Treadmill vs Bike during Pregnancy: Safest Exercise Options for Expectant Mothers

Key Takeaways

• Walking or jogging on a treadmill during pregnancy is generally safe and offers adjustable settings for a personalized workout.
• Using a stationary bike during pregnancy supports your weight, is gentle on joints, and reduces the risk of balance-related falls.
• Both the treadmill and the bike provide excellent cardiovascular benefits, which are important for maternal health and can aid in labor and delivery.
• SOLE offers treadmills and bikes with important features such as handrails and heart rate monitors to ensure pregnant women’s safety and comfort.

At SOLE, we provide top-quality and safe treadmills and bikes that can be used by pregnant women too. Our equipment facilitates shock-absorbing workouts, making them perfect for expectant mothers seeking effective, low-impact exercise solutions to improve cardiovascular health and maintain fitness levels throughout pregnancy. Featured Products SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level. Our intuitive consoles track progress, and the extensive warranties highlight their quality. SOLE Bikes: Starting at $1,099.99, there are many SOLE bike designs available to suit various fitness goals, with models of recumbent bikes such as the LCR and upright LCB bikes to indoor cycling bikes such as the SB900 model. They offer effective lower-body workouts with heavy-duty flywheels and adjustable resistance, simulating outdoor cycling challenges.

Treadmill vs. Bike during Pregnancy

Exercising during pregnancy is about both staying fit and preparing your body for the demands of labor and swift recovery postpartum. Both treadmills and bikes are fantastic options—here’s why.

Benefits of Treadmill vs Bike for Different Pregnancy Stages

As your pregnancy progresses, your exercise needs will change. During the first trimester, you might have more energy and feel comfortable with a variety of exercises. As you move into the second and third trimesters, your growing belly might make certain activities uncomfortable or unsafe.

• In the first trimester, both treadmills and bikes are excellent choices for maintaining fitness and building stamina.
• During the second trimester, you might find the bike to be more comfortable as it provides more support for your growing belly.
• In the third trimester, the bike's low-impact nature and supportive seating can be especially beneficial as the extra weight starts to put more strain on your body.

Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed—and always, always check with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy.

Safe and Convenient Indoor Option for Exercise

When it comes to pregnancy, comfort and safety are a major concern. Treadmills and stationary bikes both provide this.

Plus, the privacy of working out at home can be comforting, especially on days when you might not feel like being in a public gym setting. Whether you're battling morning sickness or simply feeling more self-conscious as your body changes, having the option to exercise at home can be a huge relief.

Top Features of Treadmill for During Pregnancy

• Adjustable Speeds and Inclines: SOLE treadmills such as F85 and TT8 offer incline levels up to 15 and decline levels up to 6, allowing pregnant users to simulate hill climbing and adjust workout intensity. This is perfect for maintaining a safe and effective exercise routine as energy levels fluctuate throughout pregnancy.
• Cushioned Decks: SOLE treadmills feature Cushioned Flex Whisper Deck technology, reducing joint impact by up to 40% compared to running on asphalt. This minimizes stress on joints, providing a comfortable and low-impact workout experience—an important consideration for pregnant women. We also have a treadmill with a slat belt design—ST90—for an even lower-impact running experience. 

• Handrails: Most treadmills come with handrails, which can provide extra support as your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts.
• Progress Tracking Features: Advanced metrics like step counters, heart rate monitors, and calorie trackers help pregnant users monitor their progress and stay motivated—and during pregnancy—to help maintain a safe and effective exercise routine.
• Pre-set Workout Programs: Most SOLE treadmills include pre-programmed workout routines and can integrate with the SOLE+ app, offering hundreds of workout videos and routines. As such, pregnant women can follow guided, safe exercises tailored to their fitness levels and pregnancy stages.

Top Features of Bike for During Pregnancy

 

• Adjustable Resistance Levels: SOLE bikes offer multiple adjustable resistance levels so pregnant users to safely increase workout difficulty as their fitness levels change. For example, our SOLE SB1200 model has a 100-level resistance range that can be easily adjusted. 
• Seating and Handlebars for Comfort: The bike seat supports your weight, taking pressure off your feet and ankles, which may swell during pregnancy. SOLE bikes come with adjustable seats and handlebars, for pregnant women to find and maintain a comfortable riding position. This prevents strain and accommodates the changing body during pregnancy. Backrest like the one found on our R92 recumbent bike also reduces the risk of falling off a stationary bike—a safer option as your belly grows and balance becomes more challenging.
• Integrated Heart Rate Monitors: Heart rate monitors on SOLE bikes help pregnant users maintain their optimal and safe heart rate during workouts. You can stay within a safe limit and reduce the risk of overexertion.

 

An Overview of SOLE Treadmills & Bikes for Pregnancy

Product	Type	Key Features	Impact on Pregnancy
SOLE F63	Treadmill	Strong motor, cushioned deck, user-friendly interface	Provides a stable and adjustable workout environment suitable for all pregnancy stages
SOLE F80	Treadmill	Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, large display, tablet holder	Offers enhanced comfort and technology for a safe and engaging workout
SOLE SB900	Indoor Cycling Bike	Adjustable seat and handlebars, heavy-duty frame, variable resistance	Offers a low-impact, comfortable workout with reduced risk of balance-related falls
SOLE LCR	Recumbent Exercise Bike	Reclining and adjustable backrest	Ensures that pregnant users can lie back to prevent back aches

Choosing the Best SOLE Treadmills and Bikes for Pregnancy

Treadmills are ideal for maintaining cardiovascular fitness with a traditional running or walking experience. Bikes, however, offer a low-impact, smooth motion that reduces joint stress and engages multiple muscle groups—which means they’re more comfortable and beneficial for overall fitness and strength. 

At SOLE, we have a range of treadmills and bikes that can be used safely to maintain fitness during pregnancy. The SOLE F63 is our entry-level treadmill while the SOLE F89 is our best-seller. Both treadmills have all the important features such as adjustable incline, cushioned deck, and heart rate monitor. As for our bikes, there are three product lines you can choose from which are the recumbent exercise bike series (e.g., SOLE LCR), upright exercise bikes series (SOLE LCB), and indoor cycling bike series (e.g., SOLE SB1200).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the price ranges of SOLE treadmills and bikes? 

SOLE treadmills are priced between $1,199.99 and $3,999.99, while SOLE bikes range from $1,099.99 to $1,799.99. These prices reflect the high quality and advanced features of SOLE equipment, catering to various fitness needs and budgets.

How does exercising on a treadmill or bike impact pregnancy health?

Exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike during pregnancy can provide numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, controlled weight gain, reduced risk of gestational diabetes, and potentially a smoother labor and delivery. But, it’s important to exercise at an appropriate intensity and to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new workout regimen.

What are the safety features to look for in a treadmill or bike?

When choosing a treadmill or bike for pregnancy workouts, look for safety features such as handrails, cushioned decks, and emergency stop functions for treadmills—and adjustable seats, stable frames, and easy-to-use resistance controls for stationary bikes. Always prioritize equipment that makes you feel secure and supported during your workout.

How often should I exercise on a treadmill or bike during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. This can be broken down into shorter workouts, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Listen to your body and adjust as needed, and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can I use a treadmill or bike in all trimesters of pregnancy?

Generally, both treadmills and stationary bikes can be used safely throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. However, as your pregnancy progresses, your comfort and ability to engage in certain activities may change.