Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Heating pads provide localized heat therapy through electric, microwaveable, or chemical activation methods. They are commonly used to relieve muscle tension, cramping, and pain. For individuals trying to conceive, heating pads are generally considered safe when used appropriately. No clinical evidence suggests…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Rowing includes both on-water rowing in various boat configurations and indoor training on rowing ergometers (rowing machines). It’s a full-body exercise combining significant lower body power with upper body pulling and core stabilization in a repetitive, rhythmic pattern. For individuals trying to…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Core-specific training includes exercises targeting the abdominal, back, pelvic, and hip muscles that stabilize the trunk. This encompasses traditional abdominal exercises (crunches, planks), specialized core methods (Pilates, core-focused yoga), and functional core training using various equipment. For individuals trying to conceive, appropriately…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Dancing encompasses numerous styles including ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom, hip-hop, and social dancing. Each style involves different levels of intensity, impact, balance requirements, and technical demands. This assessment addresses recreational and fitness-oriented dance rather than professional performance dance, which may involve extreme…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Rock climbing includes various formats such as bouldering (climbing shorter routes without ropes), top-roping (climbing with a rope anchored above), lead climbing (ascending while clipping into protection points), and indoor climbing gym activities. It combines strength, flexibility, problem-solving, and skill elements. For…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Boxing and kickboxing can include both contact fighting sports and non-contact fitness classes that utilize boxing movements for conditioning. This assessment primarily addresses non-contact fitness boxing/kickboxing, as contact fighting sports involve clear additional risks at all reproductive stages. For individuals trying to…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: SafePregnancy: SafePostpartum: Safe What We Know: Elliptical trainers provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that simulates walking, running, or stair climbing without the joint impact of these activities. The elliptical motion keeps the feet in contact with the pedals throughout the exercise, eliminating the landing forces associated with running or jumping.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Powerlifting is a strength sport focused on maximum force production in three fundamental lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. It involves lifting very heavy loads for low repetitions, often at or near maximal effort, and creates significant intra-abdominal pressure during execution. For…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Spin classes are instructor-led indoor cycling workouts performed on stationary bikes, typically involving intervals of varying intensity, resistance changes, and different riding positions (seated, standing, hovering). Classes often feature motivational music, lighting effects, and community atmosphere. For individuals trying to conceive, spin…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Postpartum: Safe What We Know: Barre workouts blend elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga, focusing on small, precise movements to strengthen and tone muscles. These workouts typically use a ballet barre for support and stability while performing isometric contractions and small range-of-motion exercises. For individuals trying to…