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Responding to Exercise
What level of aerobic exercise intensity (in each session) would you recommend for Latrece?
No. Please review the information in this table and try this one again. Pay particular attention to the topic of exercise intensity.
| Exercise During Pregnancy | |
| Concerns | Facts and recommendations |
| The higher the intensity of aerobic exercise, the higher the oxygen use by the working muscles and the greater the increase in body temperature. There may be an increased risk of hypoxia and hyperthermia. | There is no evidence that the intensities typical of aerobic exercise are detrimental to the fetus in terms of either oxygen availability or temperature. Pre-pregnancy moderate to moderately high intensities can be maintained. The pregnant woman should avoid extremely high intensities that are typical of interval training and experienced in maximal exercise tests (unless closely supervised by a physician). |
Resources: 1. ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription 6th Ed. (2000). Secondary reference based on information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/08_99/artal.htm
Yes. Latrece should be able to safely maintain her current exercise intensity, which appears to be at a moderate level. Resting heart rate increases up to 15 beats per minute during pregnancy, so even if Latrece maintains her target heart rate, she may actually end up reducing the workload as the pregnancy proceeds. This natural adjustment may work perfectly with her ever-increasing load! As she carries a heavier load (including her fetus), her heart rate will increase, and her pace will have to be reduced to maintain a certain heart rate zone. She'll probably welcome the adjustment. You may want to explain to her that although her speed may decrease, she'll be maintaining the overall intensity of the workout.
Consider having your pregnant clients use the rating of perceived exertion instead of the target heart rate. That way, regardless of the physiological shifts, they can maintain a constant perceived exertion.
Let's discuss exercise intensity for a few minutes.
