Fitness
The Best Maternity Workout Clothes, According To Fitness Pro Moms
There are many benefits to moving your body while pregnant. Finding quality exercise clothes that fit properly and are made to move and grow with you can be hard though, especially when you hit the second trimester. The best maternity workout clothes are comfortable, supportive, stylish, breathable and adjustable to accommodate an expanding belly and changing body.
The best maternity workout clothes adapt to your changing body and help you feel supported and … [+]
“Regardless of the workout, pregnant women should look for stretchy, high-waisted leggings along with a supportive sports bra,” says Heidi Loiacono, a women’s fitness specialist with the personal trainer service Gymguyz. When it comes to workout tops, she recommends opting for something loose and long. “If you prefer a more fitted look, be sure it’s not too tight and allows for ease of movement.”
Just remember that every pregnancy and every pregnant body is different. “What’s comfortable for one mom might be incredibly uncomfortable for another,” points out Kim Perry, a fit pregnancy coach who is currently expecting. We interviewed an impressive roster of fitness expert moms to find the best places to buy maternity workout clothes, and to learn about the workout pieces they loved during pregnancy and beyond.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
While pregnancy may be uncomfortable, as parents ourselves, we strongly believe your maternity clothes shouldn’t. Our team is composed of many moms who have not only tested the best maternity workout clothes firsthand, but have extensively researched all the top brands, collected countless recommendations from fellow pregnant parents, and read through hundreds of reviews to gauge what activewear is worth investing in and what’s not.
For a story like this, we consult multiple fitness professionals specializing in pre and postnatal fitness to learn what types of clothes pregnant women should be working out in from a comfort, quality and health/safety perspective. We asked our experts about the activewear brands they know and love and the pieces they can’t live without.
How We Chose The Best Maternity Workout Clothes
While we used our own personal experience owning and wearing many of the brands included on this list, we leaned in to the expertise and product suggestions of seven highly-respected fitness professionals, many of whom are either currently expecting or moms themselves, to curate our list. These experts include the founder of leading pre and postnatal fitness app The Bloom Method, the former CEO of fan-fave women’s activewear brand Beyond Yoga, and a fit pregnancy coach with a sizable following on Instagram, and a deep core exercise specialist just to name a few.
All of these women live in workout wear (literally) and have tried countless maternity activewear tops, sports bras, compression shorts and over and under-the-bump leggings.
What To Look For In The Best Maternity Workout Clothes
There’s no one brand or style fits all when it comes to the best maternity workout clothes. “Choosing workout wear is such an individualized experience and is usually based not only on the activity being done but also the desired fit and feel of each individual,” says Cates. Whether you’re hitting the treadmill or the yoga mat, here are some key factors to consider prior to stocking up.
Fit And Feel
Newly-postpartum mom Hannah Eden, a certified Girls Gone Strong pre and postnatal coach, iFIT and Nordictrack trainer, recommends opting for maternity workout clothes that feel comfy, but not too tight. “From personal experience, the changes in our bodies can often affect our self-esteem, so it’s important to feel confident in the clothes you choose,” she says. “Don’t try to fit into pre-pregnancy clothing; this can leave us feeling pretty low.”
Michelle Wahler, co-founder and former CEO of Beyond Yoga, agrees. “Treat yourself to quality clothing that celebrates your body during your new chapter. Paying attention to fit and fabrics you like and enjoy being in is key.”
Adjustability
While you don’t want to be constantly adjusting leggings or pulling up your pants, workout wear that can adjust to grow with you is important. “Get gear with elastic waistbands and drawstrings,” advises Eden.
Fabric
Do you prefer a buttery-soft organic legging you can rock around the clock, something loose, lightweight and breathable, or compression apparel for running? “Moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon will help keep you feeling cool and dry, while lycra, spandex and elastane blends offer a softer material,” explains Perry.
To limit exposure to PFAS (forever chemicals), found in many sweat-wicking, water-repellent pieces like leggings and sports bras, always check labels and shop sustainably-made styles in organic and natural fabrics where possible.
“Most workout wear is not PFAS free but it is becoming more common,” says Cates. “I also tell women that while wearing intentionally-made clothing that isn’t full of harmful chemicals is important, you don’t have to throw away all your favorite leggings that might not be that ‘clean.’” Instead, she recommends prioritizing underwear with natural fabrics, because they have the most contact with your most intimate parts.
Cates says there are some amazing companies making really clean and innovative underwear for women, “some even fused with zinc that can help to prevent yeast infections and UTI’s.” Esme, Pact and Huha are her top favorites in this category. We also recommend the Bodily All-In Panty, which tops our list of the best postpartum underwear.
Support Vs. Stretch
“Higher impact exercises like running and crossfit will require more support, while activities like yoga, pilates and barre will need more stretch,” says Perry.
Cates adds that a higher waist band is ideal for expecting women to help to create a “holding the belly” type of sensation. “While some women love maternity leggings with higher waist bands designed specifically for pregnant women, some non-maternity designs also prove to support women throughout pregnancy and beyond.” A belly band can offer extra support for pregnant women who need it too.
What Should I Wear To The Gym During Pregnancy?
According to Wahler, “whatever makes you feel good and supported!” Everyone and every body is so different. “The key is being good to your body and allowing your body to be in whatever form it wants to be, and it might be different each day. Don’t try to cram yourself into something from your past. Don’t focus on size or numbers. Look for clothes that will grow and evolve with you and through your new stages of life.”
A good place to start is a with a great pair of maternity leggings (like our top pick from Beyond Yoga), a supportive and soft sports bra (like the Vuori Yosemite Bra) and a maternity tank top (like this one from Fitglam). Depending on the weather, you can add layers or swap leggings for shorts.
“Also, as women progress through their pregnancy, they may want to consider compression shorts or leggings,” says Loiacono. “This type of fitness apparel offers just the right amount of compression for the abdominal, back and pelvic floor muscles, allowing for more support as those muscles become overstretched.”
How Many Months Pregnant Do You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?
This can vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. “I’ve had mothers tell me they began wearing our Beyond the Bump line as early as two months pregnant, all the way through one year postpartum and beyond,” says Wahler. “The most important thing is that you’re creating a safe space for yourself and your baby to feel supported, comfortable and safe throughout the pregnancy.”
For maternity workout wear that can go the distance, Cates recommends looking for versatile pieces and styles that are flattering and work well from workout to lunch with girlfriends or bustling kids to and from after-school activities. “Women want leggings they can live in, workout in, and feel great in, and if they stretch beyond the pregnancy period they often get extra points.”
More Maternity Recommendations
About The Study: In this comparative effectiveness study, reducing music volume in group fitness classes did not lead to meaningful reductions in perceived exertion and may reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. These findings support implementing safer sound practices in fitness environments and underscore the need for increased awareness and education on hearing protection.
Fitness
Reward yourself by exercising regularly at One to One Fitness | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University
Now is the time to recommit to your health in time to feel your best for all your summer activities! One to One Fitness Center offers several ways to save in March.
Members of the Case Western Reserve University community can take advantage of sign-up specials designed to reward themselves for creating healthy habits.
Individuals can get 50% off the initiation fee (regularly $50 plus tax) and earn back what they do pay by exercising eight or more days in both April and May. Learn more online about this deal on initiation fees.
Students also can get additional savings:
- Graduate students who are enrolled for the spring semester receive summer membership free.
- With Spartan Shape Up memberships, affiliate students pay just $40 per month for membership from now through May, and no initiation fee or security deposit is required.
- Students also can pay $44 plus tax per month with a month-to-month, ongoing plan. No initiation fee or security deposit required.
One to One Fitness Center, owned and operated by CWRU, is known for offering personal, professional, friendly and clean services. Memberships include full access to the 28,000-square-foot fitness center, group exercise classes, validated parking in Lot 53, towel and locker service, and member discounts on programs and services.
Members also can add their spouse or partner to their account for $30 plus tax per month. The center also offers personal training, Pilates Reformer, massage therapy and sound bath therapy, swim lessons, and more.
Visit the One to One Fitness Center website, email onetoone@case.edu or call 216.368.1121 for more information.
To help you do this, we’ve tapped our Start TODAY experts for simple tips to lighten up meals, move in ways that boost metabolism and and refocus our mindset to get motivated to keep working toward your goals. Apply their strategies and finish the month feeling lighter, more energized and motivated to move forward. Here’s the plan to make it happen:
>>Download the 31-day calendar here
31-Day HIIT & Walking Challenge
This month’s workout plan is focused on short workouts that pack a punch. “HIIT workouts give you a bigger bang for your workout buck! They provide a more efficient workout because you’re alternating the pace and intensity rather than sticking to a steady, moderate pace,” says Mansour. “Changing things up with HIIT prevents boredom and keeps your muscles guessing. This is how we can get the body to change — whether that change is speeding up your metabolism, burning more calories, building muscle, losing weight, or just improving overall health — keeping your body guessing is the magic ticket to seeing results!”
Active recovery days include stretching to improve flexibility and walking for a cardiovascular workout that aids muscle recovery. When weather permits, Mansour encourages people to get outside on walking days. “Walking outdoors isn’t just a workout, it’s a chance to breathe in fresh air and get out of the house to change your environment,” she says. “Each time you go outside on a walk, even if you go on the same path, you’ll see or feel something different. Maybe it’s a change in weather, plants or flowers, people or things. Prioritizing taking your walk outside can hugely benefit your mental health. Getting out of your regular environment and into nature can be a form of meditation, too.”
Get the full 31-day workout plan with unique workouts sent to you daily — plus, walking podcasts, healthy spring recipes and mindfulness tools — in the Start TODAY app!
3 Simple Spring Diet Tips
In addition to mixing up your workout routine, use spring as an opportunity to start lightening up your meals by packing them with seasonal ingredients. Start TODAY dietitian Natalie Rizzo shares her top tips:
- Incorporate more seasonal foods. After a long winter of eating the same foods, your palate is ready for a change! Aim to add at least one spring fruit or vegetable to your meals each day, like asparagus, peas, spinach, radishes, citrus or strawberries. This Spring Asparagus Pasta is a simple weeknight dinner that feels both light and comforting. Seasonal produce is fresher, more flavorful, and an easy way to naturally boost vitamins and fiber. Plus, seasonal produce is more affordable than other items in the produce section.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten up your dishes. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, or dill can instantly upgrade simple meals without extra salt or heavy sauces. Sprinkle them on salads, roasted veggies, eggs, soups, or grain bowls for a burst of spring flavor. Cilantro is the perfect finish to this Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potato, while herbs are blended into cottage cheese in this Herby Cottage Cheese Toast with Tomato recipe for a pop of fresh flavor.
- Shift from heavy comfort meals to balanced plates. As the weather warms up, it’s time to move away from heavy comfort foods and embrace lightened up spring dishes. Build plates with a mix of lean protein, whole grains or starchy veggies, and plenty of colorful produce. Think roasted veggie grain bowls, hearty salads like this BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad, or simple stir-fries instead of creamy casseroles or heavy stews.
Spring Clean Your Mindset with This Mental Health Exercise
Yes, we are working to propel ourselves forward toward our health goals, but an important part of that process is slowing down and reflecting.
Getting permission not to rush in a world that feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up is a reminder that most of us need.
Yasmine Cheyenne, start TODAY mindfulness expert
“Getting permission not to rush in a world that feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up is a reminder that most of us need, but how often would we admit that?” says Cheyenne. “ When the to-do list feels long, and we’re trying to get everything done, we often say the opposite, disregarding how we feel, and push ourselves. Yes, we all have deadlines and things that need to be done. But we also need the reminder to take care while handling our responsibilities.”
This can be easier said than done. So Cheyenne offers up a simple exercise to help: Write down the words you need to hear each day to make yourself a priority and work toward your goals. Put them somewhere you see often, like your fridge or bathroom mirror, and recite them out loud daily.
“This is a perfect example of a reminder that seems small, but can come at the perfect time and help us care for ourselves,” she explains. “One of my favorite examples is: Take it slow and don’t rush, your nervous system deserves peace.”
“When you tell yourself the thing you’ve been needing to hear, it allows you to admit the quiet rumbling within you and take the steps you need. It might be admitting ‘I’m tired and will give myself an early night this week.’ Or you’re saying ‘I’m so proud of the way I’ve committed to moving my body everyday.’ Whether you’re cheering yourself on or reminding yourself of what you need, we don’t always slow down enough to hear what we need from ourselves, and this practice is a great way to start.”
Talking out loud to yourself may feel strange at first, but Cheyenne says over time it will help shift your mindset and translate those words into action. “When we hear ourselves recite these words, it’s like we’re planting positive seeds within us. The more we say what we need, the more we remember it, and we’re more likely to follow through and care for ourselves,” she says. “Our actions really start with the words we say to ourselves. Reading them out loud helps us rewire the way we talk to ourselves and that inner shift is exactly what opens the door to transformation.”
Join our live “Spring Reset Workshop” on March 22 to get one-on-one coaching from Yasmine Cheyenne and connect with other Start TODAY members. Sign up here!
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