No More Workouts Allowed

Posted: December 1, 2010 at 8:01 pm

Remember my workout last night that felt so wonderful and had me feeling that exercise high I crave? I guess I should be thankful to end on a good note. That’s right. It turns out that 2 mile walk on the treadmill will have to suffice as my last workout of this pregnancy. I almost want to shed a tear. Or many. I will miss all of you my dear, sweet loves….

During the workout I felt great. For the most part. I did have some discomfort but I chalked it up to baby B situating himself somewhere uncomfortable. He likes to do that. I continued on without too much pain. After getting home, I cooked dinner and helped with a few other things around the house…and progressively began to feel a lot of pain. A lot a lot. It did not stop for a couple of hours and almost sent me in to the hospital. Fortunately, I managed to sleep and laying down helped it stop. Unfortunately, all of that adds up to I can no longer workout.

At my last appointment I was specifically told to rest more and that I could continue workouts as long as they had absolutely no negative effects. If anything of concern showed up, they had to stop. Go figure that my next workout after that appointment would end up being enough to sideline me. I won’t lie. It’s a hard pill to swallow. My emotional side keeps popping up, but I have logical reinforcements to keep things in perspective. I have to have perspective right now.

My thoughts have forged a battle in my head. It goes a little something like this:

EMOTIONAL LOGICAL
I don’t get to workout!! whine whine whine whine whine whine I’m NOT on bed rest. I am STILL healthy. I am STILL blessed to carry this baby.
Will this make it harder to get in shape after baby B arrives? Who cares, if it helps him arrive safely? And an extra 4-7 weeks isn’t that long.
Will this make me gain extra weight? I will feel so gross without regular workouts. 4 light workouts/week do not add up to a huge calorie deficit. They will not impact weight gain much, if it all. And scale weight means nothing to me. Health does!
What if I just took it easier, but still got to workout some? I can do that, right? It’s still safe! I have been feeling more pressure down below, which I need to be careful with. And contractions of any kind after a light 2 mile walk do not show workouts as a good idea for me right now. I know my body is telling me to rest.
But I managed to work out the DAY I went to the hospital with Makenzie! Each pregnancy is different. The 2nd is often tougher. I have to do what is right for THIS pregnancy. It does not make me any less fit to stop earlier this time.
My workouts are my “me time”. Peter will certainly still make my “me time” a priority. Even if its locking myself in my room with a book for an hour every afternoon.
It will be a let down to the blog. How silly! First of all, I know you all love and support me no matter what I blab about. Secondly, I always trust God to give me plenty to share and to guide this “3rd baby” of mine. Lastly, I haven’t had many workouts to share while pregnant anyways. Now it will be even MORE exciting when I do post-baby.

With that, I will close out on a purely positive note, no pun intended.

IMGP8757

Pos ting this Operation Beautiful note was my first act in my “Month of Others” campaign for December. Simple, but helpful. At least it brought a much needed smile to my face. 🙂

  • What would be the hardest part of not being able to work out for you?
  • Share your daily dose of “love for others in December”!
  • Updates: I sent out an email reminder about the blogger gift exchange. If you signed up and did not receive one, please let me know.

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65 Comments to “No More Workouts Allowed”
  1. I am so glad everything is okay! I am sure this will be mentally tough, but like you listed above, the reward is SO much greater!

  2. When I wasn’t able to workout for most of September after injuring my foot, I found myself going stir-crazy! Not only do I enjoy the workout for the endorphin rush it gives me, but I think it really helps keep me calm in my “off” times!

  3. I’m so happy that you were able to logically talk down your emotions! Your and B’s safety and health have to come first! And you’re amazing at finding the silver linings in everything that I have a feeling in a day or two, you will somehow find something great to do to replace exercise for your “me” time!

  4. I consider working out a privilege, and keep in mind all the people who have to work long hours just to make ends meet, or cannot afford a gym membership, or live in an unsafe neighborhood and are unable to go running/walking outside. You are strong and beautiful. I understand your concerns, though, without ever having been pregnant. I worry when I can’t get 5 workouts in during one week, and I’m working on getting over that!

  5. Don’t ever feel like your readers will be disappointed in you! we read the blog because we care about you…and whatever it is you may be doing-workout or not… right now, resting is the best thing for you and baby! use your would-be workout time to read a few extra books 😉

  6. Angela says:

    I SO admire your ability to step back and look at the situation this way Tina. You are so in tune with your body and what it needs, and some day when I’m pregnant, I hope I can do the same.
    When I decide to attack things like working out, I tend to do it pretty hard. I think if I was told I couldn’t work out (or spin, or run, or whatever), I’d have to find something else and throw myself in 100%.

  7. LindseyAnn says:

    Oh, Tina. You aren’t going to let your readers down at all! You said it perfectly when you said that we’d support you no matter what you blog about! Just take it as easy as you can until your little boy arrives!

  8. Not being able to work out kills me mentally. When I couldn’t work out the way I wanted to, I walked. Nothing hard, just got fresh air and walked. I would blast my ipod and go into a different world. I stinks not being able to do what you love, but you know in the end, you and baby B will be better for it! Think about it like I think about plyometrics…you can do anything for a little while!

    • Tina says:

      Knowing that its fairly temporary definitely helps keep me sane! I think that’s the hardest part – how much of a mental outlet it is for me.

  9. Amanda says:

    You’ll come through this great — and you do have the positive aspects exactly right! But it is frustrating, and that is absolutely understood. Some venting is acceptable 😉

  10. Camille says:

    Ah, I’ve been there. I have had to forfeit working out, but because of injury, not pregnancy. It was really hard for me because I rely on exercise for endorphins. I felt pretty crappy for a few weeks :/

  11. Tatianna says:

    I love this Tina! Especially the chart…
    I think, pregnant or not, all of us go through certain decisions that have a rational and irrational side to them. I think it is so commendable that you are managing to remember what is truly important and putting your pregnancy above all. That baby has one amazing mama 🙂

  12. Lee says:

    You just have to listen to your logical side. And you most certainly won’t be a letdown to the blog readers. If anything, you are an inspiration because you are listening to your body instead of your emotions.

    The hardest part for me when I can’t work out, honestly, is that I worry that I’ll gain weight.

    • Tina says:

      Thanks, Lee. 🙂 I know its most important to care for myself. It is hard though…those mental games never fully go away I guess.

  13. lindsay says:

    I think its best to turn into positive too. You are healthy, baby B is healthy, and you will be working out in no time!! Embrace the rest. You ‘ll have more time to focus on what needs to get down before the baby arrives and maybe more time doing devotionals, etc.
    Its hard. I would miss the sweat release so a good hot shower would be best.
    Big hug!

  14. I think I need to bookmark this post if this ends up happening to me in the end. I was just thinking about what I would do if I were forbidden to exercise!!! So sorry you had a cause for concern. When are you due anyway? Soon, right?

    • Tina says:

      My official due date is Jan 21st based on my first ultrasound. But based on when I ovulated, my previous pregnancy, and other things the midwives expect it to be a week or two sooner. And at the last appt they said they just wanted to get me to 36 weeks. Eep!

  15. Oh big hugs my friend. I can sort of sympathize as I can’t run right now (or do step or even kickboxing). I feel sort of lost and frustrated. I think for me my workouts are such a mood booster, a stress reliever, and definitely personal time. While I can still do something like the elliptical or boxing, it’s not exactly what I crave to do so it feels more like work. Well, like the boxing, just not every day.

  16. Therese says:

    I’m a NICU nurse and I can tell you that 4-7 weeks at home without exercise is so much better than the 5-10 weeks you’d spend in the NICU if he came today. You’ve been doing so great. Keep it up!

    • Tina says:

      That’s EXACTLY how I felt. I would rather have an easier time after he comes because he reaches full term than deal with the emotions of an early delivery. Thanks for the support. 🙂

  17. I know it’s not the same but I’ve been sidelined from working out because of an ankle sprain and I’m actually having surgery on the 16th so I won’t be able to workout either for awhile. We can be non-workout buddies.

  18. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by TWEET_WORKOUT, Tina Reale. Tina Reale said: No More Workouts Allowed: Remember my workout last night that felt so wonderful and had me feeling that exercise… http://bit.ly/hK3x1X […]

  19. Oh Tina, I feel you pain. I know how mentally challenging pregnancy can be. With Marin I was high risk and only allowed to walk 3 x per week for no more than 30 minutes. The last 2 months I wasn’t allowed to workout at all. It was so hard for me, but I know the reward was greater.

    I’m so glad you’re doing better 🙂

  20. Jess says:

    I had to laugh at your chart Tina – that is EXACTLY how I’d react if I were in your situation. It’s the inner battle you face when you try to ignore logic for what you WANT emotionally but know you can’t have. I fought that battle with my knee issues the past few weeks and it can be so hard not to let the emotional side take over. So I loved reading this and think it’s great, totally spot-on. And you’re right, it will ALL be worth it in the end when you meet Baby B at last, healthy as can be!

  21. Becca says:

    I did a One Month For Others -slash- Random Act of Kindness tonight without even really thinking about it! Our youth group went out caroling tonight, and while I was standing there singing along, I realized I was brightening someone’s day. 🙂 It was pretty fun. 😀

  22. The whole self esteem issue would loom over me if I did not work out. The endorphins are great!

  23. Tina, I’m so glad you are okay! I bet that was scary, and painful. I think your emotional/logical chart is awesome. That is a tool I will be using!

  24. I can’t wait for the bloggie gift xchange!

    Bummer about the no working out thing from hereon out but it’s definitely for the best I imagine. I hate when I am sick and been bedridden and just want to get out and move but know I shouldnt because I will probably stay sick.

  25. I don’t know about pregnancy, but I know about having to stop workouts for injuries and it is rough! Oh the things we will do for our health, right? It sounds like you have the right attitude though!

  26. Jennifer Rahn says:

    Oh, Sweetie.

    My heart goes out to you.

    The ironic thing is that I know you don’t want it to. You are strong and confident, and you have the inner resources to battle all of the negative thoughts. The last thing you want is pity. So, instead of a virtual hug of sympathy, I’m going to offer you a virtual hug of admiration.

    I’m not as emotionally strong as you are. I hope to be one day. Thank you for being a model of female strength and beauty and self-acceptance.

  27. Take it easy, you’ll be back at it in no time at all 🙂 Glad you and baby are doing good! That’s all that truly matters.

    I love posting those little notes too 😀

  28. Astrid says:

    I just get mentally uneasy without a workout. But I have been working out a lot lighter lately and really learning that my body knows what it wants and it won’t magically explode if I don’t exercise vigorously. I suppose it is the control that I crave from the workout that I absolutely miss.

  29. oh no! i’m glad you understand what’s going on though…i think the hardest part for me would be the lack of true alone time. i really love working out alone and getting that endorphin high 🙂

  30. chelsey says:

    Don’t worry about your thought process – I would think the exact same thing! If I couldn’t work out, I think I would feel downright gross. Even though nothing about me would be changed, I know I would feel different.

  31. Natalie says:

    So sorry you can’t workout until after baby B. Maybe spending your normal workout time doing something mind-body will help with the mental benefits you gain from your workouts.

    I think your chart with the emotional and rational thoughts is awesome! What a great way to look at some of our thinking that serves us negatively.

  32. I am glad to see everything is okay. I think I would miss my alone time the most and my destressing!
    Stay strong for baby B! : )

  33. I’m glad you are okay! I think the hardest part for me would be feeling “gross” even though I know it doesn’t necessarily make a difference with weight gain.

    • Tina says:

      I think thats one of my biggest concerns too. I know I won’t be lazy by any means though. That’s impossible with a toddler. LOL If I had to go on bed rest though? That would be a whole other level of a mental battle.

  34. laura says:

    Great emotional/logical thinking, i could use some of those counteractive thoughts in my own head. I know what its like not being able to work out for health reasons, it sucks, but it’s only protecting your body.
    🙂

  35. Ela says:

    I’m sorry that you had to hit this tough point but am as always inspired by your rationality and self-love in working through all the thoughts. I’m so glad for you and hope that you focus on the ‘me time’ element – that sounds like the most important thing of all.

    I don’t know about this ‘love for others’ movement – am kind of sliding behind here – point me somewhere?
    love
    Ela

    • Tina says:

      It’s mentioned in my last post – http://bit.ly/ejf1hs

      It’s nothing formal or official. I want to do an act of kindness for someone else each day during December and invited others to try to do the same. 🙂

  36. Tina, I can imagine how tough this period is for you…Workouts are my outlet too–a way to clear my head and alleviate stress. When I was injured last year, I cried every day because I could barely move my right leg. But being forced to slow down made me appreciate my return to working out SO much more! I look forward to reading your enthusiastic post when that time comes! But until then, I’m so glad that your logical thoughts are helping you keep things in perspective. A healthy baby is 101% more rewarding than the high we get from our workouts! <3

  37. Oh wow– I’m so glad that everything is alright with you and B!!! I can see how not working out would be tough, but it definitely sounds like the right decision if you were feeling pain after a light workout.

  38. Heather says:

    Not working out is tough mentally, but definitely the right decision. Right now your job is to take care of Baby B and you’re doing great!!

  39. Oh Tina, thank the good Lord you are OK!!! Gosh, I’m sorry to hear that you experienced pain during/after your workout:( May God keep you and Baby B healthy as can be! Perhaps this is God’s way of getting you to truly rest in Him more before delivery:)

    I think the hardest thing about not working out would be the fear of losing muscle mass. I’ve worked my butt off (literally) to build the body I’ve always wanted and even when I took one full week off from lifting after my competition, I was nervous I’d start to lose muscle. I know I won’t in just a week, but I certainly want to maintain what I’ve worked so hard to build:) But, don’t worry, you’ll be right where you need to be post-delivery and that is what is so awesome about our body’s muscle memory–it will pick up where it left off:)

  40. Nicki says:

    Being safe and nurturing the baby is the important thing right now. You will miss the workouts but will be happy to struggle fitting them in around mother to two when the baby comes. 🙂

  41. Glad baby’s ok, even if it means losing your well-loved work-outs! I think the hardest thing about not working out for me is just the guilt that it’s something that I “should” be doing. Without really anything concrete behind it.

  42. You’re right… doing what is best for B is most important! You’ll just be that much more fired up to get back to it afterwards 🙂

  43. I know this is such a hard thing to deal with, but you have the right attitude by focusing on your rational side. The health of the baby (and YOU) is most important. You have your entire life to exercise. Just remember that! Try relishing in the fact that you’re allowing your body to rest right now. It’s needed and if you think about it – it’s quite beautiful, as your body is gearing up for something extraordinary. Stay strong, pretty!

  44. I understand the mental aspect of it. I always say I’d be SUCH A grouch if I didn’t have exercise. However, you’re doing what’s right for you, and that little life inside of you at the moment 🙂
    Glad you sorted out the logical v. emotional 🙂

  45. Sarah says:

    Tina, you seem like you’re doing a great job handling the no-workout thing right now. Just keep reading through that logical list. I know I often need to do that kind of thing; I can’t always go by my emotions (but then, I tend to be a roller coaster type of girl).
    Baby B will thank you for it (if not with words, with health).

  46. Glad Baby B and you are ok.

    I know you hate this, but just enjoy this time of rest and relaxation with your and your baby. You can’t get the time back, so enjoy it!

    • Tina says:

      I’m pretty okay with it. Mainly because its not like I was able to do anything too exciting workout wise anyways. I think it will be REALLY hard if something keeps me from returning to workouts within a reasonable time frame post baby B. Oh, please don’t let me have a C section!!!!

  47. Early this year I injured my hip really bad and could hardly walk for about a month. Plus, I was in Ireland and didn’t have my family around me…so I would say that from that experience it was definitely a mental barrier that I had to overcome. I had to just relax and let my body heal. Even though I couldn’t do any exercise for over a month, it turned out to be a great opportunity to let my body rest and recover. Then I got back into it full swing with a revived energy and motivation. The body sure knows how to tell us to give it a break!

  48. Allie says:

    You go girl! I am so glad you are listening to your logical side, it’s super important. Plus I think I remember you saying this is hopefully your last pregnancy so you will have the rest of your life to work out. I know 4-7 weeks is really, really tough for you but I will be praying for you 🙂
    You are so blessed to be able to deliver a baby! Have a great day 🙂

  49. So sorry you’re unable to continue your workouts – but way to go for listening to your body! Glad that everything is okay now.

    I love that you made a list of logical versus emotional thoughts. I’m sure reviewing that list and really focusing on the logical side over the coming weeks will help you maintain a positive perspective!

  50. It is so hard to this like this now, but years from now this will seem like a tiny speck of time that quickly came and went. I know exactly how you feel when workouts are not allowed, its affects me more mentally than anything. You will get through it, only a few weeks to go and then its time to start a new journey! It will feel so good knowing that baby B is okay and safe, and when you come back to fitness you’ll be back more determined and motivated than ever!

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