pregnant belly and technique

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dimati
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pregnant belly and technique

Post by dimati » June 11th, 2007, 11:59 pm

As my pregnant belly sticks out more I'm trying to figure out which is better at the catch- to move my knees slightly sideways to make room for my belly, or to keep my knees together and get as close as I can to my belly. When I move my knees to the side I get a little ache in my hips, but when I keep them together it doesn't feel like a full motion. I would appreciate any tips. Thank you!

MomofJBN
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Post by MomofJBN » June 13th, 2007, 12:22 am

Well, I didn't have my erg during any of my pregnancies, but I would keep my knees in line and shorten the stroke as necessary. I'd be too afraid of messing up my knees if I let them go to the side. That's my 2 cents, but I'll be interested to see what others say.
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Storm Petrel
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Post by Storm Petrel » June 14th, 2007, 6:27 pm

I didn't have access to an erg during my pregnancy either (not sure the C2s were even available yet back then).
(I know would have continued to erg as long as possible if I could have.)

First, please check with your doctor and get her/his ok to keep erging.
I don't know if Concept2 has any info/stats/recomendations re: erging during pregnancy but you might want to check with them and if they do, share that with your doctor.
Also, there's a larger number of women posting on the C2 UK forum, and while I've read about a number of them continuing to erg while pregnant I don't recall any of them modifying form or technique. You might want to pop over there and post the question as well.

I have to agree with MomofJBN, I'd say stick to proper form and shorten the stroke as needed. IMO your primary concern should be for your babe. You'll have lots of time to erg after s/he's born. I'd also recommend reducing your intensity to 'easy' if you haven't already done so.

TLCoons
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I erg'ed throughout my entire pregnancy

Post by TLCoons » July 11th, 2007, 10:28 am

My beautiful daughter is now 6 months old and has seen me recently break the 2 million meter mark!

I never modified my form, per se. I just continued with the form as well and as completely as I could with the possible exception that I pulled the handle as far as I could over my belly and below my breasts. Now, the pace and overall speed suffered but that is to be expected. In fact, while pregnant you want to make certain that your heart rate does not exceed 160 bpm. Plus, you will not have nearly as much energy to burn as you had pre-pregnancy. So, go slow and, with consistency, you will see much accomplishment. You'll definitely feel better by continuing to work out.
[color=red][i]"how much have i invested in what i don't have?"[/i][/color]

[color=blue][b]TLC[/b][/color]

Krysta Coleman
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Re: pregnant belly and technique

Post by Krysta Coleman » July 29th, 2007, 10:36 am

dimati wrote:As my pregnant belly sticks out more I'm trying to figure out which is better at the catch- to move my knees slightly sideways to make room for my belly, or to keep my knees together and get as close as I can to my belly. When I move my knees to the side I get a little ache in my hips, but when I keep them together it doesn't feel like a full motion. I would appreciate any tips. Thank you!
I had great plan to keep erging daily (within HR restrictions) during my entire pregnancy, but I am finding I just don't have the energy now. I am due in three months. I still do my team challenges, but extremely slowly and I guess I do spread my knees a little. I don't have that problem with the ache in my hips though. The doctor said erging was ok, for me. I'm no expert, but I think I would just do what feels most comfortable for you - don't want to strain anything.

So, congrats! How far along are you? I'm feeling like a big sloth right now - can't want to welcome our new babe to the family and get some energy back!

- Krysta
5'7", 35 years old, trying to regain fitness. Old PBs:
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Millie
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Post by Millie » September 7th, 2007, 8:49 am

I found that rowing strapless whilst preggers really helped keep my technique in check (and avoided the need to reach my feet :D ) - definitely would advise keeping knees in line. I wasn't huge, but even so was pleasantly surprised that I could keep rowing with minimal change in my stroke.

Personally I think rowing is excellent exercise whilst pregnant and I kept going almost daily until a couple of days before I gave birth - didn't get any back ache during my pregnancy and I am sure that is down to the erging.

All the best,
Millie

dmthree
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rowing and pregnancy

Post by dmthree » September 25th, 2007, 11:36 pm

I rowed through the majority of my third pregnancy. Some things I learned were:
- don't wing your knees out to the side. Tendons loosen in your hips during pregnancy to eventually accommadate labor and delivery. It is possible to easily strain something so row straight with shorter stroke.
- keep your heartrate down. a heartrate monitor might be a good thing to invest in. my doc wouldn't let me go above 140bpm. (I think it was related to age)
- pay attention to any braxton hicks that seem to be more substantial after rowing. I had to stop the last couple of months because I seemed to be inspiring regular contractions.
Enjoy your pregnancy!
DM

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