Pregnancy and Strength Training

‘Can I continue working out while pregnant?’ is one of the most common questions we get from our expecting moms. The answer is always, without a doubt, yes! (with your Doctors approval 👍)

While it will look different for everyone, most doctors have suggested that women can continue with the same exercises and intensity that they have previously been doing before pregnancy but to begin to decrease intensity and duration as you progress through your pregnancy. While you prepare to tone it down, we can help you determine how to modify your workouts as you move through each trimester.

Many of our expecting moms have had huge success working out well into their third trimester. Our expert Coaches have been able to safely guide them throughout each phase of their pregnancy, modifying as needed and allowing each member to continue to reap the benefits of exercise as close to their due date as they feel comfortable with. 

Still unsure? Take it from the Moms themselves…

Cecelia O’Neil: Maggie - 18 months

After an almost 10 year battle with infertility,

I joined Leverage to become a stronger woman physically and mentally. 

In a short 6 months, I gained much needed & necessary weight and muscle, and learned how to nourish my body with enough calories and the right fats, protein, and carbs.

After being told there was practically a 0% chance of conceiving spontaneously, we became pregnant against all odds. I was the healthiest I’ve ever been, and my pregnancy was a dream! I continued working out 3x a week, lifting heavy weights, hitting PRs, and keeping up with the cardio on Friday mornings. I worked out right until I delivered our daughter. 

My labor, delivery, recovery, and breastfeeding journey was easy and successful not only because of the strength of my body, but also because of what the coaches taught me through their knowledge and education. 

Baby Dash and Baby Maggie meet for the first time!

I always had my little sidekick through all of my workouts, and I like to think she enjoyed them too. The family at Leverage is why we have our Maggie, and we couldn’t be more grateful ❤️

Katie Murahwa: Adashe - 16 months, baby #2 due mid-June

Continuing to strength train through pregnancy has made me feel so empowered! On the hard days, the trainers at Leverage have kept me motivated and continue to encourage me week after week. Strength training has kept me injury free and feeling prepared for what’s to come! 

Alex Dignazio: Samuel - 15 months, baby #2 due late July

Strength training during my pregnancy at Leverage gave me incredible energy and helped me stay strong, preventing back and hip pain. Thanks to their program, I felt prepared for delivery and achieved a rapid recovery, getting back to my pre-pregnancy body in less than six months.

Monique Aranha: Baby Aranha due late July

Strength training at Leverage has been SO beneficial mentally and physically throughout my pregnancy. I can’t imagine going through this journey without the help & support of the coaches!

Melissa Ciurlino: Quinn - 3 years 

Working out at Leverage during my pregnancy helped me stay strong both physically and mentally. I was able to continue strength training right up until my due date. I couldn’t have asked for better guidance from the Coaches and support from the Leverage community. 

Nikki Cox: Baby Cox due late July

At 25 weeks pregnant, I’ve felt so supported and empowered at Leverage thanks to each trainers’ attunement, thoughtful modifications, and genuine care. Strength training has allowed me to feel strong, confident, and energized throughout my pregnancy and I’m so incredibly grateful for the safe and encouraging environment Leverage has created!

Jenni Cloud Rak: Rue - 9 months

For me, strength training while pregnant was a no brainer. When I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t skip a beat with my workouts at LVRG (after the dr gave the OK of course). I felt comfortable knowing I was being properly coached, and didn’t need to modify until my body had changed so much there wasn’t an option but to modify. 

I was consistent with strength training and conditioning until 36 weeks pregnant, and felt strong and confident going into labor. With so many changes happening while pregnant, having the consistency of my workouts, remaining strong physically and mentally and knowing I had a group of coaches with my and my babies best interest at heart improved my pregnancy significantly. In the end, I had a quick delivery and my body recovered quickly which I attribute to being physically in shape prior to and during pregnancy.  

Kristin Atlas: Evie - 2 years, baby #2 due mid April

Working out at Leverage during both of my pregnancies was an incredibly empowering experience—every session was thoughtfully tailored to support my changing body while keeping me strong and energized. The knowledgeable and supportive trainers made me feel confident, safe, and truly cared for every step of the way!

Amanda Shulman: Evie - 3 months

I really believe that working out throughout my pregnancy made my entire

labor experience a lot smoother.

 I felt really strong going into labor and this was a work out of my life!! I think even the mental aspect of showing up for myself at the gym when it was the last place I felt like being gave me the mental stamina to push through my pregnancy, especially in those last brutal wobbly weeks.

Kaitlin DiPaola: Luca - 8 months

I'm incredibly grateful I continued strength training at Leverage throughout my pregnancy. I felt completely confident in the trainers—they knew exactly how to support me, offering safe modifications and keeping injury prevention top of mind. Strength training played a huge role in keeping my body strong and healthy during pregnancy, and I credit much of my smooth postpartum recovery to that consistency. I would absolutely recommend it to any mom-to-be—10 out of 10!