Hi everyone! I don't post all that much, but I do still pop in from time to time and glance through threads. Also, when I have this kind of question, I feel quite certain that this is the best group of people to ask!
So I am currently 18 1/2 weeks pregnant, and I've been feeling much less nauseous overall for a couple of weeks now. However, I've still been combating the low energy and tiredness. My blood pressure is on the low side, and I fight symptoms from that too - I get lightheaded and have to sit or lie down before I faint, that kind of thing. I do have clearance from my midwife to exercise, and I know I need to get going again. Moderate exercise might help my blood flow issues which might in turn help my blood pressure, plus, I'm planning a natural home birth and will need muscles and stamina for that!
I have some prenatal workouts from the library - a couple of Suzanne Bowen's and one of Tracey Mallet's, both instructors I like. However, when I think about exercising, I want to reach for old loves like Ellen Barrett and Jessica Smith. I know Jessica has done some prenatal workouts for YouTube but I currently have no way to get them on dvd - sad.
Anyway, who has done Ellen's workouts (like FBF, SlimS, G&G, etc) while pregnant? If you modified, how did you modify? I love Jessica's walking workouts but she does tend to twist a lot (standing ab work), the twists are pretty quick, and I'm not sure how much of that I should do or not do. Same with ab work. There is a lot of controversy over direct ab work and pregnancy and I think I need some anecdotal evidence from experienced exercisers and experienced mamas, since this is my first pregnancy and it's all new to me.
Any insight would be appreciated!