Yes, I’d say incline benching is probably fine. However I’d say be sure to focus on your pulling strength more than your pushing strength — perhaps a 2:1 ratio of pulling to pushing. This is because your spine will be pulled forward by the weight of your belly (and increasing boob size).

I find that rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is better than using arbitrary numbers.
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/strengthening/a/030904.htm

The issues with HR are probably not so much the HR itself but whether oxygen is adequately transferred to a fetus, and whether you are overheating. If your resting HR is good, it means you’re pretty good at moving oxygen around, and if you’re training in a reasonably temperature-controlled environment with good hydration, then you’re very likely fine.

Evolution is really good at its job — if there was a dire threat to fetal health there’s an excellent chance that the body would have some regulatory mechanism in place to stop you from doing whatever it is you’re doing — or simply to cheat you out of something and make sure the fetus gets it first. (Hoggypants fetus.) If you feel good — and honestly good, not “nutcase ultra-endurance athlete-my heart’s-exploding-but-it’s-OK-cause-I’m icing-it-good” — then keep on truckin’.

I’ve had a really hard time finding good information, and ultimately purchased a book (the only one on fitness and pregnancy that did not just recommend walking and yoga), which is still not written as clearly and concisely as this article.

I am about 6 weeks along, and still lifting and rowing at least once per day. My total training volume is about 8-9 sessions per week, though I have somewhat reduced the intensity in terms of volume and duration. I plan to continue as such until I no longer can.

I’m wearing my HR monitor religiously, but I find myself frustrated with the strong recommendation of a 150 bpm ceiling. I’ve decided that, while rowing, I’ll allow my HR to creep past 150 as long as I am still breathing well. I’ve been racing so far this fall with this in mind, and not having any problems. My resting HR is 45, so I’m actually thinking that my ceiling should be lower to match my resting HR? Or, is this ceiling really just an arbitrary number? What is the deal with HR limits, and do you know of any more up-to-date recommendations?

Thanks, as usual, for the great information.
Kate

I e-mailed you last year when I found your website for the first time, shortly after my mom and I started weight training. Your site has been a great source of information and inspiration for me.

I just wanted to thank you again, this time for adding a pregnancy section to your site. Your website and Dr. Clapp’s book, Exercising through Your Pregnancy, gave me the confidence to keep up my strength training during my pregnancy.

I’m now two weeks from my due date, and I’ve been very lucky to be able to stay active throughout my pregnancy (60 mins of cardio alternating with 60 mins of strength training, 6 days a week). It’s amazing because (with my Dr.’s approval) I’ve actually been able to increase the amount I lift gradually during the pregnancy, and I feel stronger than ever.

Lifting has kept me maintain good posture and keep my back strong (no back pain), as well as helping me adjust to the weight gain and change in my center of gravity (I feel steady enough on my feet that I had no problem getting in and out of a canoe last week). In fact, some of the pregnancy weight gain has definitely gone to new muscle in my biceps, quads, and hamstrings!

I just wanted to share my experience and thank you for encouraging women to stay strong during pregnancy.

Take care,
Carmen

But I wonder: What about using the ab wheel (or similar) during pregnancy? Is the general advice the same as usual – it’s ok as long as it doesn’t hurt (listen to your body)?

(…I’m sorry if my English is a bit odd, I’m a Norwegian weight lifting viking) :-)