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Listening to your body and the importance of exercise during pregnancy and beyond

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Listening to your body and the importance of exercise during pregnancy and beyond

“I always feel so much better after a workout,” 38-year-old Melanie Luu says.

Melanie is 32 weeks pregnant at the time of our chat. She’s been exercising at boutique gym, Sassi Fit, in inner-city Melbourne for several years, including throughout her pregnancy.

But training during pregnancy and after giving birth can be difficult to navigate.

Some personal trainers and instructors don’t modify exercises or their classes for perinatal people as they would for someone recovering from injury.

Some new parents may be unaware of particular movements to avoid, held back by morning sickness or fatigue, or daunted by the prospect of injuring themselves.

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Cultural expectations about losing weight after giving birth, led by a plethora of “fitspo” Instagram content, can also encourage some mothers to fixate on “getting their pre-baby bodies back” as soon as possible.

Melanie working out with her trainer Caroline.(ABC/Siren Sport: Megan Brewer)

Rosie Purdue is a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor and continence physiotherapy.

She has more than a decade of experience and is the founder of Hatched House, which provides allied health services for women.

Rosie says that it’s not surprising how delicate the return to exercise after giving birth can be, given the myriad of changes that happen to the body.

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“Anatomical and physiological changes affect every single organ system in the body. At no other time in life does this happen,” she explains.

“During pregnancy, the mother’s weight and posture changes, and there is a significant stretch of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.”

Rosie says that after giving birth, “internally the placenta organ detaches from the uterus. This wound takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks to heal, regardless of how the baby is born [i.e. via caesarean or vaginally].”

Exercise encouraged during pregnancy

However, it’s partly for these reasons that maintaining exercise during pregnancy and beyond can be very beneficial for the parent’s health.

For those with uncomplicated pregnancies, exercise is actually encouraged. Among its many advantages, exercise can improve mood, sleep, sense of well-being and, of course, fitness levels.

A sign hanging on a wall reads 'you can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.'

A sign in Sassi Fit encourages expecting parents to look after themselves too.(ABC/Siren Sport: Megan Brewer)

Exercise during pregnancy has additional benefits including a decreased risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia.

It’s why the World Health Organisation recommends those with uncomplicated pregnancies participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week.

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A recent University of Wollongong study surveyed nearly 700 women on their attitudes and beliefs around exercise during pregnancy.

While most believed that “regular exercise during pregnancy is safe” for themselves and their baby (94 per cent), many reported receiving “no or little advice from their healthcare provider”.

This meant that they were unaware of or not meeting the World Health Organisation recommendations about exercising during pregnancy.

A white woman wearing a long dress sits on a green couch and smiles.

Physiotherapist Rosie Purdue says it’s important to remain active during pregnancy.(Supplied: Hatched House)

“If you stay physically active and strong during your pregnancy, then your recovery is likely to be faster and you’re more likely to return to exercise and sport,” Rosie says.

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Melanie agrees.

“As a first-time mum, I’ve enjoyed modified exercises during my pregnancy and have learnt what is safe for me,” she says.

While Melanie finds the idea of returning to exercise after giving birth “a little bit daunting”, she’s aware that she can, and should, ease back into it.

She finds the social aspect of group classes help keep her motivated.

Adapting and modifying workouts key to pregnancy fitness

A white woman with blond hair tied in a bun, wearing a black hoodie, smiles at the camera.

Gym owner Caroline Molloy specialises in training people through pregnancy and postpartum.(ABC/Siren Sport: Megan Brewer)
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Melanie’s trainer, Caroline Molloy, owned Sassi Fit for seven years.

Caroline aims to help women achieve their health and fitness goals in a non-judgemental environment, specialising in pre- and post-natal exercise.

She was inspired to pivot from her career as a teacher to start the business after having her own troubling experiences when exercising while pregnant and after giving birth.

“There was a big lack of understanding on the pressure that has already been on the pelvic floor,” Caroline explains.

For her, and many other new parents, this meant that trainers were prescribing exercises that added to that pressure. This had the potential to cause pain, discomfort, and even further damage.

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“Some weren’t really understanding what it felt like to have just had a baby and then be asked to do a burpee or jump around with weights.”

Rosie notes that important modifications to exercise during pregnancy can include “making sure you can hold a conversation while you’re working out and avoiding exercising on your back during the later stages [of pregnancy].”

Shrugging off the pressure and taking it slow

A pregnant Asian woman wearing a black singlet has her arms outstretched holding red hand weights

Melanie likes the social aspect of going to the gym during her pregnancy.(ABC/Siren Sport: Megan Brewer)

Unrealistic pressure to return to pre-pregnancy weight and appearance is also something that Caroline has seen encouraged by some gyms and studios and repeated by clients.

This can include encouraging impractical fitness goals too soon after giving birth, and body-shaming or framing anyone who doesn’t achieve them as “lazy”.

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“They’re often feeling that pressure of ‘fitspo’ stuff on Instagram,” Caroline says.

“Things like ‘I did this, and I’ve had five children – this is how I look, and you should be the same.’”

Caroline says it’s understandable that being bombarded with these messages may mean some new parents need reminding that no two journeys back to exercise will look the same.

“Everything that you can do is not the same as what someone else can do,” she says.

She recommends that perinatal people looking for a personal trainer, or even attending a gym class, ask if their trainers have qualifications in pre- and post-natal training.

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“Even fitness instructors, I think, should be qualified in that, particularly when they’re running a group class,” she says.

Rosie recommends new parents “take it slow and listen to your body.”

“For the first six weeks try doing your pelvic floor exercises, stretching and building up to walk comfortably for 30 minutes,” she explains.

“When your baby is around six weeks, get a check-up with a pelvic health physio. They can guide your strength and fitness program for the next six weeks, before returning to higher intensity exercise.

“If something doesn’t feel right, then get professional help.”

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ABC Sport is partnering with Siren Sport to elevate the coverage of Australian women in sport.

Danielle Croci is a policy officer and freelance writer and podcaster specialising in women’s sport.

Fitness

Home Gym Supplies Squat Rack Cage Package Released to Market for Exercise Lovers by Strongway Gym Supplies

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Home Gym Supplies Squat Rack Cage Package Released to Market for Exercise Lovers by Strongway Gym Supplies

Coventry, UK – March 02, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Strongway Gym Supplies has released squat rack cage packages to the market for exercise enthusiasts across the United Kingdom. The packages combine squat cage frames with safety features suited to home-based strength training, now available through the company’s online platform.

The power cage design centres on four vertical posts connected by horizontal crossbeams. Adjustable safety bars mount between the posts at various heights, catching the barbell if a lift cannot be completed. This safety mechanism becomes relevant during heavy squats or bench presses performed without a training partner present to assist with failed attempts.

J-hooks secure the barbell at the proper beginning positions for various exercises by fastening to the posts at predetermined heights. Quick adjustments between squats, presses, and other barbell movements are made possible by the hooks’ ability to slide up or down the posts and lock into position using pin mechanisms. Depending on the exercise being done, pull-up bars that extend across the top of the frame provide grip positions that vary from wide to narrow.

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Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said the cage addresses concerns people have about training alone at home. “Without someone there to spot, there’s always the question of what happens if the weight gets too heavy midway through a set,” he noted. “The safety bars remove that worry. Position them correctly and they’ll catch the bar before it pins someone. That makes a genuine difference in how hard someone can train when working solo, especially on exercises like squats where bail-out options are limited.”

Steel tubing forms the frame structure, with powder-coated finishes applied to resist corrosion in garage environments where humidity fluctuates. Bolt-together construction allows the cage to be disassembled if relocation becomes necessary, though the assembled weight often exceeds 100 kilograms once all components are secured together.

Weight storage pegs project from the rear posts on most models, keeping plates within reach whilst adding mass that stabilises the frame during use. The pegs typically accommodate enough plates to load a barbell for intermediate to advanced training sessions without running out of storage capacity.

The complete range of home fitness equipment, include squat racks, is available to be explored at: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.

The cages fit into garages, spare rooms, and basement areas commonly found in UK residential properties. Height clearance sits around 210 centimetres for most models, working under standard ceiling heights but potentially tight in older homes or loft conversions where ceilings run lower. Floor space requirements roughly match that of a small garden shed once the cage stands fully assembled.

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The width of the frame includes the length of the Olympic barbell and the space needed to safely enter and exit during exercises. If the dimensions are too narrow, the posts get in the way of natural movement patterns. If they are too wide, they take up too much floor space. Most manufacturers try to find a balance between these factors, but the exact measurements vary from model to model.

Band pegs feature on some cages, providing anchor points at floor level for resistance bands. This allows accommodating resistance during squats and presses, where band tension increases as the bar rises through the movement. The technique has found followers among strength training practitioners, though it remains less widespread than traditional plate loading.

Full details about the squat rack power cage can be viewed at: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-squat-rack-power-cage.

Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that cage packages align with how people actually approach home training. “Training at home has proven effective for improving muscle strength, endurance, and power when maintained consistently,” he explained. “Frequency matters more than location. Training more than three times weekly produces better outcomes, and having a cage at home eliminates the travel time and scheduling constraints that often interrupt consistency. The cage becomes the foundation. Everything else—bench, bar, plates—gets arranged around it.”

Dispatch runs across mainland UK addresses with timelines confirmed during checkout. The cages arrive in multiple boxes given the size and weight of individual components. Instructions guide assembly, though managing the heavier frame sections works considerably better with two people rather than attempting solo construction.

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Packages can be purchased as cage-only units or complete setups that include benches, barbells, and weight plates. Pricing reflects the total equipment included, with buyers selecting options based on what they already own versus what needs acquiring.

The release tracks with patterns observed in the UK home fitness market where demand for core strength training equipment holds steady. Power cages appeal to users seeking barbell training capabilities with built-in safety features, particularly relevant for individuals training without supervision or access to spotters during heavier lifting sessions.

Those interested in exploring the range of exercise equipment available at Strongway Gym Supplies can visit: https://strongway.co.uk/.

###

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For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:

Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

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At 72, Oprah swears by this specific move for full-body strength – here’s why it’s so effective

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At 72, Oprah swears by this specific move for full-body strength – here’s why it’s so effective

Oprah Winfrey, 72, has been vocal about her weight loss journey in recent years, revealing that maintaining fitness, particularly through strength training, has been crucial while using GLP-1s. Such is her love for these newfound fitness habits that she even did a 72-minute workout to celebrate her 72nd birthday earlier this year.

Now, the talk show host has taken to Instagram to share with her followers a specific strength move that has quickly become a staple in her routine: kettlebell swings.

Why are kettlebell swings effective?

‘Kettlebell swings are one of the most efficient movements because they combine strength, power and cardiovascular conditioning in one exercise,’ says Alice Jordan, a women’s strength and hormone health coach. ‘They target the posterior chain – glutes, hamstrings and lower back – which is especially important for women as we age, helping to improve posture, reduce back pain and support metabolism.’

Jordan adds that kettlebell swings ‘also elevate the heart rate quickly, making them ideal for busy women who want maximum results in minimal time,’ and that when incorporated into your routine correctly, they ‘can improve fat loss, core stability and overall functional strength, which carries over into everyday movement and injury prevention.’

Another key benefit that makes kettlebell swings such an effective movement for women as they age? ‘They help build explosive strength and bone density – both crucial for women during and after menopause.’

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How to do kettlebell swings

It’s important to take the time to properly learn the right technique – as Oprah said she did. Alongside the video she posted on Instagram of her performing the exercise, Oprah wrote ‘I first saw other people doing kettlebell swings so skillfully that I didn’t attempt them for at least a year! Now Trainer Peter is always right by my side to course correct me so I’m doing them right – and I think I finally got the swing of them.’

Explaining how to do kettlebell swings, Jordan says that ‘the movement should come from the hips, not the lower back or shoulders. Think about pushing your hips back, keeping your spine neutral, and then powerfully driving the hips forward. This helps target the glutes and reduces the risk of injury.’

When it comes to ensuring that you choose the right weight, Jordan adds that a ‘good starting point for most women is a kettlebell between 6-10kg – but the key is that it should feel challenging enough to drive the hips forward without using the arms.’

‘If you can easily lift it with your shoulders, it’s usually too light. Many beginners actually benefit from going slightly heavier so they learn proper hip hinge mechanics,’ she flags.

How often to do kettlebell swings

So, how often should you do the move per week? ‘For beginners, I’d typically recommend starting with 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, focusing on good technique and plenty of rest between sets,’ says Jordan. ‘The priority early on is learning the hip hinge and building confidence with the movement, rather than pushing volume too quickly.’

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Doing this 2-3 times per week works well for most beginners, she adds, as it ‘allows enough time to recover while still building strength, power and cardiovascular fitness.’ When your technique and fitness improve, you ‘can gradually increase either the number of sets or include swings as part of full-body workouts.’

‘It’s also helpful for beginners to keep sessions relatively short and stop before fatigue affects form, as this reduces the risk of injury and helps reinforce good movement patterns.’

Common mistakes to avoid

Jordan says common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Turning the swing into a squat rather than a hinge
  • Lifting the kettlebell with the arms instead of letting momentum and hip power do the work
  • Rounding the back and going too heavy too quickly

It really is important to be patient and take some time to get your form exactly right – as it will mean you’ll get the most out of the exercise in the long run.


Headshot of Hannah Bradfield

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis.  She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity.  A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.

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The Workout Habit That Can Become Harm

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The Workout Habit That Can Become Harm

If your day begins with a HIIT class and ends with the saintly glow of “I’ve been good,” you’re not alone. Regular movement can lighten stress, settle anxiety, and generally make the world feel a little less like a group chat on deadline. But for a small group of gym-goers, exercise addiction isn’t a punchline or a humblebrag — it’s a real behavioural pattern that can quietly bulldoze daily life.

Researchers in Budapest have suggested that for around 0.3 to 0.5% of gym-goers, working out and the quest for ultimate wellness can tip into unhealthy obsession. And a separate study from Anglia Ruskin University found the risk rises sharply for people with a history of eating disorders — with researchers reporting you’re nearly four times more likely to experience exercise addiction if you’ve previously had anorexia or bulimia.

It’s an uncomfortable twist, because exercise is supposed to be the good bit. The socially approved coping mechanism. The one that gets likes, not concerned phone calls.

Why “Healthy” Can Be a Convenient Disguise

Wellness culture has a curious magic trick: it can make rigid rules look like discipline. Eight hours’ sleep becomes a badge of honour. “Clean eating” becomes a personality. And a workout missed can feel, for some, less like a rest day and more like a moral failure.

That’s what makes compulsive exercise hard to spot — especially during or after recovery from disordered eating. To friends and family, it can look like someone has “sorted themselves out.” Under the surface, the engine can be the same: fear, control, anxiety — just with different gym kit.

As Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins (March 2–8), we spoke to experts about wellness, disordered exercise, and the additional risks for those with a history of eating disorders.

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Can Eating Disorders Be Replaced by Exercise Addiction?

Kerrie Jones, a psychotherapist specialising in eating disorders and clinical director of treatment centre Orri, says eating disorders and exercise addiction often share the same roots — and the same function.

“Eating disorders, like exercise addiction, arise when we have lived through an experience – or lots of different experiences – that have taught us that we’re not safe in our day-to-day lives,” she says.

“Obsessing about food, weight or exercise is a behavioural mechanism that has developed as a means of keeping us feeling safe and in control when otherwise we’d feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.”

Jones explains that these behaviours can narrow a person’s focus to what feels measurable and manageable — calories, reps, weight, shape — while masking the deeper fear underneath.

“We call these ‘maladaptive’ coping mechanisms, as they develop through seemingly good intentions, but to the detriment of our longer-term physical and mental health.

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“Sometimes, when people reach a point in their recovery where they are stable and functioning, they may move from an obsessive relationship to food, to an obsessive relationship to exercise.”

And because exercise is widely applauded — and often actively encouraged — the behaviour can stick around far longer than people realise.

“It’s a much more socially accepted and idolised means of maintaining obsessive behavioural patterns,” says Jones, which means it can linger for years before someone seeks help.

What Drives Exercise Addiction Psychologically?

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There’s rarely one neat cause. It’s more often an overlap of biology, social pressure, past experiences, and psychology — with a particular role for trauma and learned patterns of control.

“There’s no one reason or cause why someone might develop an eating disorder or exercise addiction, however, it’s often a combination of social, genetic and psychological factors,” says Jones. “Commonly, we find a negative life experience or traumatic experience at the root.”

Chartered psychologist and Healthspan ambassador Dr Meg Aroll says more research is needed specifically on exercise addiction, but we already know a lot about how behavioural addictions operate — particularly the loop of compulsive thoughts and repeated behaviours.

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“We know that it’s important to change patterns of ruminative and compulsive thoughts in people with behavioural addictions, which is why treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy are likely to be of help.”

In plain terms: it’s not about willpower. It’s about patterns — and treating what’s driving them.

Signs to Watch For: When Training Turns Compulsive

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There’s no single template for exercise addiction. People don’t present in one uniform way, and “looking fit” tells you precisely nothing about what’s happening mentally.

But there are common warning signs, especially when exercise becomes less about wellbeing and more about relief, guilt, or control.

Jones says a person might:

  • Feel guilt and shame about missing exercise routines
  • Keep secrecy around how much they’re exercising
  • Continue to workout when ill, exhausted or injured
  • Prioritise exercise repeatedly over family, friends, work, and recovery

That last point matters. Training that regularly trumps relationships, rest, or basic health isn’t “dedication.” It’s a red flag waving in fluorescent gym lighting.

Does Social Media Make It Worse?

Social media can be supportive — community can be a lifeline — but it can also validate compulsive habits. A life organised entirely around workouts can look, online, like “motivation,” when the reality might be anxiety management dressed up as routine.

“For people who are predisposed to eating disorders or behavioural addictions, wellness culture can appear to support and condone this type of maladaptive behaviour,” says Aroll.

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“However, on its own, wellness and social media culture is not to blame – someone with such conditions will have a complex combination of factors in their life leading to their symptoms, which should be investigated fully and treated professionally.”

Jones adds that if you know you have an addictive personality, it’s worth curating your feed with intent — and unfollowing content that escalates guilt, restriction, body obsession, or punishment narratives.

What To Do If You’re Worried About Someone

The hardest part is saying something — and the most important part is saying it well. Jones recommends addressing it directly, but with care around timing, tone, and what you focus on.

“It’s important to broach the topic with them directly as their physical and mental health may be severely at risk,” says Jones. “Pick a time to talk when emotions aren’t running high, and where possible, try and avoid talking about exercise specifically or the more symptomatic aspects of exercise addiction or their eating disorder.

“Instead, focus your questions and concerns on how they’re feeling, underneath their day-to-day activities.

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“Keep in mind that there are specialists out there who can help and the charity Beat has numerous resources on how to have a difficult conversation with someone.”

In other words: aim beneath the behaviour, toward the emotion.

Do We Need a Broader Conversation About “Healthy”?

Here’s the tricky bit. Health professionals rightly champion exercise for physical and mental health. But for people recovering from eating disorders — or with a vulnerability to compulsive behaviours — messaging can land differently. “More is better” can become a permission slip for harm.

“I think there needs to be a broader conversation about what it means to be ‘healthy’ and to live a ‘healthy lifestyle’,” says Jones. “What works for some, may not work for others, particularly if they’ve suffered with an eating disorder in the past and would have trouble maintaining a normal relationship to exercise and food.”

Jones says clinicians assessing physical health need to consider personal history and the intention behind the behaviour.

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“If possible, we need to investigate the intention associated with exercise and unpick the feelings that arise before, during and after exercising.”

That’s the real measuring stick. Not calories burned, not streaks kept alive, not the smug serenity of a kale smoothie. If movement helps you live more freely, it’s doing its job. If it’s tightening the cage — especially in recovery — it’s time to call it what it may be: exercise addiction, and something that deserves proper support, not applause.

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