Don’t judge a workout by its title. “Prenatal” does not mean easy folks. This walking treadmill workout is a full-blast, 30-minute cardio circuit that will kick anyone’s booty – pregnant or not! I love making this prenatal treadmill workout a part of my weekly routine to get in some intense increased heart rate action. You’ll never look at walking the same…
Since running is officially out for me at this stage in the game due to my massive belly and weak pelvic floor, I’ve been craving a cardio-based workout that can still challenge me. Ummm yeah this is it. Not only can I reach my target heart rate just as quickly as I do running, I am also working my booty by varying the incline of the treadmill.
This isn’t a mall walking and chatting type of workout. It’s not a one-size-fits-all stroll either. This is a ‘Lululemon is having a flash sale’ or ‘your kid is out of diapers and sitting on the brand new couch’ or ‘someone is reaching for the last cupcake’ kind of get-your-butt-moving workout.
So yeah, I look like the crazy lady swinging her arms profusely as I try to battle my way through this sucker. But my flailing arms/wings and lamaze-like breathing is better than pee’ing my pants or falling on my face, right?!
This routine starts nice and easy with a 3 minute warm up, then turns up the intensity with varying inclines and speeds. If you need to modify to make it less challenging, adjust the speed to a slower pace. Walking at a 4.5 mph pace with a decent incline is not a stroll in the park, so be mindful of your abilities and work up to your goal speed if needed.
Liking what you see and looking for other low-impact cardio machine workouts? Try this 20 Minute Cardio Elliptical Workout or the Sweatfest Stair Stepper Circuit.
Here is the breakdown for the prenatal treadmill workout again. Get that booty walkin’!
omg you just had me laughing so hard hahaha…youre so funny! This seriously looks hard pregnant or not!!
It IS! I mean, I try not to look like a crazy person when I work out, but sometimes it just HAPPENS!
I’m definitely not pregnant and will not be for a veryyyy long time but this sounds like it would kick my butt too haha! Your a beast!
Hahaha fair enough. I promise you don’t have to be pregnant or even have that on your radar to get a good workout with this 😉
This is great! I’m definitely keeping it in mind for my next pregnancy! <3
I hope you do Susannah! Thanks 🙂
get it girl! definitely keeping this in mind for my next pregnancy! Walking is such a great workout (pregnant or not!).
I always felt like such a wuss walking, but it really is a great workout. Especially with any sort of incline! Thanks Hilarie!
Wow, you are a tough pregnant woman! This looks seriously tough.
Yes, it is tough – not gonna lie! But the challenge is definitely worth the outcome!
Wow! What a great workout! Will definitely pass this along to my preggo friends.
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Thanks so much Greta!
No babies here, but this looks like it would be a killer glute/hammy workout!
Don’t need babies to do this baby! 😉 It’s a killer glute/hammy workout for sure!
This looks like such a great, vigorous workout! I have never seriously tried treadmill workouts, but find this very inspiring.
I hope you do try this Trish! It’s great to get some intense cardio action in, without having to full on RUN. Thanks!
Great workout for expecting mamas! I always loved walking when I was pregnant, it seemed like it helped ease any pressure. 🙂
YES! Oh man, that pressure. It’s the weirdest thing. Thanks Cara!
This looks like an awesome workout! I can’t run due to my knees, so I’m always looking for new walking workouts. Thanks for sharing 🙂
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
This would be perfect for you Amanda! Glad you stopped by!
You are killing it with the infographics! Really nicely done. Plus you’re really pretty.:-)
Oh stop that! Thanks Heather – you’re the best!
Clearly I’m not pregnant (nor do I plan to be EVER AGAIN), but I’m totally doing this workout this weekend. I love using the incline feature on the treadmill because it seriously makes me SWEAT. Sometimes it’s nice to have a lower impact workout and walking is perfect for that. WIN!
EVER AGAIN?! Are you suuuuuuure? 😉 I hope this one kicked your booty Blair! It is nice to have a low-impact workout sometimes, one that is still effective and tough!
I HATE walking so these types of workouts are right up my alley as I near the end and can’t run anymore!
Glad this is helpful for you Giselle! All that PRESSURE towards the end makes running seem impossible and even walking hard! Good luck with your upcoming arrival!! 🙂
Pregnancies are long in my past and now I’m just old! And this workout just kicked my butt!!!
LOL!! Old is a relative term 😉 Glad this workout gave you a good booty-kickin’! That’s saying a lot since you run MARATHONS for Pete’s sake!