Saturday, May 31, 2008

They Won't Be Calling Me Flipper

I started a water aerobics class this week.

I felt like Sha.mu in my black maternity bathing suit. Sha.mu with a skirt, that is.

I got a bathing suit from a generous friend, in a box of lots of other maternity hand-me-downs. I didn't think that I would ever have the nerve to be seen in public in a bathing suit pregnant, so I wasn't that concerned what the suit looked like. But as the weight has continued to add up and the cellulite continues to pile on, I am interested in at least somewhat keeping in shape.

Following the bleeding incident, however, my OB has forbidden all forms of exercise that could cause any impact or strain - even a gentle session on the elliptical is not a great idea right now. I am on my feet a lot for work, so he just doesn't think it's a great idea to add in any extra standing time. His suggestion was water aerobics.

We had just joined a gym with a really nice saltwater/freshwater pool and they happen to have classes everyday. I also have a girlfriend recovering from surgery who was also advised to take such a class. We decided to brave the waters together.

I have taken (and enjoyed) group exercise classes before. I like the social pressure of having to finish what I started. It's too easy if I am working out by myself to just quit if I get tired. On the other hand, one time I tried a spinning class and nearly died, but wouldn't walk out because I didn't want to be embarrassed. I was so sore the next day that I could barely get in and out of my car. I digress. . .

So, I hadn't even tried on this suit before Wednesday morning's class. It actually didn't fit too badly, but the skirt makes me feel about 80 (which happens to be the average age of my fellow classmates). So, there I was, flopping around in the water, trying to learn the moves and follow along, with this skirt splashing me in the face.

I actually enjoyed the class and the belly was a big hit with the grandmas and grandpas in the pool. My friend liked it, too. Although I wasn't exhausted after the session, I did feel as if I had gotten a light workout without the strain.

So, I am going out to get a bathing suit this weekend. Without a skirt. And not black. It may be slimming, but strangely enough, Sha.mu doesn't look too skinny. And neither do I.

The Belly at 26 (27 tomorrow) weeks!




24 comments:

Kim said...

I have seen some super cute suits at that big scary baby store and also at Mimi/Motherhood. I have a black halter tankini from Old Navy and it does the job, but I really don't think there's any way that I can NOT look like shamu (belly pic coming soon).

AwkwardMoments said...

i LOVE the water. I also feel like Shamu or a land barge walking TO the pool but man if it doesn't make me feel FANTASTIC while i am in the pool and when I get out.

AwkwardMoments said...

Good luck getting your suit that you like - and I think you look simply divine and radiant!

Adriane said...

Hehehe - I debated on getting a skirt suit - I didn't think about that extra "drag" in the water. Too funny. I love our same references to Sham.u. :-)

Great belly pics - you look fabulous! Hope the class continues to go well!

Geohde said...

Katie, love the belly shots!

My sister took one of me today, and I was vaguely horrified at how I look. You however, look fantastic!

J

Mrs. Piggy said...

That is seriously an awesome belly!!!
I dont see any stretch marks!!

Chastity said...

Those are great pictures!!

I just recently bought a maternity swimsuit. Mine is from OldNavy.com and VERY cute...I highly recommend them. I was at Motherhood just a few days ago, and I found their bottoms to look very early-1990s...high cut bottoms..yuck.

Alyssa said...

Katie, I know you feel like Shamu and this probably doesn't help much, but I think you look fabulous! You're glowing, you look healthy and happy and I think it's awesome! As far as water aerobics is concerned, I love that workout. I'm not a huge fan of sweating so it's nice to get a good workout where I can't tell I'm sweating.

K @ ourboxofrain said...

You look great! And water aerobics sounds awesome -- I wish there was an affordable gym near me with a pool (around here, pools seem to double the price). I miss swimming :(

I got a couple of tank style (no skirt) suits to get my through the summer and got them at Target. They seem tolerable at this point, though we'll see how they fare in 7 weeks when I actually need them.

Amy said...

Oh hon, you look sooo good!! I think your boy will be a big one for some reason. Oh and I had a dream last night you delivered him at 38 weeks and he was 9+ lbs! WHOA!! We shall see.....

Rachel said...

I'm glad you enjoyed the class. Please let us know where you find a decent bathing suit - I've been looking for days for anything to swim in. Thanks!

RBandRC said...

I imagine that water aerobics would be nice right about now. Of course, I will not get into a bathing suit for anything in the world, but in theory I really like the idea. So, I'll just have to live vicariously through your experience! :P

I love the pics! You look great!!! :)

HereWeGoAJen said...

You look terrific in your pictures. :)

Jen said...

You don't look whale-like at all. You're looking gorgeous belly and all. And I didn't see a stretch-mark in sight, which is great. I've suddenly found the beginnings of them on the sides of my belly.

Yetty said...

you've just given me hope for staying fit while pg. Let us knoe haw the suit shopping trip goes :)

Anonymous said...

You look fantastic Katie!! I bet flipper doesn't have anything on you! :) Good luck swimsuit shopping, that's always nervewracking to me! :)

Joy said...

You look awesome! Enjoy your water aerobics classes, but I agree...please ditch the skirted bathing suit, you look too good!

Kathy V said...

THat belly is so cute. Sorry to hear about your bathing suit experience. It tried a couple on and they all have a skirt but none are black. I hope I don't have skirt problems.

Kim said...

Ohhh, your belly is GORGEOUS! And you're GLOWING! I know, totally cliche and wrong to say on every level - but it's true!

Mara said...

Beautiful belly!! I love water exercises! They're low impact, but highly effective at the same time!

Good luck finding a suit that you love!

Kathy said...

Katie you look so beautiful and just glowing! Your belly is just perfect, thank you for sharing your pictures! Fun that you took them of yourself. I always waited for when Bob was home and made him take them and he always seemed kinda annoyed, as I would make him retake them until he got ones I liked. ;) I am glad you liked the water aerobics class. Good luck finding a new suit! I had a red and black tankini when I was pregnant with Sean that I liked. I think I got it at Motherhood Maternity.

Mazzy said...

ohmygosh you are so stinking cute!!!! awesome pictures!!!
the water aerobics class sounds great, what an interesting alternative for low impact workouts.

Amy said...

Aw, what a cute tummy! I'm not even prego and I do water aerobics...it's fun and our teachers kick our asses!

BTW, I didn't get a package from you...I'm not sure when you sent it but I will keep an eye out for it. Let me know...you can email me at tractorpoor at aol dot com! Take care and enjoy the exercise you can get!

Antigone said...

Like everyone else said, What a cute belly!