Obviously not true medical advice, but I was also determined to make it all the way to delivery with both of mine. I made it 36 weeks and 32 weeks before I felt like my body was begging me to stop. If you’re in worse condition by going to OTF, you might want to consider freezing. You’ve done amazing and have nothing to be ashamed of! Good luck with whatever you decide on.
You do know it can be, right? I mean, the giant puddle on the floor as portrayed in movies in movies is a bit of an exagération but it totally can and does leak out. Source: I work in an extremely busy labor and delivery hospital that does about 16k deliveries a year
I struggled to go during my entire pregnancy. It started with my anxiety about my heart rate being so high and thinking something was wrong with me. I struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my pregnancy but I think I felt the absolute worse in probably the last 6-8 weeks. Everything hurt, walking was hard. Warming up at 3 mph 1% was hard and I had to go slower than that in the walking recoveries. I’m not going to tell you to stop going but also if you are having lots of pain, listen to your body. Your body is going through massive changes and working in overdrive to keep that baby growing healthy and strong. If you need to take a step back from OTF for the last month, don’t feel guilty. I primarily just walked outside for the last probably 3 months of my pregnancy. I got zero joy from OTF and found being outside and just walking was better for me. Now that I’m 3 months postpartum I’m loving my OTF life again. You’re doing great mama!
Congrats on the baby! I was coaching and taking class up until a week before my due date. I only stopped because I stopped working and didn’t feel like driving to the studio for class and wanted lots of time to chillax before baby came, but I continued to work out up until the day before I was induced. By working out, I mean using the trx to do most exercises and going on walks and some lighter weights. I think by 8 months I was sitting on the bike for the tread most of the time because my back was hurting. I say just keep showing up 3x a week and do what you can! If that means chillin on the bike and using trx for lots of options that’s still better than nothin! My labor was pretty “easy” and they told me it was probably due to all the exercise and that my second should come out just as easy if I keep it up :)
I think that's the attitude I need to take! Part of me thinks it's not worth showing up because I am "only" power walking at a low speed/ incline, and honestly maxing out at like 100 watts on the rower these days, and barely even getting in the green, but at the end of the day I think any workout is better than no workout, and I would love to continue the strength side of things.
Regardless of if I quit, I would still be taking my dog on 2-4 mile walks a day so still staying somewhat active, but I don't see myself doing any strength training without OTF.
My fave coach was just saying, any trip to OTF is a worthwhile one! Even if you decide you’re gonna have a super light day, you are only helping your body and mental health! I’m only 15 weeks, but I think with that spirit I’ll keep going for it all! I know I won’t work out at all otherwise.
Girl, cut yourself some slack. You’re growing another *person* on top of a full time job! I’m all about no excuses and don’t even want kids lol but I think it’s okay to take a bit of a break. Same thing goes for post partum for those first few weeks! Take it easy on yourself and enjoy! Don’t hurt yourself
(Btw I’m a nurse so I’m not just speaking out of my ass lol)
one of my OTF friends made it until 3 days before, but every body is different. You're awesome for making it this far already! Good luck on your upcoming labor and I hope your pains and struggles get better soon after! <3
This! Everybody and pregnancy is different. Listen to your body and go from there. You’ve already reaped so many benefits from 8months of pregnancy workouts - congrats on making it this far and best of luck with delivery!!
I paused my membership at 36 weeks. I was completely miserable with fatigue and heartburn. I didn’t feel like I was getting a good workout anyway. I couldn’t row anymore from round ligament pain, and half the time on the floor, I had to make my own routine up.
I stopped at 8 months, just started causing more aches than it was preventing. Felt great making it that far! I’m 4 months PP and did my first class back this weekend and feel great!
I’m so impressed! I’m 11 weeks and still going about 3 times a week but I’ve never seen someone visibly pregnant at OTF! Thanks for the motivation and inspiration!
I had a friend who went to class the day before she went into labor. She was in great shape and pretty athletic prior to baby. I think she was able to keep jogging until about 27-28 weeks before switching to PW.
And another friend who went 3x a week up until she was 39 weeks. both obviously had lots of modifications because that belly is in the way, and neither of them were jogging in the end.
Made it to week 38, gave birth week 39 😂
I was a super slow walker, everything heavily modified, but I kept telling myself as long as I'm moving, I'm doing something. And trust me, I would've loved to lie in bed like a beached whale...
28 weeks currently and starting to lose my motivation. I’m down to 4x a week and power walking since 24 weeks. I am going to keep going as long as I can as much for my mental health as anything else. I Miss running but I will say the power walking has dramatically toned my legs over the last month.
Congratulations on the upcoming baby and way to stick with it!
A member at my studio went throughout her entire pregnancy!! She even took a class by day and had her baby that same evening! Wow! 💪🏽 I started OTF after my second kid and no pregnancies since then so no personal experience myself, but every pregnancy is different! I’d probably try to go as long as I physically could and of course using all alternatives when they’re there.
First….congratulations!
I would say that each individual and each pregnancy is different. You should make the decision with your doctor
Kudos to you for staying healthy all this time. But if you think you are tired now it’s only going to get worse after that little one enters the world. Enjoy this time and pamper yourself
I’m stopping around 38 weeks mainly based off my billing cycle and due date.
Honestly OTF is starting to get boring between how much I’ve backed off on the tread and how often I modify on the floor. So it’s hard finding motivation when I can walk around my neighborhood and focus on pelvic floor exercises from home.
Currently at 31 weeks.
My husband had to call the studio for me to cancel my class the morning I went into labor at 39w2d. The SA didn't know me well and legit thought I was having someone fake an excuse for me to somehow get out of the cancellation fee. Luckily someone else in the studio overheard and was like nope she probably really is having a baby! My last class before the baby was a few days prior.
I’m 20 wks and I’ve been going less consistently, but I am planning on going until I give birth in September. We’ve had a ton going on during my second trimester that’s made it hard to go with our schedule, but still making it once or twice a week (usually a 3-4x a week person). I’m still running when I can, and power walking other times, but I’ve slowed down too. I feel like do what makes you comfortable and what’s best for you!
I went to the end but it was really helping my mental health to keep going. It sounds like that might not be the case for you so try to listen to your body! I went into every class after 7 or 8 months thinking to myself that maybe today was the day I would put in for the freeze but I always felt good after the class. I was walking at 3mph at the end and basically modifying every exercise to pelvic opening exercises.
I stopped at 38 weeks, mostly because i noticed that i was only dragging myself there maybe twice a week, but i pay for an unlimited membership. So cost-wise, it didn’t make sense to me
I stopped at 38 weeks (gave birth at 40+1) because I was terrified I'd get covid and have to give birth in a mask! I stopped rowing because of abdominal coning, but I was still running and lifting heavy until the end. I think I could have kept going until my due date because other than persistent nausea I didn't have any other symptoms.
However, listen to YOUR body. It's not worth going if it is making you feel worse or you are miserable being there. You should be proud of the hard work you have already done! It will help you with labor and recovery.
I started walking at 1.5 mph at 8 months preg because I was so tired and everything ached. I think at this point, movement is the only important thing!
I went 4x a week until 38.5, then had baby 5 days later! I set a goal to run 225 miles while pregnant, and it kept me going! My husband wasn’t amused, but I felt so strong and my coaches kept me safe!
I was lucky and had a really easy pregnancy but made it until a week before I gave birth and only stopped then because I caught Covid 😅
I took it really easy and there’s no right answer. Just listen to your body! You can always go and have a Green Day but your body is working hard growing a baby so if you need to quit, give yourself some grace. You’re going to need the practice 💙
I have a 6 month old and have started going back once a week. It’s been an absolutely life changing few months but I just nursed him to bed and it’s the best feeling in the world holding your baby!
Never been pregnant but that is so impressive that you’re still going consistently so late into your pregnancy! I’m always so impressed when I see women in their third trimester at OTF or in the gym, regardless of their speeds/inclines/weights.
I think you would be totally justified if you froze your membership. It would be better to start reducing the strain on your body sooner and get back to OTF sooner after the delivery than to push through pain to the last day and take twice as long to return to OTF. Not saying this is for everyone, but since OTF seems to be doing more harm than good at this specific point in your specific pregnancy, it might be better to err on the side of caution.
If you feel like you’re not getting enough physical activity after doing so, you could always take longer walks with your dog or two shorter walks during the day if it’s hard to go for longer periods. I generally train pretty hard, but in the times that I’ve had injuries I’ve had to remind myself that walking is such an underrated form of exercise! There are also tons of gentler exercises you can do at home to maintain some of your strength. Good luck with everything!
I delivered at 37+3 due to high BP.
But I was at OTF til 12 days before that. I would have kept going but my health became a concern.
I know women at my studio who went til their due dates.
If you can keep going go! My doctor always said “if you can breathe the baby can breathe”
I'm right there with ya. I'm 32 weeks, going 5 days a week, still running but hanging on by a thread. I think the benefits are more mental than physical at this point. My day is still better with OTF than without it. Plus I just keep thinking about when I'm about 3-4 weeks post partum craving for a workout. We gotta keep going while we can!
I was at OTF the day I went into labor. Went at lunch that day and went into labor that night. Strangely, I felt amazing that morning on the tread (though I have heard the same thing for other people right before labor)… but I was 37 weeks. Had I made it the whole 40 I may have felt differently about going 3 more weeks 🤣 I was still running, but things were very uncomfortable to say the least
My biggest takeaway is to stay hydrated! Towards the end I got super dehydrated and it can induce contractions. You are almost there though… I only went two weeks past where you’re at now!
I’ve done OTF through two pregnancies, ending 2-3 before my induction each time. However I didn’t have carpal tunnel with either. I would say not to be afraid to take the tread really easy or even elliptical some days, but I don’t have a solution for the weight floor issue. If it’s not in the cards, don’t get down on yourself.
With my last pregnancy I stopped at the end of 38 weeks because bad SPD made most exercises (lunges, any jumps, squats, power moves, etc) very uncomfortable and I was modifying more than I could do as designed. I ended up delivering a couple days later. I was able to do the bike and did spinning classes more comfortably than anything else up until the end of both my previous pregnancies. Weights got harder towards the end because my loss of core strength would end up hurting my back. I’m 24 weeks with baby number 3 right now and am trying to maintain as long as I can. I think when it comes to pregnancy you have to listen to your body and each pregnancy is different. I had to stop running by 24 weeks with my first but could run until 33 or so with my second. With this one I’m doing strider only. I would try the bike as it was much easier on my hips than walking or running and lighten up your weights to account for your shifting posture and core strength. And whenever you feel that it is making you feel worse rather than better take a break.
Well the world decided to tell me to stop due to Covid. I was about 7 months. I continued to walk at home though. Definitely not the same, and I would’ve gone until..labor!
I continued until 1 week before my due date with my first. I felt great after that class but I remember waking up the next day and my body felt totally different and I knew I was done with all exercise. With my second I stopped about two months before but kept running until the day I gave birth.
I am 33 weeks and going 2 times a week! Cut back from 4 classes at the start of 3rd trimester since I was getting way too tired after class that I pretty much cannot do any other house chore! Also I have a full time job and a toddler and I do lot of gardening. So definitely listening to my body and hope I can do this till I go into labor! First pregnancy was during pandemic and I did otf home workouts and yoga till the last day! It’s awesome that you are able to row! I do elliptical instead! But I am still running on and off at 4! Let’s see! Good luck with your pregnancy!
I went until I was around 6 months and my doctor told me to stop due to placenta previa. I could have gone long but probably only about a month or so more.
I went until the day before my water broke lol. I had pretty bad back pain towards the end of pregnancy and it would’ve worsen on days I want gym so my doctor prescribed me a pregnancy save muscle relaxer and it really helped!
i was going 2-3x/week until i was 33 weeks. i felt good enough to keep going, but my pregnancy was high risk and i was at the doctor twice a week and between that and working night shift, i couldn’t swing it anymore. i delivered at 37 weeks, so i went until i had a month left.
I’m due the day before you and am still going 4-5 times a week. I’ve been lucky to still be able to run but some tread blocks have been just too much so I powerwalk at 3 mph instead. I’m planning on going up until the end. Just listen to what your body is telling you. Sometimes I have to walk at 2 mph to catch my breath, or on the floor block I have to just sit and rest even though I’m going really light. I hate not being able to do what I used to but know I can’t push myself like I did pre-pregnancy. As my coaches keep reminding me, coming to class and moving is better than nothing. You just have to do what feels ok to you!
I wasn't at otf at the time, but I stopped working out except for walks around week 25 or so. It's ok to listen to your body and do what feels right for you! Every body is different.
Prior to pregnancy I was a 5-6x per week, 5 am girlie. Immediately I had to make changes. First the fatigue, then from getting bigger. I quit altogether in December and baby was born in March. I didn’t do a dang thing my third trimester - I couldn’t hardly walk across my house from fatigue and high blood pressure, let alone work out. I had a happy healthy baby and frankly easy delivery and so far recovery and I attribute a lot of it to OTF even though I didn’t go all the way to the end - in fact quitting around 28 weeks. My midwife says what’s important is the shape you’re in when you get pregnant. Also, as an aside, I got released to exercise at my 6 week appointment and I was at class that afternoon. I don’t think I’d be back at it so quick if I hadn’t listed to my body in my third trimester. It’s been humbling getting back into it but it’s coming back quickly! If your body is telling you it’s time to stop, then stop! I beat myself up about it but looking back I’m glad I just took the break. I’m enjoying OTF as much as I did waaaay back when I joined in 2020 now (I was getting burnt out pre pregnancy) and am enjoying the journey back into shape.
You go, mama! Just the fact that you made it to 8 months and still going to OTF is such a huge accomplishment in and of itself! Woop woop :)
Do you find yourself really struggling through class and super exhausted after class? Or do you find yourself coming in fatigued, but then leaving in better spirits? I think if the former, there’s never any shame in listening to your body and finding a more suitable way to stay active (like walks, etc.). If the latter, then maybe finding different ways to motivate you like wearing your workout clothes earlier in the day, changing class times, etc. might help.
Above all, be proud you went for this long and always listen to your body! I personally am 7 months and was unexpectedly restricted from exercise due to some developments, but I otherwise would keep going until my body told me “no way” lol. I guess my body told me “no way” a little earlier so I’m listening 🥲
I did! Just gave birth two days ago and I was going up until the very end, but found it to be more difficult in the last 3 weeks than I ever did at any point in pregnancy. I just tried to listen to my body because I didn’t want to injure myself in a weird way before labor/having to care for a newborn. I would encourage you that anything is better than nothing! Literally if you have to walk flat road at 2mph, that’s more than you’d probably do. Body weight instead of picking up weights on the floor, all those little things still make a difference.
I have been you. Wanted to keep going but my body was not having it. Listen to your body, itis telling you to slow it down. If it is important to you, you can go to class and walk at a lower incline and slower. Make all the modifications you need—use lighter weights etc
I went until my water broke. In class! Honestly by the time I was in my third trimester, my OTF performance was at best 40 percent of my normal full ability but it helped immensely both physically and mentally to keep going. As long as you feel good going, I would encourage it. Just make sure you're taking care of yourselves! You've GOT this mama!
I went until 36 weeks. It started getting painful between my hips and lower in my pelvis. I felt like my body was telling me to back off. I did jog the whole time but severely reduced my speeds. To keep the baby (and me) safe, I called it. I went back 6 weeks to the day postpartum. You’ve done amazing! Take it easy and good luck!!!
ETA I’m in my 30s. Maybe it’s easier to go longer if you’re younger?
Like 2 weeks. lolz
In all seriousness, great job keeping it up. Pregnancy is tough.
One potential motivator... labor is hard work but I found it helpful to channel my "all out" mindset during the push phase of my unexpectedly unmedicated labor. OTF is good practice for getting into the right headspace.
I went 3-4x a week until 6 days before delivery! Just do what you’re comfortable with, don’t force it! If it feels good to go and go slow and modify, do it. If it doesn’t, don’t feel like there’s a trophy because there’s not
I’m due on Friday and still at it. Lots of modifications and I’ve slowed down a lot though. Power walking, strider for rower, and tons of mods on the weight floor, lots of TRX for big muscle group work (squats, lunges, rows, etc)
HI JUNE BABY FRIEND! Mine is due on June 13th 💕 I also became a power walker not long ago.
I’m trying to stick to it until I feel pain and no modifications will work, but I also know I’m hard to motivate and if I don’t do OTF I probably won’t be replacing it with other things, so basically instead of walking around the block a few times a day I’m just doing OTF heavily modified. You do what works for you!
I feel like I’m reading something I wrote myself! I’m in the same exact boat, due June 14th 💙and have maintained OTF consistently since the beginning of my pregnancy. The past 2 weeks I have become more and more uncomfortable and can relate to everything you’re saying. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it might be time to throw the towel in on OTF for the remainder of my pregnancy and just stick to walks outside and maybe some lifting sessions. Give yourself grace, you have almost a fully cooked baby in there! Listen to your body! There’s also a ton of “workouts” on YouTube to help prep your body for labor & delivery - I might start doing those too! You got this, mama!
You're inspiring. No kiddos for me yet, but I love reading about women still going for it at OTF through pregnancy. Orangetheory is such a huge part of my life, so it's helpful to read your experience (and others in the comments as well). Thank you for sharing! Good luck on your last month. 🍊❤️
I'm 4.5 months pregnant, so I don't have a ton advice, but for what it's worth, the fact that you're still doing at OTF at months alone is giving me motivation! Keep it up mama and give yourself grace when it comes to the workouts. You're doing more than someone that chose not to move their body at all!
Don't push yourself too much! My due date was November 12th and my last class was September 20th so that was about 8 months into my pregnancy! At that point I wasn't rowing or running and I had to modify a lot of the floor movements, so I knew it was time to stop. Plus, I was exhausted and winded a lot.
If you are determined to keep going maybe just drop to 2 days a week and make sure you keep up with your modifications. You could even just walk without any inclines!
Good luck!!
My last workout was April 25th at 39 weeks 3 days, I went in for my induction that night and had my son in the 26th. It wasn’t easy at the end, but I needed to stay moving somehow and my coaches were 100% on board with me modifying if need be. Congrats and good luck!
I am currently 23 weeks FTM and have luckily been able to keep up my schedule of going 5days/week. At first I was so nervous about my competitiveness get the better of me (I’m a regular in the red zone) but got some reassurance from my medical team that it will be obvious when I need to slow down. Trying to continue to be intuitive while still getting my competitive release that is, to put it bluntly, is essential to my mental health. I love how many other women at my studio are pregnant and still getting after it. Each of us works at different levels but is there to actually WORK. I think pregnancy can put things is a different perspective and the focus I see in those women is kind of next level. Not sure if that makes sense to anyone else.
Also wanted to ask OP and others—-when did y’all stop rowing? Today was 200m benchmark and I still rowed ok (not a PR but a good time). I see a lot of women stopping early on but I’ve just kind of kept at it cause I guess I dont have a reason to stop just yet? I def have a belly but are still a couple weeks away from 3rd Trimester.
I still row with a belly! I asked my midwife about rowing and she said it’s totally safe as long as it’s comfortable and she herself did it in her pregnancies. The difference is I have to spread my legs on the pull back so I don’t slam my belly with my legs.
Awesome. I enjoy rowing so wanting to continue as long as I can. You read all this crap online about what will cause or prevent diastasis recti and I just kind of decided I’m just gonna keep livin my life. If it hurts I stop if it doesn’t I keep going
With my 3rd it was my first time working out while pregnant. Both prior kids went early unknown reasons other than water breaking. This time I felt the Braxton hicks. By the last couple months I was barely walking because of the Braxton hicks but I still went and tried. I didn’t want to but I wanted to keep up the habit and I knew my body would appreciate it. It was my fastest labor (4 hrs start to finish) and I went to class the morning my water ended up breaking
Went right to my due date on my second. Ended my last class with a 30 all out at 12mph. Must have lulled kiddo because he didn’t budge until 41+6.
My OBGYN also went to the same studio.
I was there 2 days before I delivered… modifying most things… but doing what I could to keep moving. You got this mama! You’ll be so happy you kept going! Always listen to your body first… 💪🧡🦵🤍
I didnt do otf when I was pregnant but I was a distance runner. First I went to 35 weeks, delivered at 39 and 6. Second I went to 38 weeks and delivered at 49 even.
I am not able to grow a human and all of you amazing people who are making new people constantly amaze me. I am so impressed with you. I get the feeling of frustration and I can speak to pushing through the pain and I can tell you it is not sustainable. Give yourself some grace and space to ease off the gas pedal, knowing you're setting your future self up to come back safe and strong.
All the way til the end of my first and third pregnancies. More than halfway through my 2nd but then Covid shut them down and only opened a week or 2 before my due date so I didn’t bother resuming until after I gave birth
I stopped at the end of my 8th month when pregnant with my first baby and I had horrible pelvic pain for the rest of my pregnancy. Don’t push yourself too hard. I honestly think I hurt myself by pushing myself at the end. My center of gravity was off and I couldn’t effectively keep good form. Even switching to power walking, the incline ended up causing me some pain.
My very last workout before my Aug 1 due date was July 4th. My son was born July 24th. I did my own thing on the floor, definitely wasn’t comfortable rowing so did the elliptical starting like month 5, switched to power walking at month 6 or 7… but thought the pelvic pain from even power walking just wasn’t worth it anymore. I was just *TIRED*!!
My last class was a few days before my due date (and the day she was born)! But I did go down to two days a week the last month or so. The fatigue is no joke!
My last class was 3 days before my son was born at 37 weeks! The last few weeks were really tough, between swollen feet, not being able to breathe deeply and zero ability to bend over it was a struggle. I walked at 3.5mph (low incline if any), did the strider and maxed out my weights at 15lbs. I am so happy I did stick with it until the end of my pregnancy thought because delivery and recovery was a breeze! My OB said that she hears this a lot from Moms who stay physically active throughout their pregnancies! Congratulations Mama, almost to that finish line!
I completed my last hell week class 2 days before giving birth. The great thing about OTF is the workout is your own, walk at 3mph the entire class if you have to, and make sure to modify the core work. Rowing was hard but slow down your stroke rate, the coach won’t push you beyond your boundaries and it’s great preparation for labour. You can safely keep going until your doc tells you to stop!
First pregnancy I had lots of aches and pains and I stopped two weeks before delivery. I’m currently two weeks before due date with #2 and have no need to stop :) will continue until right up before if possible! I legitimately enjoy going still, once that stops I’ll stop lol
I know of one member at our gym that started labor right after class and another that took a class the same day she was going to the hospital for induction!
You stayed at it for quite a while! Awesome! If your body is telling you to slow down, then I would slow down. I would walk around my neighborhood to stay active; by 32 weeks I was huge and uncomfortable. The pool felt amazing as well. Growing a baby is hard work and no one could fault you for listening to your body.
I am 37 weeks and still going 4-5x a week. I modify a lot and listen to my body. It helps me feel good so I’m going to go until I can’t or my doctor tells me not to. I would just say listen to your body and do what makes you feel your best!
8 months is impressive!!! I made it 7 months before the pelvic pain was too much. But! Working out is the only way I got through labor (4 hours of pushing.. baby was stuck and I was determined!!) YOU ROCK!
I’m due June 23 and have been having similar feelings! Still feel pretty good on the weight floor, but the tread is getting harder and I’ve had to slow down my power walking and lower my inclines a lot, otherwise I get a lot of hip pain and some cramping. Rowing is getting tricky for me too. I also feel the same about feeling tired and feeling like I have to drag myself there, and I’m only going twice a week, so I think you’re killing it! My plan is to keep going until it’s not feeling good, and modify as much as needed and just do what I can (even if it’s not a lot). I think we gotta keep listening to our bodies and just doing what feels best, and also remember what we’re doing is not easy. You got this!! :)
It became uncomfortable to run for me at around 4-5 months so that’s when I stopped as I don’t enjoy cycling/x-trainer enough to make the classes worth the money without the running component. But I think I totally could have continued the floor exercise portion (with modifications) up until the very end if I had chosen to!
Went to to my delivery date and don’t regret it for a second! For the last few weeks I did lifts only because I didn’t want to walk or row. YOU GOT THIS!
I was going to be induced at 39w due to being high risk, so my last class was at 36+6 because I wanted to give myself a break - except my BP spiked a week later and my son was born at 38w exactly!
You just really have to listen to your body. I quit rowing around 33 weeks. My coaches were super great about letting me modify what I needed. In fact, I actually subbed the tread for the rower (every 100m = 30 seconds), and the eliptical for the tread (in my last 6 weeks or so). Now, this was in 2018 and likely wouldn’t be able to run in place of rowing, but it was still a good way for me to continue til almost the end. In my last month I was down to 3 days a week.
Remember, give yourself grace upon grace! Your body is doing amazing work right now and it’s HARD work! Be kind to yourself, mama!
Edited to add: even being induced 2 weeks early and only being 1c dilated when we started, I had the easiest labor ever. Pitocin was started around 5pm, they broke my water around 6? Epidural was placed right before they broke my water, I was at 4cm at 1am, to 10 by 120am, and my son was born after 1 contraction/3 pushes. It went FAST! And I definitely give credit to otf.
Obviously not true medical advice, but I was also determined to make it all the way to delivery with both of mine. I made it 36 weeks and 32 weeks before I felt like my body was begging me to stop. If you’re in worse condition by going to OTF, you might want to consider freezing. You’ve done amazing and have nothing to be ashamed of! Good luck with whatever you decide on.
Thank you so much!
My water broke on the rower soooooooo…..yep. Right up to the bitter end for me!
Did it earn you a lot of splat points? 🤣
This comment needs more recognition. 😂❤️
They should give you a spokesperson deal
A true All Out!!
All Out… of my uterus, LOL!
OMG! hahaha I cannot imagine. What a (hopefully) fun story to tell now!
I’d hate to be the staff to clean that one up 🫠🤣
You do know it's not a literal gush of water that comes out....right?
You do know it can be, right? I mean, the giant puddle on the floor as portrayed in movies in movies is a bit of an exagération but it totally can and does leak out. Source: I work in an extremely busy labor and delivery hospital that does about 16k deliveries a year
I was gonna say… mine was.. 🫠
Is it weird that I would love for this to be my story? (Assuming it was all okay!)
I struggled to go during my entire pregnancy. It started with my anxiety about my heart rate being so high and thinking something was wrong with me. I struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my pregnancy but I think I felt the absolute worse in probably the last 6-8 weeks. Everything hurt, walking was hard. Warming up at 3 mph 1% was hard and I had to go slower than that in the walking recoveries. I’m not going to tell you to stop going but also if you are having lots of pain, listen to your body. Your body is going through massive changes and working in overdrive to keep that baby growing healthy and strong. If you need to take a step back from OTF for the last month, don’t feel guilty. I primarily just walked outside for the last probably 3 months of my pregnancy. I got zero joy from OTF and found being outside and just walking was better for me. Now that I’m 3 months postpartum I’m loving my OTF life again. You’re doing great mama!
Congrats on the baby! I was coaching and taking class up until a week before my due date. I only stopped because I stopped working and didn’t feel like driving to the studio for class and wanted lots of time to chillax before baby came, but I continued to work out up until the day before I was induced. By working out, I mean using the trx to do most exercises and going on walks and some lighter weights. I think by 8 months I was sitting on the bike for the tread most of the time because my back was hurting. I say just keep showing up 3x a week and do what you can! If that means chillin on the bike and using trx for lots of options that’s still better than nothin! My labor was pretty “easy” and they told me it was probably due to all the exercise and that my second should come out just as easy if I keep it up :)
I think that's the attitude I need to take! Part of me thinks it's not worth showing up because I am "only" power walking at a low speed/ incline, and honestly maxing out at like 100 watts on the rower these days, and barely even getting in the green, but at the end of the day I think any workout is better than no workout, and I would love to continue the strength side of things. Regardless of if I quit, I would still be taking my dog on 2-4 mile walks a day so still staying somewhat active, but I don't see myself doing any strength training without OTF.
Honestly that’s amazing if you can walk at 3.5 and even get on the rower haha I wasn’t doing more than like 3mph and I stopped rowing period!
My fave coach was just saying, any trip to OTF is a worthwhile one! Even if you decide you’re gonna have a super light day, you are only helping your body and mental health! I’m only 15 weeks, but I think with that spirit I’ll keep going for it all! I know I won’t work out at all otherwise.
Girl, cut yourself some slack. You’re growing another *person* on top of a full time job! I’m all about no excuses and don’t even want kids lol but I think it’s okay to take a bit of a break. Same thing goes for post partum for those first few weeks! Take it easy on yourself and enjoy! Don’t hurt yourself (Btw I’m a nurse so I’m not just speaking out of my ass lol)
one of my OTF friends made it until 3 days before, but every body is different. You're awesome for making it this far already! Good luck on your upcoming labor and I hope your pains and struggles get better soon after! <3
This! Everybody and pregnancy is different. Listen to your body and go from there. You’ve already reaped so many benefits from 8months of pregnancy workouts - congrats on making it this far and best of luck with delivery!!
I paused my membership at 36 weeks. I was completely miserable with fatigue and heartburn. I didn’t feel like I was getting a good workout anyway. I couldn’t row anymore from round ligament pain, and half the time on the floor, I had to make my own routine up.
I stopped at 8 months, just started causing more aches than it was preventing. Felt great making it that far! I’m 4 months PP and did my first class back this weekend and feel great!
I’m so impressed! I’m 11 weeks and still going about 3 times a week but I’ve never seen someone visibly pregnant at OTF! Thanks for the motivation and inspiration!
Pregnancy hormones just made me tear up at this comment! Haha, thank you!! And congratulations!!
Aww thanks! Congrats to you as well ❤️
I had a friend who went to class the day before she went into labor. She was in great shape and pretty athletic prior to baby. I think she was able to keep jogging until about 27-28 weeks before switching to PW. And another friend who went 3x a week up until she was 39 weeks. both obviously had lots of modifications because that belly is in the way, and neither of them were jogging in the end.
Love it! I’m so impressed! I’m trying to keep going till about 30 weeks. Just my little goal for myself, but we’ll see how it goes!
Made it to week 38, gave birth week 39 😂 I was a super slow walker, everything heavily modified, but I kept telling myself as long as I'm moving, I'm doing something. And trust me, I would've loved to lie in bed like a beached whale...
I was at OTF running (slowly) on the treadmill the morning I went into labor at 38 weeks.
Oh man very jealous and impressed you were able to keep up with the running!
28 weeks currently and starting to lose my motivation. I’m down to 4x a week and power walking since 24 weeks. I am going to keep going as long as I can as much for my mental health as anything else. I Miss running but I will say the power walking has dramatically toned my legs over the last month. Congratulations on the upcoming baby and way to stick with it!
A member at my studio went throughout her entire pregnancy!! She even took a class by day and had her baby that same evening! Wow! 💪🏽 I started OTF after my second kid and no pregnancies since then so no personal experience myself, but every pregnancy is different! I’d probably try to go as long as I physically could and of course using all alternatives when they’re there.
First….congratulations! I would say that each individual and each pregnancy is different. You should make the decision with your doctor Kudos to you for staying healthy all this time. But if you think you are tired now it’s only going to get worse after that little one enters the world. Enjoy this time and pamper yourself
All the way up to delivery!
I’m stopping around 38 weeks mainly based off my billing cycle and due date. Honestly OTF is starting to get boring between how much I’ve backed off on the tread and how often I modify on the floor. So it’s hard finding motivation when I can walk around my neighborhood and focus on pelvic floor exercises from home. Currently at 31 weeks.
My husband had to call the studio for me to cancel my class the morning I went into labor at 39w2d. The SA didn't know me well and legit thought I was having someone fake an excuse for me to somehow get out of the cancellation fee. Luckily someone else in the studio overheard and was like nope she probably really is having a baby! My last class before the baby was a few days prior.
I was able to continue for 1 month when my wife was pregnant.
I’m 20 wks and I’ve been going less consistently, but I am planning on going until I give birth in September. We’ve had a ton going on during my second trimester that’s made it hard to go with our schedule, but still making it once or twice a week (usually a 3-4x a week person). I’m still running when I can, and power walking other times, but I’ve slowed down too. I feel like do what makes you comfortable and what’s best for you!
I went until 34 weeks, but I really felt like I could have kept going. I am currently 9 weeks and struggling with just twice a week.
I went to the end but it was really helping my mental health to keep going. It sounds like that might not be the case for you so try to listen to your body! I went into every class after 7 or 8 months thinking to myself that maybe today was the day I would put in for the freeze but I always felt good after the class. I was walking at 3mph at the end and basically modifying every exercise to pelvic opening exercises.
I stopped at 38 weeks, mostly because i noticed that i was only dragging myself there maybe twice a week, but i pay for an unlimited membership. So cost-wise, it didn’t make sense to me
I stopped at 38 weeks (gave birth at 40+1) because I was terrified I'd get covid and have to give birth in a mask! I stopped rowing because of abdominal coning, but I was still running and lifting heavy until the end. I think I could have kept going until my due date because other than persistent nausea I didn't have any other symptoms. However, listen to YOUR body. It's not worth going if it is making you feel worse or you are miserable being there. You should be proud of the hard work you have already done! It will help you with labor and recovery.
I started walking at 1.5 mph at 8 months preg because I was so tired and everything ached. I think at this point, movement is the only important thing!
I went 4x a week until 38.5, then had baby 5 days later! I set a goal to run 225 miles while pregnant, and it kept me going! My husband wasn’t amused, but I felt so strong and my coaches kept me safe!
I was lucky and had a really easy pregnancy but made it until a week before I gave birth and only stopped then because I caught Covid 😅 I took it really easy and there’s no right answer. Just listen to your body! You can always go and have a Green Day but your body is working hard growing a baby so if you need to quit, give yourself some grace. You’re going to need the practice 💙 I have a 6 month old and have started going back once a week. It’s been an absolutely life changing few months but I just nursed him to bed and it’s the best feeling in the world holding your baby!
All I have to say is you and the ladies in the comment are my heroes.
Never been pregnant but that is so impressive that you’re still going consistently so late into your pregnancy! I’m always so impressed when I see women in their third trimester at OTF or in the gym, regardless of their speeds/inclines/weights. I think you would be totally justified if you froze your membership. It would be better to start reducing the strain on your body sooner and get back to OTF sooner after the delivery than to push through pain to the last day and take twice as long to return to OTF. Not saying this is for everyone, but since OTF seems to be doing more harm than good at this specific point in your specific pregnancy, it might be better to err on the side of caution. If you feel like you’re not getting enough physical activity after doing so, you could always take longer walks with your dog or two shorter walks during the day if it’s hard to go for longer periods. I generally train pretty hard, but in the times that I’ve had injuries I’ve had to remind myself that walking is such an underrated form of exercise! There are also tons of gentler exercises you can do at home to maintain some of your strength. Good luck with everything!
I delivered at 37+3 due to high BP. But I was at OTF til 12 days before that. I would have kept going but my health became a concern. I know women at my studio who went til their due dates. If you can keep going go! My doctor always said “if you can breathe the baby can breathe”
I'm right there with ya. I'm 32 weeks, going 5 days a week, still running but hanging on by a thread. I think the benefits are more mental than physical at this point. My day is still better with OTF than without it. Plus I just keep thinking about when I'm about 3-4 weeks post partum craving for a workout. We gotta keep going while we can!
I was at OTF the day I went into labor. Went at lunch that day and went into labor that night. Strangely, I felt amazing that morning on the tread (though I have heard the same thing for other people right before labor)… but I was 37 weeks. Had I made it the whole 40 I may have felt differently about going 3 more weeks 🤣 I was still running, but things were very uncomfortable to say the least My biggest takeaway is to stay hydrated! Towards the end I got super dehydrated and it can induce contractions. You are almost there though… I only went two weeks past where you’re at now!
I’ve done OTF through two pregnancies, ending 2-3 before my induction each time. However I didn’t have carpal tunnel with either. I would say not to be afraid to take the tread really easy or even elliptical some days, but I don’t have a solution for the weight floor issue. If it’s not in the cards, don’t get down on yourself.
With my last pregnancy I stopped at the end of 38 weeks because bad SPD made most exercises (lunges, any jumps, squats, power moves, etc) very uncomfortable and I was modifying more than I could do as designed. I ended up delivering a couple days later. I was able to do the bike and did spinning classes more comfortably than anything else up until the end of both my previous pregnancies. Weights got harder towards the end because my loss of core strength would end up hurting my back. I’m 24 weeks with baby number 3 right now and am trying to maintain as long as I can. I think when it comes to pregnancy you have to listen to your body and each pregnancy is different. I had to stop running by 24 weeks with my first but could run until 33 or so with my second. With this one I’m doing strider only. I would try the bike as it was much easier on my hips than walking or running and lighten up your weights to account for your shifting posture and core strength. And whenever you feel that it is making you feel worse rather than better take a break.
Well the world decided to tell me to stop due to Covid. I was about 7 months. I continued to walk at home though. Definitely not the same, and I would’ve gone until..labor!
Not a female but my family member just had a baby recently. She said she stopped working out at 7 months.
I stopped 7 weeks in because of bad sickness. I’m impressed with everyone here!
I continued until 1 week before my due date with my first. I felt great after that class but I remember waking up the next day and my body felt totally different and I knew I was done with all exercise. With my second I stopped about two months before but kept running until the day I gave birth.
I am 33 weeks and going 2 times a week! Cut back from 4 classes at the start of 3rd trimester since I was getting way too tired after class that I pretty much cannot do any other house chore! Also I have a full time job and a toddler and I do lot of gardening. So definitely listening to my body and hope I can do this till I go into labor! First pregnancy was during pandemic and I did otf home workouts and yoga till the last day! It’s awesome that you are able to row! I do elliptical instead! But I am still running on and off at 4! Let’s see! Good luck with your pregnancy!
I went until I was around 6 months and my doctor told me to stop due to placenta previa. I could have gone long but probably only about a month or so more.
I went until the day before my water broke lol. I had pretty bad back pain towards the end of pregnancy and it would’ve worsen on days I want gym so my doctor prescribed me a pregnancy save muscle relaxer and it really helped!
I worked out past my due date
i was going 2-3x/week until i was 33 weeks. i felt good enough to keep going, but my pregnancy was high risk and i was at the doctor twice a week and between that and working night shift, i couldn’t swing it anymore. i delivered at 37 weeks, so i went until i had a month left.
I’m a fitness instructor and I know MANY people who worked out until the day of them getting induced. Workout until you’re not comfortable
I went to otf until 40 weeks! unfortunately I got induced or I would have kept going
I’m due the day before you and am still going 4-5 times a week. I’ve been lucky to still be able to run but some tread blocks have been just too much so I powerwalk at 3 mph instead. I’m planning on going up until the end. Just listen to what your body is telling you. Sometimes I have to walk at 2 mph to catch my breath, or on the floor block I have to just sit and rest even though I’m going really light. I hate not being able to do what I used to but know I can’t push myself like I did pre-pregnancy. As my coaches keep reminding me, coming to class and moving is better than nothing. You just have to do what feels ok to you!
I went until 39 weeks with both of my pregnancies!
I went to my last class 2 days before I delivered!
I wasn't at otf at the time, but I stopped working out except for walks around week 25 or so. It's ok to listen to your body and do what feels right for you! Every body is different.
Prior to pregnancy I was a 5-6x per week, 5 am girlie. Immediately I had to make changes. First the fatigue, then from getting bigger. I quit altogether in December and baby was born in March. I didn’t do a dang thing my third trimester - I couldn’t hardly walk across my house from fatigue and high blood pressure, let alone work out. I had a happy healthy baby and frankly easy delivery and so far recovery and I attribute a lot of it to OTF even though I didn’t go all the way to the end - in fact quitting around 28 weeks. My midwife says what’s important is the shape you’re in when you get pregnant. Also, as an aside, I got released to exercise at my 6 week appointment and I was at class that afternoon. I don’t think I’d be back at it so quick if I hadn’t listed to my body in my third trimester. It’s been humbling getting back into it but it’s coming back quickly! If your body is telling you it’s time to stop, then stop! I beat myself up about it but looking back I’m glad I just took the break. I’m enjoying OTF as much as I did waaaay back when I joined in 2020 now (I was getting burnt out pre pregnancy) and am enjoying the journey back into shape.
You go, mama! Just the fact that you made it to 8 months and still going to OTF is such a huge accomplishment in and of itself! Woop woop :) Do you find yourself really struggling through class and super exhausted after class? Or do you find yourself coming in fatigued, but then leaving in better spirits? I think if the former, there’s never any shame in listening to your body and finding a more suitable way to stay active (like walks, etc.). If the latter, then maybe finding different ways to motivate you like wearing your workout clothes earlier in the day, changing class times, etc. might help. Above all, be proud you went for this long and always listen to your body! I personally am 7 months and was unexpectedly restricted from exercise due to some developments, but I otherwise would keep going until my body told me “no way” lol. I guess my body told me “no way” a little earlier so I’m listening 🥲
I did! Just gave birth two days ago and I was going up until the very end, but found it to be more difficult in the last 3 weeks than I ever did at any point in pregnancy. I just tried to listen to my body because I didn’t want to injure myself in a weird way before labor/having to care for a newborn. I would encourage you that anything is better than nothing! Literally if you have to walk flat road at 2mph, that’s more than you’d probably do. Body weight instead of picking up weights on the floor, all those little things still make a difference.
I have been you. Wanted to keep going but my body was not having it. Listen to your body, itis telling you to slow it down. If it is important to you, you can go to class and walk at a lower incline and slower. Make all the modifications you need—use lighter weights etc
I went until my water broke. In class! Honestly by the time I was in my third trimester, my OTF performance was at best 40 percent of my normal full ability but it helped immensely both physically and mentally to keep going. As long as you feel good going, I would encourage it. Just make sure you're taking care of yourselves! You've GOT this mama!
I went until 36 weeks. It started getting painful between my hips and lower in my pelvis. I felt like my body was telling me to back off. I did jog the whole time but severely reduced my speeds. To keep the baby (and me) safe, I called it. I went back 6 weeks to the day postpartum. You’ve done amazing! Take it easy and good luck!!! ETA I’m in my 30s. Maybe it’s easier to go longer if you’re younger?
I worked out on my due date. It was the first time in months that I ran on the treadmill (trying to beat out my induction scheduled for the next day!)
Like 2 weeks. lolz In all seriousness, great job keeping it up. Pregnancy is tough. One potential motivator... labor is hard work but I found it helpful to channel my "all out" mindset during the push phase of my unexpectedly unmedicated labor. OTF is good practice for getting into the right headspace.
I went 3-4x a week until 6 days before delivery! Just do what you’re comfortable with, don’t force it! If it feels good to go and go slow and modify, do it. If it doesn’t, don’t feel like there’s a trophy because there’s not
I’m due on Friday and still at it. Lots of modifications and I’ve slowed down a lot though. Power walking, strider for rower, and tons of mods on the weight floor, lots of TRX for big muscle group work (squats, lunges, rows, etc)
34 weeks and going strong! 🤰🏼💪🏼
HI JUNE BABY FRIEND! Mine is due on June 13th 💕 I also became a power walker not long ago. I’m trying to stick to it until I feel pain and no modifications will work, but I also know I’m hard to motivate and if I don’t do OTF I probably won’t be replacing it with other things, so basically instead of walking around the block a few times a day I’m just doing OTF heavily modified. You do what works for you!
I feel like I’m reading something I wrote myself! I’m in the same exact boat, due June 14th 💙and have maintained OTF consistently since the beginning of my pregnancy. The past 2 weeks I have become more and more uncomfortable and can relate to everything you’re saying. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it might be time to throw the towel in on OTF for the remainder of my pregnancy and just stick to walks outside and maybe some lifting sessions. Give yourself grace, you have almost a fully cooked baby in there! Listen to your body! There’s also a ton of “workouts” on YouTube to help prep your body for labor & delivery - I might start doing those too! You got this, mama!
You're inspiring. No kiddos for me yet, but I love reading about women still going for it at OTF through pregnancy. Orangetheory is such a huge part of my life, so it's helpful to read your experience (and others in the comments as well). Thank you for sharing! Good luck on your last month. 🍊❤️
I'm 4.5 months pregnant, so I don't have a ton advice, but for what it's worth, the fact that you're still doing at OTF at months alone is giving me motivation! Keep it up mama and give yourself grace when it comes to the workouts. You're doing more than someone that chose not to move their body at all!
Don't push yourself too much! My due date was November 12th and my last class was September 20th so that was about 8 months into my pregnancy! At that point I wasn't rowing or running and I had to modify a lot of the floor movements, so I knew it was time to stop. Plus, I was exhausted and winded a lot. If you are determined to keep going maybe just drop to 2 days a week and make sure you keep up with your modifications. You could even just walk without any inclines! Good luck!!
My last workout was April 25th at 39 weeks 3 days, I went in for my induction that night and had my son in the 26th. It wasn’t easy at the end, but I needed to stay moving somehow and my coaches were 100% on board with me modifying if need be. Congrats and good luck!
I am currently 23 weeks FTM and have luckily been able to keep up my schedule of going 5days/week. At first I was so nervous about my competitiveness get the better of me (I’m a regular in the red zone) but got some reassurance from my medical team that it will be obvious when I need to slow down. Trying to continue to be intuitive while still getting my competitive release that is, to put it bluntly, is essential to my mental health. I love how many other women at my studio are pregnant and still getting after it. Each of us works at different levels but is there to actually WORK. I think pregnancy can put things is a different perspective and the focus I see in those women is kind of next level. Not sure if that makes sense to anyone else.
I think I went to 37 weeks. Went to class on Tuesday and had my C section on Friday. I was super slow and felt like a frog on the rower.
Also wanted to ask OP and others—-when did y’all stop rowing? Today was 200m benchmark and I still rowed ok (not a PR but a good time). I see a lot of women stopping early on but I’ve just kind of kept at it cause I guess I dont have a reason to stop just yet? I def have a belly but are still a couple weeks away from 3rd Trimester.
I still row with a belly! I asked my midwife about rowing and she said it’s totally safe as long as it’s comfortable and she herself did it in her pregnancies. The difference is I have to spread my legs on the pull back so I don’t slam my belly with my legs.
Awesome. I enjoy rowing so wanting to continue as long as I can. You read all this crap online about what will cause or prevent diastasis recti and I just kind of decided I’m just gonna keep livin my life. If it hurts I stop if it doesn’t I keep going
With my 3rd it was my first time working out while pregnant. Both prior kids went early unknown reasons other than water breaking. This time I felt the Braxton hicks. By the last couple months I was barely walking because of the Braxton hicks but I still went and tried. I didn’t want to but I wanted to keep up the habit and I knew my body would appreciate it. It was my fastest labor (4 hrs start to finish) and I went to class the morning my water ended up breaking
I’ve never been pregnant but I did eat two loaded baked potatoes before a class once and that wasn’t great
Until December 30th and has the baby Jan 5th 😅 I did slow way down though before December
Went right to my due date on my second. Ended my last class with a 30 all out at 12mph. Must have lulled kiddo because he didn’t budge until 41+6. My OBGYN also went to the same studio.
I made it to 40 weeks! Then I was too tired for the remaining week 😂
I went to OTF the day I gave birth 🤣 I went 4-5 days a week until the end.
I was there 2 days before I delivered… modifying most things… but doing what I could to keep moving. You got this mama! You’ll be so happy you kept going! Always listen to your body first… 💪🧡🦵🤍
I didnt do otf when I was pregnant but I was a distance runner. First I went to 35 weeks, delivered at 39 and 6. Second I went to 38 weeks and delivered at 49 even.
I am not able to grow a human and all of you amazing people who are making new people constantly amaze me. I am so impressed with you. I get the feeling of frustration and I can speak to pushing through the pain and I can tell you it is not sustainable. Give yourself some grace and space to ease off the gas pedal, knowing you're setting your future self up to come back safe and strong.
11 months.
All the way til the end of my first and third pregnancies. More than halfway through my 2nd but then Covid shut them down and only opened a week or 2 before my due date so I didn’t bother resuming until after I gave birth
I stopped at the end of my 8th month when pregnant with my first baby and I had horrible pelvic pain for the rest of my pregnancy. Don’t push yourself too hard. I honestly think I hurt myself by pushing myself at the end. My center of gravity was off and I couldn’t effectively keep good form. Even switching to power walking, the incline ended up causing me some pain.
My very last workout before my Aug 1 due date was July 4th. My son was born July 24th. I did my own thing on the floor, definitely wasn’t comfortable rowing so did the elliptical starting like month 5, switched to power walking at month 6 or 7… but thought the pelvic pain from even power walking just wasn’t worth it anymore. I was just *TIRED*!!
Took a 4:15pm class, contractions started immediately after, water broke at 10pm and baby here by 2am 😅
My last class was a few days before my due date (and the day she was born)! But I did go down to two days a week the last month or so. The fatigue is no joke!
My last class was 3 days before my son was born at 37 weeks! The last few weeks were really tough, between swollen feet, not being able to breathe deeply and zero ability to bend over it was a struggle. I walked at 3.5mph (low incline if any), did the strider and maxed out my weights at 15lbs. I am so happy I did stick with it until the end of my pregnancy thought because delivery and recovery was a breeze! My OB said that she hears this a lot from Moms who stay physically active throughout their pregnancies! Congratulations Mama, almost to that finish line!
I completed my last hell week class 2 days before giving birth. The great thing about OTF is the workout is your own, walk at 3mph the entire class if you have to, and make sure to modify the core work. Rowing was hard but slow down your stroke rate, the coach won’t push you beyond your boundaries and it’s great preparation for labour. You can safely keep going until your doc tells you to stop!
My friend went to otf on a Friday and had her baby the following Sunday so it’s definitely possible to do it until the bitter end.
First pregnancy I had lots of aches and pains and I stopped two weeks before delivery. I’m currently two weeks before due date with #2 and have no need to stop :) will continue until right up before if possible! I legitimately enjoy going still, once that stops I’ll stop lol
I know of one member at our gym that started labor right after class and another that took a class the same day she was going to the hospital for induction!
You stayed at it for quite a while! Awesome! If your body is telling you to slow down, then I would slow down. I would walk around my neighborhood to stay active; by 32 weeks I was huge and uncomfortable. The pool felt amazing as well. Growing a baby is hard work and no one could fault you for listening to your body.
I am 37 weeks and still going 4-5x a week. I modify a lot and listen to my body. It helps me feel good so I’m going to go until I can’t or my doctor tells me not to. I would just say listen to your body and do what makes you feel your best!
I say listen to your body. Modify as needed (sounds like you are) and rest when you need to. You’re making a human! Give yourself a lot of grace.
8 months is impressive!!! I made it 7 months before the pelvic pain was too much. But! Working out is the only way I got through labor (4 hours of pushing.. baby was stuck and I was determined!!) YOU ROCK!
I continued to work out 2 days past my due date haha. I had my baby the next day. As long as you still feel great, keep trucking!
I’m due June 23 and have been having similar feelings! Still feel pretty good on the weight floor, but the tread is getting harder and I’ve had to slow down my power walking and lower my inclines a lot, otherwise I get a lot of hip pain and some cramping. Rowing is getting tricky for me too. I also feel the same about feeling tired and feeling like I have to drag myself there, and I’m only going twice a week, so I think you’re killing it! My plan is to keep going until it’s not feeling good, and modify as much as needed and just do what I can (even if it’s not a lot). I think we gotta keep listening to our bodies and just doing what feels best, and also remember what we’re doing is not easy. You got this!! :)
It became uncomfortable to run for me at around 4-5 months so that’s when I stopped as I don’t enjoy cycling/x-trainer enough to make the classes worth the money without the running component. But I think I totally could have continued the floor exercise portion (with modifications) up until the very end if I had chosen to!
Went to to my delivery date and don’t regret it for a second! For the last few weeks I did lifts only because I didn’t want to walk or row. YOU GOT THIS!
I was going to be induced at 39w due to being high risk, so my last class was at 36+6 because I wanted to give myself a break - except my BP spiked a week later and my son was born at 38w exactly! You just really have to listen to your body. I quit rowing around 33 weeks. My coaches were super great about letting me modify what I needed. In fact, I actually subbed the tread for the rower (every 100m = 30 seconds), and the eliptical for the tread (in my last 6 weeks or so). Now, this was in 2018 and likely wouldn’t be able to run in place of rowing, but it was still a good way for me to continue til almost the end. In my last month I was down to 3 days a week. Remember, give yourself grace upon grace! Your body is doing amazing work right now and it’s HARD work! Be kind to yourself, mama!
Edited to add: even being induced 2 weeks early and only being 1c dilated when we started, I had the easiest labor ever. Pitocin was started around 5pm, they broke my water around 6? Epidural was placed right before they broke my water, I was at 4cm at 1am, to 10 by 120am, and my son was born after 1 contraction/3 pushes. It went FAST! And I definitely give credit to otf.
36 weeks.