Can You Do Spinning While Pregnant?

Many expectant mothers ask themselves if it's safe to do spinning while pregnant. Today, we'll tell you what you need to know.

Whether or not spinning while pregnant is safe is one of the biggest doubts that expectant mothers have regarding exercise, especially those who led an active life before conceiving.

Although pregnancy can be considered a special situation, it doesn’t imply a limitation for any type of physical activity. In fact, it’s healthy to keep moving but with exercises that adapt to the physical, physiological, and psychological changes that are typical of pregnancy.

In general, physical exercise during pregnancy is beneficial for the health of the mother and the baby. However, it must be carried out with certain precautions and under strict professional recommendations.

Spinning while pregnant, yes or no?

Spinning, or indoor cycling, is one of the most practiced exercises today, especially in fitness rooms or gyms. It’s usually carried out as a warm-up in various routines, but it also works as a completely independent exercise.

This discipline is characterized by its cardiovascular work, within which aerobic and anaerobic resistance can be exercised. In this activity, changes in rhythm and intensity are the fundamental axis.

However, during pregnancy, it’s difficult to carry out this practice in the usual way. However, it can be practiced if some important adaptations are put into place.

Spinning while pregnant? Yes, but under medical recommendation

Despite the high intensity and rhythm changes, spinning while pregnant can be implemented with the permission of your obstetrician.

The professional is the most proper person to evaluate your health, monitor your history, and make the decision about the advisability of carrying out this discipline.

Other recommendations for spinning while pregnant

Once you have the green light from your doctor, try to find a gym with staff trained to work with pregnant women, and always keep in mind the following recommendations.

1. Maintain a constant intensity during exercise

Usually, in this activity, the intensity is regulated throughout the session to improve anaerobic capacity. However, this isn’t appropriate for pregnancy. Ideally, in this context, you should maintain a constant intensity, ranging between low and moderate.

According to a publication in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria, the practice of exercise at moderate intensity favors the quality of life of pregnant women.

2. Join a group

In some parts of the world, there are groups that promote physical activity in pregnant women. Probably, in your community, there’s a fitness room with activities prepared for pregnant women. If you have this possibility, then we advise you to inquire if the instructor is professional and if they respect the adequacy of the intensity.

In addition to this, try to carry out this activity in a group in order to strengthen your incentive. According to a publication in the Abingdon Mental Health journal, the effects of spinning on self-motivation are greatest when sessions are led by an instructor.

3. Try to use appropriate clothing and an adequate bicycle

To do any physical activity, it’s important to have clothing that best suits your body and that allows you to exercise comfortably and safely. Sportswear not only facilitates movement but also improves sweat loss and temperature regulation.

This aspect becomes much more relevant during pregnancy due to the enormous physical and physiological changes. Today more than ever, you need to feel free to be able to ride an exercise bike.

At the same time, with spinning bicycles, you have the ability to modify the position of the handlebar and the seat. Regarding this, the equipment should adjust to your comfort, as well as to the position of your body. There should be no discomfort in the back area, much less in the abdomen.

4. Remain seated in the seat during the activity

Staying in your seat may be considered a basic recommendation. However, it’s worth noting the importance of remaining seated.

In conventional spinning, there are movements in which people stand on the pedals, but you should avoid this type of position for your health and that of your developing baby.

What if your doctor prohibits spinning while pregnant?

If for one reason or another your obstetrician forbids you from performing spinning while pregnant, what should you do?

First of all, you shouldn’t disobey the professional’s prohibition as you incur an unnecessary health risk for you and your baby.

Second, ask them if you can do another type of similar physical activity. There are probably more appropriate options so you can continue your training.