[bylime]

I have been TTC 10 months. Something I really struggle with right now is how much to exercise. I read all over the place that when you start TTC, you are supposed to "get healthy." Many articles and web sites say this means start exercising. My problem is the opposite. I have always thought that it was a healthy habit that I take great joy in a nice long run. I had always thought that my running was doing me good. I have never run more than 22 miles a week. I have never run a marathon. I have never trained twice a day. I never thought I was excessive. But now my running has been made into something to feel guilty about. My fertility doc told me three months ago to chill out with the running. Since then I have struggled to find a happy medium with exercise. I go through periods where I don't do much other than walking and light yoga. When I get my period, I often treat myself to a five-mile run. Then I'll go weeks where I just try not to exercise more than every other day. I will do the elliptical machine and light weights, but do try to stay away from running, for the most part. Is anyone else out there struggling with this, and is there any good literature on this?

[jenm]

Wow, don't hear about this kind of problem very often. When we'd been trying for years and finally got an OB on board, she recommended I gain a few pounds due to being below the low end of normal for my height. Something about how a low BMI can negatively affect your hormones and fertility. If you are very thin this may be why your dr is suggesting you stop running. I don't think exercise would hurt your fertility unless you are at an "unhealthy" weight. Do you think this may be the problem?

[gangof4]

Bylime- I'm a runner myself. I have been a runner for over 20 years. I have secondary infertility and I have been ttc for over 2 years. But I do have 4 children whom I've conceived naturally and while running. Now I admit I did conceive them during periods when I ran less which was 15-20 miles per week. But I also used to run pretty hard core. I trained for 5 marathons during my child bearing years.
So what am I getting at? I do NOT think running 20 miles a week will effect your fertility. It's not an excessive amount. And running is a good de-stresser. Personally I feel stressed when I dont get to run.
And Yoga is definitely a great thing to add to your regime. That is a really good de-stresser!
If you are on the thin side you could always add some healthy foods that are high in calories and fat. Like avacado.
Good luck and happy trails!

[alpurnell]

Bylime, I am also a runner and getting some of the same reactions from others that you are. My husband and I have been trying for 7 cycles (9 months) so far, and not successful. It seems ridiculous to think that this healthy habit - that doctors and medical website are encouraging is something to be avoided.

[MPisready]

I am so happy to have found all of you. My husband and I have been trying to concieve for over a year now with the help of upto 150mg of Clomid. I am a physical education teacher, an aerobics instructor, and a college wellness instructor so exercising is my passion. I was just told that I had to cut back to at most 7 hours per week of exercise. For many that doesn't seem so bad but for someone who makes working out her life, it's been really difficult.

My doctor said that I needed to be between 24 and 30% body fat to optimize my chances of concieving/ovulating. It sounds so awful. I told him I'd gain 5 pounds and get to 20%, but even then, there's no guarantee that I'll ovulate. How does such a healthy lifestyle choice come back and bite you in the butt so much?

I don't think working out is the problem. In fact, as an exercise physiologist/wellness professional, I can't imagine anyone telling someone not to workout/be active. Not that what I'm doing is the answer for you, but I'm still working out just lowering my intensity. I'm still teaching kickboxing and lifting to tone. I've cut out heavy lifting and am adding in walking and yoga, but honestly, if you love to run, run. Why should we have to completely change our lifestyles? Our husbands don't have to. On top of that, we're supposed to not be stressed out, right? Well for someone active, just tell them to sit still and you'll really stress them out. Stay healthy and active just be cognizant of when it's become too much of a good thing and be certain to refuel appropriately...

Best of luck!

[HallieL]

I was just struggling with this exercise concept yesterday. I am doing iui and awaiting to take pregnancy test in 8 days (who's counting) anyways, yesterday I had some spotting (which was great) but I told my mom (who is a nurse for ever) that I was going to go for a walk with my dog and she flipped out. Her point which i reluctantly agreed with after talking to her is that there is no reason to put undue stress on your body and exercise does destress (at least me) but when you over do it, it can put stress on your body.

So, when do you start to exercise. Each month, I have said that okay I can wait until I see if I am pregnant, well if I ever get pregnant, then how much should I exercise.

I would not want to do anything to risk a misscarriage so I will do as told, but you are right, who knows what is right. I read a report that moderate exercise is great because it gives you and baby oxygen and of course everybody talks about yoga but i don't do yoga.

so, if anyone comes to a conclusion, would be happy to know.

take care all.