Can You Strength Train During Pregnancy?

When you're pregnant, there seems to be an endless list of things you can't do. But is lifting weights one of them?
When you're pregnant, there seems to be an endless list of things you can't do. But is lifting weights one of them?

Is it safe to strength train while you're with child, or are you supposed to quit working out while you are pregnant?

Well, while you don't have to quit altogether, there are important steps you need to take to protect the health of you and your little one.

Past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr.Jim Pivarnik, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the safety precautions that you need to take to ensure safe strength training while pregnant.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 2
  • Audio File: train_your_body/1334tb2b.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM
  • Guest Bio: Jim Pivarnik resizedJames Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, is a professor of kinesiology and epidemiology at Michigan State University, where he directs the Center for Physical Activity and Health and serves as a University Research Integrity Officer. Dr. Pivarnik is a nationally recognized expert on issues related to exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As an exercise physiologist and epidemiologist, his focus is on the role of physical activity in reducing the risk factors for chronic disease development and the morbidity and mortality of those suffering from these conditions.

    As past president of the American College of Sports Medicine (2009-2010), Dr. Pivarnik is a leader of the ACSM "Exercise is Medicineā„¢ On Campus" initiative. His presidency was marked by an increased emphasis on graduate students as the future of the profession of sports medicine and exercise science.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: No
  • Host: Melanie Cole, MS