Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Cycling includes stationary indoor cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and recreational biking. It’s a non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercise that can range from low to high intensity depending on resistance, speed, and terrain. For individuals trying to conceive, cycling is generally considered safe with…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Swimming is a non-weight-bearing, low-impact form of exercise that provides cardiovascular benefits while minimizing stress on joints. The buoyancy of water reduces gravitational forces on the body, making it particularly beneficial during periods of physical change. For individuals trying to conceive, swimming…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Strength training encompasses resistance exercises using free weights, machines, resistance bands, or body weight to improve muscular strength, endurance, and power. This category includes traditional weight lifting, resistance training, and targeted muscle group exercises. For individuals trying to conceive, strength training is…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Postpartum: Safe What We Know: Yoga is a mind-body practice combining physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. It varies widely in intensity and style, from gentle restorative approaches to more vigorous practices like power yoga or hot yoga. For individuals trying to conceive, yoga is…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Postpartum: Safe What We Know: Pilates is a low-impact exercise method focusing on core strength, precise movement patterns, body alignment, and breathing control. It can be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, or Chair, which provide resistance through springs. For individuals…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves alternating short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. This training approach can take many forms, from bodyweight exercises to equipment-based workouts, and is known for its time efficiency and metabolic benefits. For individuals…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: CrossFit is a high-intensity functional training program that incorporates elements of Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular conditioning. It typically includes varied movements performed at high intensity with significant load and complex movement patterns. For individuals trying to conceive, CrossFit receives a “Limited”…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Running is a high-impact, weight-bearing exercise that provides significant cardiovascular benefits but places greater stress on joints and the pelvic floor than lower-impact activities. For individuals trying to conceive, running is generally considered safe for those already adapted to this exercise mode.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Postpartum: Limited What We Know: Tennis and racquet sports (including badminton, squash, and racquetball) involve dynamic movements including quick direction changes, reaching, lunging, and overhead motions. These sports combine cardiovascular conditioning with skill elements and can range from recreational to high-intensity competition. For individuals trying to conceive,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Chemical straightening treatments involve applying solutions that break and reform the hair’s disulfide bonds to permanently alter texture. These include traditional relaxers (using sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, or ammonium thioglycolate), Japanese straightening/thermal reconditioning, and some newer formaldehyde-based smoothing treatments. Each system uses…