Day 2 – judge your workout by the ‘talk test’

ACOG no longer recommends a specific target heart rate to maintain while exercising. Moderate exercise is recommended and performing the ‘talk test’.

The talk test is an indicator of exertion.  A woman should be able to say a sentence without having to gasp for air every other word. If you’re gasping, you’re working too hard.

It wasn’t that long ago that doctors were recommending a specific heart rate to maintain during pregnancy. Why they changed it was due to the fact that a woman’s heart beat changes during pregnancy because of the increase in the circulation system and increased blood volume. The heart ends up beating a little faster. So for women to try and reach a specific heart rate, it was confusing. So now the recommendation is moderate exercise (not to light, not to heavy) and judging your workout by the ‘talk test’.

Moderate exercise for your changing body can be overwhelming! I can help you make adjustments so that exercise is fun and appropriate, without the risk of injury.