Premium home workout equipment, aka Smart Gyms, exploded in popularity during the pandemic and the trend doesn’t seem to be dying down. The ease of having necessary equipment just a few steps away, combined with fun, exciting trainers means you’re more apt to workout. And your virtual classes run the gamut, including everything from boxing to yoga to the ever-popular cycle workouts.
While not necessarily budget friendly these virtual home gyms do pay for themselves in many ways, primarily with improvements to your personal health and wellness. But if you’re trying to conceive or going through IVF you may wonder if these types of workouts benefit you or interfere with your efforts. After all, some of those trainers are pretty intense. Here we take a look at the advantages of smart fitness and some workouts you should avoid while trying to conceive.
Working Out and Your Fertility
Although some exercises may be off-limits while you’re undergoing certain fertility treatments, you should absolutely continue your workout. Experts concur exercise is a great way to control stress. And let’s face it, infertility and subsequent treatment is stressful. Getting outside of your head and into the latest Peloton challenge or Echelon group HIIT not only improves your physical health but also contributes to your emotional well-being.
And studies show a regular workout may spell IVF success. According to a recent study published by the NIH, women who participated in some form of regular physical exercise before their IVF/ICSI cycle saw an improvement in pregnancy rates.
Depending on certain factors (your weight and fitness level) you won’t always be able to go full-throttle, as many of the smart gym virtual classes encourage. If you’re a virtual challenge aficionado be aware there may be days where you won’t feel like rising to the occasion. And that’s OK! You’re about to enter into one of the most rewarding challenges of your life; parenthood!
What Can You Do?
If you’re already at a healthy weight, most doctors agree that consistent, vigorous exercise like running or cycling aggressively can lower your chances of successful treatment. However, if you are overweight moderate exercise improves your chances of getting pregnant. Whatever your situation, make sure to check with your fertility doctor regarding your workout schedule and the type of workout you favor.
It is important to note that vigorous and challenging workouts only impact fertility temporarily. If you’re a SoulCycle junkie or a Peloton HIIT and Hills leaderboard champ taking it down a notch or two while you’re trying to conceive is beneficial. You can still take part in regular virtual classes, just swap those boot camps for yoga or leisurely cycling.
When you’re going through fertility treatment, seize the opportunity and explore some different classes. If you like, check out some of the prenatal classes offered by your virtual smart gym trainers. They classes are somewhat gentler but do provide a workout.
It isn’t necessary to halt or drastically reduce your workouts unless your doctor recommends it. You shouldn’t do anything aggressive or risk dehydration during fertility treatment. Moderate exercise shouldn’t interfere with your treatment. Just make certain you’re in the best pre-pregnancy shape by following these tips:
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet that includes whole, fresh foods and limits processed and fast food.
- Stay hydrated, especially when working out. Remember when you feel thirsty, you’re already on the edge of dehydration.
- Get plenty of zzzz’s.
- Work out in a cool, ventilated area. No hot yoga for now!
- ALWAYS follow your doctor’s recommendation for exercise.
When to Hit Pause on Your Workouts
There are times during your fertility treatment when your doctor asks you to pause any workouts. Refrain from working out at all during the week of egg retrieval. The reason for this important ask is that the medication used to stimulate egg production causes temporary enlargement of your ovaries. Moving too vigorously increases the risk of ovarian torsion, a painful condition when your ovary twists on the ligaments that support it. The condition is quite rare but why risk it?
Another time you should limit your workout is during the two-week wait post embryo transfer. Rigorous workouts at this time may interfere with implantation. Again, this is rare, but you shouldn’t risk it.
A Team to Guide You
The fertility team at LA IVF helps you through each phase of your treatment. We guide you in healthy ways that keep you active throughout your journey. Let our expertise help you on your path to parenthood. Contact LA IVF today to fulfill your dream.
