According to MayoClinic.com, exercise during pregnancy boosts energy levels and helps ease back pain, in addition to preventing excessive weight gain. Additionally, exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications, such as post-partum depression. Pregnant women can do almost any exercise; however, some machines, such as those that have you in a prone position, may be dangerous. Pregnant women should consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise program, and take care to work slowly and stretch thoroughly before each session.
Resistance Machines
In the early stages of your pregnancy, you may be able to use any of the machines at the gym. As the pregnancy progresses, use machines that put you in a seated or reclining position without constricting your belly. Chest press and fly machines as well as leg extensions and curls are all safe to use. Other resistance machines include the lat pull-down, bicep and tricep machines and assisted chin-up and dip machines. Cable machines are also safe options because they are open and allow freedom of movement. MayoClinic.com recommends that you avoid both lifting heavy weights and abdominal exercises.
Aerobic Machines
Most aerobic machines are safe to use because they do not compress the abdomen. Elliptical trainers and exercise cycles are both low-impact and minimize weight on the hips, knees and ankles. Women in the later stages of pregnancy may benefit from recumbent exercise bicycles, seated steppers or hand cycles. Rowing machines may be safe during the early stages; however, in the later stages the size of the abdomen may restrict motion. Other acceptable aerobic machines include the stair-stepper and treadmill.
Stretching Machines
Some stretching machines have moving parts while others are more like cages with hand and foot rests. When using moving stretch machines, avoid exercises that fold your body forward or have you in a prone position. The American Pregnancy Association also recommends stretching carefully and not stretching to full capacity. Pregnant women release a hormone that releases the tendons and ligaments in the pelvis to allow the bones to spread during the delivery process. These hormones actually affect the entire body putting you at risk for overstretching, which can lead to injury later.
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