Best Exercise Equipment for Pregnancy

Wondering what exercise equipment is actually worth buying during pregnancy? While you don’t need fancy gear to stay fit, the right tools can make your prenatal workouts more effective, comfortable, and enjoyable while keeping you and your baby safe.

In this ultimate guide to the best pregnancy workout equipment, prenatal fitness expert Kerryn Boyle shares her top recommended pieces for home and gym use.

From supportive essentials to smart cardio options, discover exactly what to buy (and what to avoid) so you can train confidently through all three trimesters.

Top Recommended Pregnancy Exercise Equipment

1. Foam Rollers - Release tight muscles and ease pregnancy back pain

2. Non-Toxic Yoga Mats - Perfect for prenatal yoga and floor workouts (PVC-free & eco-friendly)

3. Light Dumbbells - Build strength safely with low weights

4. Resistance Bands - Versatile tool for strength, stretching and pelvic floor work (light to medium resistance)

5. Exercise / Birthing Balls - Excellent for core stability, posture, labor prep & childbirth

6. Massage Balls - Quick relief for knots and tight spots anywhere, anytime

Best Cardio Equipment for Pregnant Women

1. Treadmill (walking at moderate speeds)
2. Recumbent Bike (great back support)
3. Elliptical Trainer (used with low resistance)

Important Safety Warnings:
Avoid heavy kettlebells, traditional ab crunch machines, waist trainers, and high-impact rebounders. These can increase intra-abdominal pressure, worsen diastasis recti workouts pregnant, or strain your pelvic floor.

Whether you're a first-time mom or already active, choosing pregnancy-friendly equipment helps reduce pregnancy back pain, maintain strength, support pelvic floor health, and prepare your body for labor and postpartum recovery.

All recommendations are practical, budget-friendly (many available on Amazon), and chosen with safety, non-toxic materials, and real pregnancy needs in mind. Ready to start your safe prenatal fitness journey?

Explore PregActive's complete trimester-specific workout programs, pelvic floor training, and guided equipment routines at Safe At-home Pregnancy Workout App Trusted by 40,000+ Mamas

Save this guide and share it with any expecting mom who wants to stay strong and active during pregnancy!

I have designed my workouts so that you do not require any equipment. But today, I want to chat about the best exercise equipment for pregnancy for your home and at the gym.

I have also created workouts that do include equipment if you would like to use some equipment you already own.

I often get requests for what equipment to buy and where is a good place to buy them. Iin this post I have recommended some items that are readily available on Amazon.

Choose Quality Equipment

If you have a quality sports store near you then you can look there but be sure to ask what the equipment is made of. Some plastics, rubber bands, yoga mats may contain toxic chemicals that are not suitable for pregnant women.

When you are buying, be sure to select your preferred color, ball size or resistance band strength.

WHAT NOT TO BUY (Pregnancy Red Flags)

Avoid: Heavy kettlebells (>8 kg)
Risk: increased intra-abdominal pressure → DRA worsening

Avoid: Traditional ab crunchers / Roman chairs
Risk: Coning/doming → linea alba strain

Avoid: Tight waist trainers / corsets
Risk: Restricts diaphragm + ↑ prolapse risk

Avoid: High-impact rebounder (mini trampoline)
Risk: Joint instability from relaxin

Best Exercise Equipment for Pregnancy

1. Foam Rollers

Foam rollers are commonly used by physical therapists and physiotherapists for a reason. They are a great way to stretch out and roll out your tight muscles.

2. Yoga Mats for Pregnant Women

Prenatal yoga is my favorite workout. Be sure to select a yoga mat that is 'pregnancy friendly' without all the toxic chemicals.

100% biodegradable. Contains No PVC, NO latex, NO cadmium, NO lead and NO rubber (NO allergies).

Colors: pink, blue, green, red, black

3. Dumbbells

Make sure you only use light dumbbells. Now is not the time to try and push too hard as your joints and muscles are more susceptible to injury.

4. Resistance Bands

Stretch bands or resistance bands are a great piece of equipment to help you stretch out as well as strengthening your muscles in a safe controlled manner. Resistance levels are shown on each band from extra light to extra heavy.

Resistance Band Levels:

Pink = Light

Purple = Medium

Blue = Heavy

I have a great article on how to use resistance bands throughout your pregnancy >

5. Exercise Balls

I used an exercise ball throughout my pregnancy and also during childbirth. In my online program I have included several workouts using a gym ball. 

6. Massage Balls

Massage balls are a great item you can carry with you in your bag, car or grab at home for a quick massage to release those knots and tight fascia.

Best Cardio Exercise Equipment for Pregnancy

1. Treadmill

If you have a treadmill at home, then I recommend you reduce the speed at which you are running primarily due to the risk of losing your balance.

Walking on your treadmill throughout each trimester of your pregnancy will still provide you with a great workout.

2. Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are a great alternative to the upright stationary bikes as they may provide you with a greater level of comfort due to the seat’s position. I also like the back support as it is beneficial for both joint and back support.

3. Elliptical Trainer

I often worked out on an Elliptical trainer for my cardio workouts when going to the gym before I was pregnant.

As soon as I knew I was pregnant I wanted to avoid high intensity and high impact exercises, so I stopped using this machine.

But yes, you can still use it but aim for a lower resistance level and avoid long workouts. The guided and low-impact motion does help to reduce pressure on your joints.

4. Strength Machines

There are numerous benefits to continue with strength training when pregnant and there are some machines that are safe. But be aware of machines that must be avoided in the gym.

As a general guideline, avoid lying on your back late in pregnancy and avoid machines or exercises that force you to hold your breath during exertion.

These machines may include the bench press or any machine that requires you to lay on your tummy.