I was SO sore and worn out. It never use to be that way before I got pregnant. Should I just stick to swimming to exercise, or does the term, "no pain no gain" still apply to me? Kim, Lexington, NC"
Walking is great exercise. You may have overtrained some muscles in your first session. You may have tried to go at your pre-pregnancy pace. In the second half of pregnancy, the additional 50% blood volume and 32% increase in respiration will allow you to reach your target heart rate zone with less effort. Listen to your body and use perceived exertion to monitor your intensity.
The recommended level is to feel you are working "somewhat hard." I would not give up on walking. Just tune into the body -- not just the walkman."