Treadmill vs Elliptical during Pregnancy: Safe Exercise Options for Expectant Mothers

Key Takeaways

• Treadmills and ellipticals are safe, low-impact exercise options for expectant mothers.
• Treadmills offer adjustable speed and incline, which can be tailored to each stage of pregnancy.
• Ellipticals provide a full-body workout with less stress on the joints, ideal for maintaining fitness during pregnancy.
• Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can help manage weight, improve cardiovascular health, and may lead to easier labor.
• Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine during pregnancy.

At SOLE, we provide top-quality and safe treadmills and ellipticals 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 Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience.

Treadmill vs. Elliptical during Pregnancy

Treadmills are generally better for those who prefer a more traditional running or walking experience. They can be adjusted to incline, which can help simulate uphill walking or running and provide a more challenging workout.

On the other hand, ellipticals are better suited for those who prefer a low-impact, low-stress workout. With a smooth, gliding motion, ellipticals reduce the impact on joints and can be more comfortable for pregnant women. They also engage multiple muscle groups, including the legs, arms, and core, which can help improve overall fitness and strength. 

Top Features of Treadmills for Pregnancy

Walking on a treadmill is a pregnancy-friendly workout that offers five key benefits: managing weight gain, providing convenience, allowing workout customization, tracking progress, and adapting to changing energy levels.

• Adjustable Speed and Incline: Adjustable speed and incline settings are important for a workout that grows with you. In the early stages of pregnancy, you might feel up for a brisk walk. As you progress, a gentle stroll might be more your speed. The ability to tweak the settings allows you to work out based on how you feel on any given day. Our F85 and TT8 have up to a 15-level incline and 6-level decline.

• Emergency Stop Function: The emergency stop function on a treadmill is a must-have during pregnancy. It's a simple feature—a cord you can pull or a button you can press that immediately stops the machine to prevent falls. All our SOLE equipment comes with this emergency stop button. 

• Heart Rate Monitoring: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the healthy heart rate for pregnant women when participating in a moderate-intensity aerobic activity should be 60-80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMR) or less than 140 beats per minute (bpm). Most treadmills come with built-in heart rate monitors, which can be particularly reassuring when you're pregnant. SOLE treadmills’ built-in trackers can also monitor other data such as distance, speed, and calories burned. 
• Spacious Running Belt: A wider running surface, like the 22" x 60" deck on the F80 series treadmills, provides ample space to maintain proper form and stability. This is especially important during pregnancy, as the shifting center of gravity can impact balance.

Top Features of Ellipticals for Pregnancy

Ellipticals are another excellent choice for moms-to-be. They're low-impact, which means they're easy on your joints, which is a big plus as your body changes. The elliptical’s gliding motion provides a solid workout with a lower risk of strain. Plus, many models come with arm components, so you can engage your upper body as well. 

• Low-Impact Motion: The smooth, flowing motion of an elliptical is gentle on your body, which is especially important during pregnancy when your joints and ligaments are more prone to soreness. 
• Adjustable Stride Length and Pedals: Some models like the SOLE E95S have adjustable stride lengths to ensure that the distance between the pedals is not too straining when exercising. Models like the E35 and E95 have adjustable pedals to reduce ankle and knee stress.

• Built-in Workout Programs: Many ellipticals come with pre-programmed workouts that can help you maintain a steady workout intensity. You can also use all our SOLE ellipticals and treadmills with the SOLE+ fitness app where there are hundreds of workout videos, perfect for beginners and advanced users. 
• Forward and Reverse Stride Options: The option to switch between forward and reverse strides can help you target different muscle groups and keep your workouts varied. This can be particularly beneficial as your center of gravity shifts and you look for ways to maintain balance and muscle tone throughout your body. Check out our E95 for this feature. 

 

An Overview of SOLE Treadmills & Ellipticals for Pregnancy

Feature	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	SOLE TT8	SOLE E35	SOLE E95
Type of Equipment	Treadmill	Treadmill	Treadmill	Elliptical	Elliptical
Impact Level	Cushioned Flex Whisper Deck design	Cushioned Flex Whisper Deck design	Cushioned Flex Whisper Deck design	Low	Low
Adjustability	Speed and incline	Speed and incline	Speed and incline	Resistance, incline, pedals	Resistance, incline, pedals
Step Up Height	8"	8"	8"	14"	14"
Safety Features	Emergency stop, heart rate monitor	Emergency stop, heart rate monitor	Emergency stop, heart rate monitor	Stable base, emergency stop, heart rate monitor	Stable base, emergency stop, heart rate monitor
Suitability for Pregnancy	Excellent, especially for walking	Excellent, especially for walking	Excellent, especially for walking	Excellent, full-body workout with low joint impact	Excellent, full-body workout with low joint impact

Choosing the Best SOLE Equipment for Pregnancy

When choosing the right exercise equipment during pregnancy, consider features like cushioned walking surfaces, ergonomic handles, and low step-up heights. 

Pregnant women should choose a treadmill if they prefer a traditional running or walking experience, which will help them to maintain cardiovascular fitness. Treadmills also offer adjustable incline settings for a more challenging workout. 

Conversely, ellipticals are ideal for those who prefer a low-impact workout, as their smooth, gliding motion reduces joint stress and engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, arms, and core, which can enhance overall fitness and strength during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the price ranges of SOLE treadmills and ellipticals? 

SOLE treadmills are priced between $1,199.99 and $3,999.99, while SOLE ellipticals range from $1,199.99 to $2,899.99. These price ranges reflect the high quality and advanced features offered by SOLE equipment.

Is it safe to use a treadmill or elliptical during the first trimester?

Yes, it is generally safe to use a treadmill or elliptical during the first trimester, provided you have no underlying health conditions and your doctor gives you the green light. It's important to listen to your body and adjust the intensity of your workouts according to how you feel.

Can using an elliptical help in managing pregnancy weight gain?

Definitely! Using an elliptical can be an effective way to manage pregnancy weight gain. It provides a full-body workout that burns calories, helping you maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy.

• Provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
• Helps in maintaining a healthy weight range.
• Can be used throughout all trimesters of pregnancy.

What safety features should I look for when choosing a treadmill or elliptical during pregnancy?

When selecting a treadmill or elliptical, look for safety features like emergency stop functions, stable bases, and heart rate monitors. Also, consider machines with low step-up heights, which make it easier to get on and off the machine as your pregnancy progresses.

How can I modify my treadmill workout as my pregnancy progresses?

As your pregnancy advances, you might need to modify your treadmill workout to accommodate your changing body. Reduce the speed and avoid high inclines to maintain balance and comfort. Always have the safety cord attached, and if you feel any discomfort or dizziness, stop your workout immediately.

What are the best SOLE Fitness models suitable for pregnant women?

For treadmills, the entry-level SOLE Fitness F63 is an excellent choice due to its cushioned deck and easy-to-use features. For ellipticals, both the E35 and E95 models are suitable for pregnant women, with the E95 offering advanced features for additional comfort and safety.