Tips for Pregnant Triathletes

by For Two Fitness

We found this article on www.triathlon.competitor.com, and excerpted some of the sections for your enjoyment below.  Written by Jennifer Purdie, it is full of information for triathletes who want to keep training (safely) through their pregnancies.  While every woman and every pregnancy is different, and this post is not intended to substitute as medical advice, it is fun to hear former professional triathlete and expectant mom Nicole DeBoom offer her perspective on preconception and pregnancy fitness.  Be sure to follow the link back at the bottom to see the full article and other great resources on www.triathlon.competitor.com.  

Photo: Bobbie Turner Photography

Resources are slim on exercising and pregnancy. So many women are left wondering what can they do without harming the baby. While every woman is different and every pregnancy is different, former professional triathlete and expectant mother Nicole DeBoom offers a few generalized tips on what to do before and after conception. These tips are not meant to serve as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before participating in any form of exercise while pregnant.

Working Out In The First Two Trimesters

First trimester:

Photo: Bobbie Turner Photography

You have to force yourself to slow down, which DeBoom admits is hard, especially if you are a long-course athlete. “But you have no reason now to do six-hour bike rides,” she said.

Second trimester:
Your body will naturally slow down, but you can still swim/bike/run.

However, biking during the second trimester puts pressure on your bladder. “I recommend to keep biking throughout your pregnancy, that way you get used to balancing yourself with the extra weight. I now have to sit more upright. But I go slower and just spend less time on the bike,” said DeBoom. “You also can still run, but you just can’t run as fast.”

 

Weightlifting

Photo: Bobbie Turner Photography

DeBoom recommends the following:

1. Weight loading will stress the body. So you can still do squats, but do them without weights.
2. Stop doing crunches. It will harm your rectus abdominus. You need to allow for major expansion and doing crunches can actually do more damage than good. You don’t want to stress your body any more than necessary.
3. Work more on your lower back and hips. You want to allow your hips to open up to allow for the extra weight.

 

Staying Mentally Strong

Photo: Bobbie Turner Photography

 

 

“It’s very hard to stay strong. It can break your heart. You have these goals you are used to achieving and now you don’t. We’re used to this endorphin kick with training, but now that’s really gone,” said DeBoom.

She advises women to step back and look at the bigger picture—turn your attention to activities that are more appropriate, like preparing for the baby.

 

Check out the full article here!
Now tell us, what are your favorite fitness tips for pregnancy?

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