Best Exercise Equipment During Pregnancy –  My Top 7 Picks

Exercise can be an essential part of your healthy lifestyle, but many women are hesitant to get moving while pregnant because they’re concerned about safety.

Whether you’re an avid exerciser or new to the game, learning how to choose the best exercise equipment during pregnancy can help you feel comfortable working out while carrying a baby—and keep you feeling fit and fabulous through each trimester of your pregnancy.

The following are some of the best exercise equipment during pregnancy include Treadmill, Stairclimber, Rowing machine, Elliptical Trainer, Yoga mat, Recumbent Bikes, etc.,

What to Do Before Working Out While Pregnant?

As a pregnant woman, you must do everything possible to safeguard the well-being of your unborn child. While exercise is generally considered safe during pregnancy, there are some things that you should do before working out while pregnant.

One of the things is to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program and start your workout slowly. Then, continue reading to learn more about how exercise can affect pregnancy!

Is Exercise Safe During Pregnancy?

Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to stay fit and help prepare for labor. Many pregnant women who exercise feel better physically, emotionally, and psychologically than those who do not.

However, before starting any workout routine, speak with your doctor, especially if you’ve had issues in past pregnancies or are expecting a C-section delivery.

Suppose you’re in good health and haven’t had any complications in previous pregnancies. In that case, exercising is usually considered safe for most women in their first trimester of pregnancy as long as their doctors clear them.

The Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant

Working out while pregnant is great for your heart and lungs, and it’s also an excellent way to strengthen your core muscles.

Exercise, of course, also releases endorphins which can naturally improve moods. However, pregnant women must work with their doctors before starting any exercise program.

It’s best to begin with, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming until you’re farther along in your pregnancy.

The Best Exercise Equipment to Use During Pregnancy?

It’s a prevalent misconception that pregnant women can’t exercise at all. But regular exercise is essential during pregnancy.

However, there are certain physical activities that you should avoid, such as high-impact aerobics and heavy weight lifting. But, if you’re looking for some good workout equipment for pregnancy on the market, here are some you should start with.

1. Treadmills

Treadmills are one of the best exercise equipment during pregnancy workouts. Working out on a treadmill may be a great choice if you’re looking for exercise equipment that won’t put additional strain on your body.

Treadmills are also more comfortable than other exercise equipment since you walk or run at your own pace, and they take up less space than most other workout machines.

The downside is that Treadmills can make maintaining good posture challenging at times. And while treadmills are low-impact exercise equipment, running can still be stressful on joints like the knees and ankles.

Suppose you choose a treadmill as your exercise equipment during pregnancy. In that case, it’s important to remember that it’s important to avoid high-impact exercises and any exercises where you lie flat on your back (such as crunches).

We Recommend the XTERRA TRX2500 Folding Treadmill.

2. Stair Climber

The stair climber is a piece of excellent exercise equipment for pregnant women because it allows them to stay fit without stressing their bodies or harming their growing baby.

Stair climbers are low-impact and can give you a terrific workout. You can focus on the upper body, lower body, and cardio. Using a stair climber with your hands on a rail is ideal because it keeps your abdominal muscles supported throughout your pregnancy.

Many people find climbing stairs an easy way to get in shape after giving birth. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, exercising on a stair climber will help strengthen your core muscles to have enough support when holding up that extra weight.

Finally, many gyms and health clubs provide free prenatal sessions for women, making working out more convenient!

We Recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Stair Climber.

3. Rowing Machine

The rowing machine is one of the best workout equipment for pregnant women because it takes your body weight and utilizes it in a low-impact way.

Many instructors will recommend starting slow with two to three sessions per week for about 20 minutes of workout each time.

Over time, you can increase those numbers and work up to 30-40 minutes per session. This workout gives your body resistance but doesn’t require much force, making it ideal for your baby’s well-being.

We Recommend the NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rowing Machine

3. Elliptical Trainer

An elliptical trainer, also known as a cross-trainer, is a lower impact and easier on your body than a treadmill or stair-stepper.

It is also perfect for people recovering from injuries or those with knee problems.

Elliptical trainers allow you to train while standing up, which gives you better balance and more space when working out.

Most elliptical trainers have a variety of preprogrammed workouts that can vary in difficulty and be adjusted based on your fitness level.

The most significant disadvantage of an elliptical trainer is that it takes up more space than other types of workout equipment. If you don’t have room for an elliptical machine at home, it might be worth looking into one of these small portable models.

We Recommend the Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical Trainer

4. Upright Cycle bikes

If you are concerned about injuring your baby in the womb, going out for a run or aerobics class might not be your first choice.

However, an upright exercise bike is a great tool that can help strengthen and tone many different muscles in your body, including your abdomen and thighs. In addition, using this machine when pregnant will help reduce back pain and stress on joints from long periods of standing or walking.

You can also use it as part of your daily workout routine after giving birth. It’s easy to find an upright exercise bike at any sporting goods store. They are affordable, depending on how fancy you want yours to be.

Many come with handles that allow you to do arm exercises while pedaling away at your favorite songs! Some even have a television attached so you can watch TV while exercising.

We Recommend the VIGBODY Upright Cycle Exercise Bike

5. Recumbent Bikes

Bikes are an excellent exercise choice, especially if you’re pregnant and concerned about falling. Recumbent bikes allow you to get your heart rate up while keeping a low center of gravity, so it’s easier to keep yourself upright and stable.

They also tend to have more support for your legs, which is ideal when working out during pregnancy because they can alleviate some of that weight gain caused by your growing baby bump. Plus, recumbent bikes are often less expensive than other options.

And since many models have built-in fans and speakers, you can still listen to music or watch TV as you pedal away on your bike!

Invest in Recumbent bikes and get ahead with any of the best exercise equipment during pregnancy

We Recommend the Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series.

6. Yoga Mat

Yoga is an excellent option for pregnant women because it doesn’t require extra equipment. Head over to Yoga Burn fitness challenge for women and experience the wonderful benefits of Yoga.

The idea behind prenatal yoga is flexibility, so you’ll work on stretching your muscles in fun ways, ensuring that your body can move as freely as possible.

A trained prenatal yoga instructor leads most prenatal yoga courses, so you are safe doing workouts with them.

If you don’t have access to a studio or live too far away from one, YouTube has plenty of videos showing styles for all stages of pregnancy.

I encourage you to participate in our Yoga Burn fitness challenge to experience the power of Yoga to burn calories, and manage your weight.

We recommend the CAMBIVO Extra Thick Yoga Mat.

7. Exercise Ball

Using an exercise ball is an excellent way for pregnant women to stay fit. These inflatable balls offer great support and can be used in place of chairs, tables, stools, and almost anything else that involves sitting. Of course, using one at work will improve your posture, too! The small exercise balls also make them convenient; they’re easy to carry around and store when not in use.

We Recommend the Trideer Exercise Ball Chair with Base for Home & Office.

FAQ’s on The Best Exercise Equipment During Pregnancy

Must-have Items for a Safe Workout Session

Three of my favorite pregnancy fitness equipment include yoga mats, dance pads, and exercise balls. The items provide a gentle soft surface on your joints and are great workout aides.

I like to use yoga mats while doing floor exercises like push-ups or to stretch, dance pads or exercise balls during light cardio sessions, or more giant balls during lower body workouts that do not strain my back.

Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. It’s also important to be mindful of how you feel throughout each session. Please don’t push yourself too hard, as it can lead to injury or fatigue.

Do’s and Don’ts While Exercising During Pregnancy

It is agreeable that all moms-to-be need to exercise for safe delivery. However, specific exercises and equipment should be avoided by pregnant women.

A safe fitness routine will help you avoid injuries and stay in shape. The do’s and don’ts of exercising when pregnant are as follows: Lifting heavy weights during pregnancy is not advised because it may result in premature birth or other issues.

Your doctor will tell you how much weight you can lift depending on how far you have gone in your pregnancy. If you have been exercising regularly before getting pregnant, it will be better to continue with these exercises in moderation.

For the Do’s, start slowly with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, which help burn calories and reduce stress levels without putting too much pressure on your joints and muscles.

Can I Start an Exercise Program While Pregnant?

Once you start showing a baby bump, you will want to begin exercising regularly. There are, however, a few things to think about before starting an exercise regimen.

You need to get your doctor’s approval before starting and make sure that any exercise program you embark on is explicitly tailored for pregnant women. You mustn’t just assume something is safe because it worked when you were not pregnant.

Gym Machines to Avoid While Pregnant

One of the top priorities for pregnant women is their safety, especially during their nine months of carrying a baby.

Regular exercise can help mom stay fit and healthy, but she should be aware that specific machines may be dangerous when carrying her bundle of joy. For example, you should avoid a Gym machine that is hard on a pregnant woman’s back and high-impact devices.

It could lead to injury. Therefore, it’s essential to use good judgment before stepping onto any equipment. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, it’s best to consult with your doctor before exercising at all.

Is it Safe to Use Weight Machines While Pregnant?

Weight machines in gyms isolate a single muscle at a time and use hydraulics or cables to assist with weight lifting. These are perfectly safe for pregnant women.

Weight machines, in comparison to free weights (barbells), give an additional safety net because each device has built-in limits on how much you can lift. Always check with your doctor before starting any new workout routine during pregnancy.

Best Pregnancy Gym Workout Plan

No matter your personal preferences or lifestyle, pregnancy is a special time. So make it all about you by investing in a pregnancy gym workout plan that keeps you healthy, feeling great, and more in shape.

Exercising when pregnant strengthens your muscles and helps you become more aware of your body’s changes—plus, let’s face it, there’s no better time to look great than at nine months pregnant.

**Start an exercise routine today using our guide to safe exercises during pregnancy!

What Exercises Should a Pregnant Woman Do?

Exercises for pregnant women should be light but not lazy. Workouts for pregnant women should promote circulation and breathing, and a healthy heart rate.

Movements like walking, stationary biking, and swimming are great during pregnancy. However, it’s best to avoid high-impact exercises such as jumping jacks, running, and lifting heavyweights. After all, you don’t want a ton of stress on your stomach or any aches or pains that can cause harm to you or your baby.

Final Word – The Best Exercise Equipment for Pregnancy Workouts

Exercise during pregnancy can offer countless benefits to you and your unborn child, including better sleep, less stress, and increased energy levels. The above best exercise equipment during pregnancy will ensure that you stay safe working out and getting every benefit your body requires.

Happy Exercising!

REFERENCE

Is It Safe? Common Pregnancy Concerns – Parents. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/is-it-safe/is-it-safe-common-pregnancy-concerns/

Local Maternity System – Exercise during pregnancy. https://www.humbercoastandvalematernity.org.uk/pregnancy-journey/exercise-during-pregnancy-/

How to exercise safely during pregnancy – Patient. https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-keep-your-exercise-routine-going-while-pregnant

Free at Home Pregnancy Workout Plan · Eat.Lift.Mom. https://www.eatliftmom.com/best-at-home-pregnancy-workout-free/