Pregnant women are often confused when it comes to exercise during pregnancy. According to experts, it is okay to do light exercises during this time.
The ideal way to stay fit and healthy is to keep your heart rate between 130 and 140 beats per minute.
You can achieve it through any aerobic activity. Yet, some people choose to do with elliptical because they believe it doesn’t put as much pressure on the abdomen as using a treadmill.
So is it safe? Can you use elliptical while pregnant? Let’s find out through this article with Vint!
Table of Contents
Can You Use Elliptical While Pregnant?
It is okay to use elliptical during pregnancy.
The answer is it depends. It is possible to continue using this machine during pregnancy if you have used it before.
Ellipticals will allow you to do low-impact workouts, making them perfect for pregnant women. You can use this machine for cardio during pregnancy without putting too much stress on your body and bump.
However, every woman’s pregnancy is different, and what works well for you may not work well for another. So we recommend consulting your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Doing with elliptical when pregnant is good for the heart in pregnant women, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
The 1st Trimester
If you didn’t regularly take this machine before becoming pregnant, it’s best not to try it until after your first trimester (weeks 1 to 13) unless your doctor says otherwise.
During the first trimester, you’ll need to avoid overexertion as your major organs, including your lungs, heart, kidneys, and uterus, have yet to adjust their growth to support you and your baby.
It’s essential to listen to your body during exercise. If you notice excessive sweating, shortness of breath, or chest pain, stop and contact your doctor.
The 2nd Trimester
If you’re used to working out with this machine, the second trimester (weeks 14 to 26) is the perfect time to boost your heart health with it.
During this stage, major organs like your lungs, uterus, and heart have had enough time to self-regulate to accommodate you and your baby.
Ideally, keep your machine below 100 rpm to lower your heart rate, allowing you to easily maintain a safe exercise intensity during this period.
The Third Trimester
By the third trimester (weeks 27 to 40), your baby bump is already large enough to make exercise difficult. In addition, at this stage, the center of gravity in your body has changed, causing you to stumble more often due to a loss of balance.
We strongly recommend avoiding all chat activities during this time. However, keeping the speed below 70 to 80 rpm is wise if you feel fine doing it. Anything more can lead to a dramatic change in your blood pressure and heart rate.
FAQs
Consult your doctor first.
Will the Heart Rate Become High When Exercising With an Elliptical?
The answer is no.
It is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t put as much pressure on your ligaments and joints as the treadmill. Therefore, you can safely exercise during pregnancy since it will keep your heart rate in a safe range.
How Much Cardio Should I Do During Pregnancy?
Ideally, do it for half an hour a day and 3 to 5 days a week. Yet, you can do more if you feel fine with it.
The Bottom Line
You can exercise with ellipticals during pregnancy, as long as you follow a reasonable exercise regimen. Also, consult your doctor first and stop as soon as you feel any unusual symptoms.
Thank you for reading!
Good day, readers! My name is Jason Gwinn, a 35 years old man who specializes in physical fitness. With 15 years of experience being a personal trainer, I will help you conquer the fitness challenges. Besides guiding you through my unique workouts, I can also help you choose the best fitness equipment to assist you in achieving your goals and exercise regimen.
