Help! Thunder Thighs - What Exercises?

[Tinsel]

Does anyone know of a good exercise to help combat thunder thighs? I also want strong leg muscles for labour.

Thanks

[Visitor7]

Swimming is a great one, especially while you're pregnant.
Leg lifts are good (laying on the ground, on your back, lifting your leg up and down, gradually increasing the amount you do).
Thigh masters are also great. I bought one from Kmart recently for only $20.

[Dragonbub]

Hey Tinsel,
In my pregnancy yoga class they recommended squats for preparation for birth. We all leaned against a wall as if there is a seat right next to the wall, but supported ourselves with our leg muscles. It was easy at first then got harder when fatigue set in. The instructor said if we did this every day it will make our legs heaps stronger and less fatigued in labour, particularly if you want more range of birth positions to try.

Have fun!

[blue daisy]

Hey Tinsel

i highly recommend yoga for weight loss and toning

yogababy x

[MantaRay]

Tinsel, stronger muscles for labour is not a bad idea. But I wouldn't be too worried about thunder thighs. It is normal during pg to put weight on your thighs and bum - it's your body stockpiling reserves for bfing. If you are like many of us, you will find it will fall off during bfing. If you are unlucky and that is not the case, you can work it off once you are settled with the new baby and certain that the reserves are no longer needed.

[Tinsel]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I have never tried yoga but will look into it as I think it is a good idea esp for toning. I also like the idea of swimming but I can't really see myself going until it warms up a bit as it is freezing after work here (and I'm not a morning person).

MelanieR, I am trying not to worry about the thighs, it is just really uncomfortable when they rub together and my body sure is stockpiling on the thighs and bum already!

[expat]

I dare not just tell you to get used to it! I think pretty much everyone gets 'fuller' thighs when they're pregnant (perhaps not Nicole Richie but she's a human pencil!).

I rode my bike everywhere right up til the day before I went into labour and even when the gears broke and it was stuck in a high gear, I still rode it (still haven't had the bike fixed either!).

Biking is (also) great as it shifts your growing weight and center of balance into a different position to walking and lets your tired back have a break. It also takes the strain off your feet which might get a little fat and fluid filled towards the end.

Good luck,
A