Pregnant Spin

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As a woman who used to be perfectly content to run four days a week with no variation, I’m surprised at how boring my pregnancy workout routine feels.  The endless loop of walking, with the occasional swim or yoga class, has really gotten to me.  That’s why I was so excited to rejoin the spinning ranks this morning.  Something different – wheeee!

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I used to be a frequent spinner, especially when I lived in Florida.  I used the workout to prep for triathlons but fell out of the habit when I quit the gym.  But now… I’m back.  And 7 months preggers.  So I wasn’t sure, exactly, how spin would go.

 

One of my favorite things about spin class is that there is zero pressure to preform.  No one ‘knows’ how hard you’re working because you adjust the resistance on your own bike.  You may look like you’re killing it, but the gear could be in an easy position.  Since the class was only 45 minutes (as opposed to the typical hour), I figured I could survive.  I simply kept the gear in an easy position most of the time, didn’t spin as fast as the others, and took breaks when needed. 

 

I did pay attention to my heart rate, which isn’t something that I’ve been doing throughout pregnancy, and I never got over 130 beats per minute.  The ‘old’ recommendation is that pregnant ladies not increase their heart rate past 140 bpm, as high heart rates stress the baby and deprive them of some oxygen.  Other sources say this 140 bpm limit is outdated – everyone has different resting heart rates and different efficiency levels, so 140 bpm for you may seem easier than for me.  I know, for example, that my resting heart rate is pretty high, and I can easily get into the 180 – 190 bpm range just by running.  The ‘new’ standard for pregnancy is to exercise according to a rate of perceived exertion(basically, how winded you feel).  I’ve read to keep it at a 6 – 7 on a scale of 1 – 10; a good clue you’re in this zone is that you should still be able to talk without panting.  And that’s pretty much how I’ve been guiding my workouts; I exercise to feel rejuvenated, not exhausted.  Although… my legs may be singing a different tune tomorrow!

 

Spin class – I will be back.  I’ll only got 9 weeks to go, so I’m not sure how often I’ll be back, but… I’ll be back!

 

Pre-spin breakfast:

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Time to refuel and kick this day into high gear.

 

Thought of the Day:

 

“Don’t waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next window- or break down a door.” – Brooke Shields

{ 27 comments }

 

  • Hillary April 10, 2012, 11:00 am

    I haven’t been to a spinning class in over a year—I moved and switched gyms, and my new gym doesn’t offer classes. Reading this post made me miss it even more!

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat April 10, 2012, 11:00 am

    I’m always curious about exercise guidelines for pregnancy – I’ve seen quite a few mamas-to-be in my spin classes though!

  • Lindsay @ Running the Windy City April 10, 2012, 11:08 am

    I love spinning classes, they’re such a good way to get in a hard workout and a great switch up from the usual run or elliptical session. Good for you for changing up your workout!

  • Samantha Angela April 10, 2012, 11:10 am

    I like spinning a lot. It’s a great cardio workout and pretty much the only way I get to ride a bike.

    The other people in the class may not know how hard you’re working, but the instructor definitely does from the front of the class. They can tell if you’re slacking on the resistence or on your speed or if you’re hanging on to the handlebars for dear life.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 10, 2012, 11:11 am

    I’ve always wanted to go to a spin class. I’ve never been. Good for you doing something else to change things up. Everybody gets bored from time to time and when you have some limitations, finding a good alternative really does make all the difference in the world. Have a great day Caitlin!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats April 10, 2012, 11:13 am

    That’s exciting that you got to change things up and go to spin! I keep meaning to take a spin class!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 10, 2012, 11:20 am

    Haha I love that Brooke quote! That’s great that you were able to make it to a spin class. Like you, I think I’d go crazy with just walking, and the occasional swim and yoga. There was a very pregnant lady in my class last week and I wondered a bit about what the recommendations are for pregnancy and heart rate, so thanks for answering them! 🙂

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb April 10, 2012, 11:20 am

    i need to back into spinning! such a great low impact, heart pumping exercise.

    your simple pb and banana toast looks especially delish today 🙂

  • SkinnyRunner April 10, 2012, 11:54 am

    i used to be into spinning, like 6 years ago before i got into running, and it was such a good workout. and you’re right, you can do as much as you want without anyone else knowing exactly how hard you’re working. sometimes a good thing and sometimes a bad thing!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed April 10, 2012, 12:43 pm

    I’ve never been to a spin class! Not sure if I will any time soon since I’m cancelling my gym membership!

  • Lisa April 10, 2012, 12:43 pm

    That’s so great that spin was a success!

  • SaraRM April 10, 2012, 1:37 pm

    Yay for a good workout!

    Love that quote!

  • megan April 10, 2012, 1:37 pm

    Just a note – its rate of percieved exertion, not exhaustion!!

    • Caitlin April 10, 2012, 1:41 pm

      hahahah best… typo… ever. will correct. thanks!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape April 10, 2012, 1:42 pm

    There’s nothing like a good workout! Love that last quote, too! Even if it is from Brooke Shields. lol

  • Amber K April 10, 2012, 1:49 pm

    Man, I tried a spin class a few years ago and I had to leave after five minutes. My non-existent butt was sore for a whole day after that.

  • Amanda April 10, 2012, 3:05 pm

    I used to spin as well, and I really loved it. Then I just couldn’t make it. A few weeks ago I was burnt out on running so instead of feeling like a failure I took a bunch of spin classes and had so much fun! Now I’m trying to fit in one class a week for cross training.

  • Kelley April 10, 2012, 3:09 pm

    Did you not feel like you were bumping your uterus with every pedal stroke? I tried earlier on in my pregancy and quickly gave up spinning as it was so uncomfortable maybe I should give it a shot now that the uterus has grown. My due date is a day after you so fun to keep up with your progress and the chart idea is amazing only thing that’s kept me working out.

    • Caitlin April 10, 2012, 4:29 pm

      Yesssss. So annoying. Every stroke, bump bump bump. I leaned back a few times and it was much more comfortable.

  • Rebecca April 10, 2012, 3:50 pm

    I love spinning! It’s a form of exercise that I enjoy!

  • Linds @ Linds Eats April 10, 2012, 6:21 pm

    I love the purple dining room. It’s non traditional, yet still classy and so refreshing.

  • Sana April 10, 2012, 9:53 pm

    I don’t get how people enjoy spinning. That seat hurts my lady parts.

    • Mika April 10, 2012, 10:25 pm

      Take a gel seat with you. Your lady parts will thank you in the morning.

  • Mika April 10, 2012, 10:24 pm

    Thank you for writing about your spin experience. I also feel that my current workout routine (when I have the energy) is ho-hum. I’ve been thinking of returning to spinning as I’m now in my second tri but am extremely nervous. If you can go at 7 months then I need to stop being an around the track star and get my butt back in the saddle.

  • Chelsea April 10, 2012, 10:25 pm

    If I were in that spin class you would inspire me so much being 7 month preggers and seeing you kick butt next to meh haha.

  • Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction April 10, 2012, 11:06 pm

    I’m hooked on spinning! Good to know that you can still do it while preggers !

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 11, 2012, 2:43 pm

    9 weeks!!! Can’t wait for your little one to be here 🙂 Time goes by so fast.

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