Fitness & Fertility: What to Know About Exercise During IVF or Egg Freezing

While going through fertility treatments, there are different physical and emotional symptoms that may manifest. Exercise can be a powerful tool to help you manage both-stress, mood, and keep your body strong. However, knowing how to safely work out during fertility treatments is crucial to ensure you’re supporting—not straining—your body. In this post, we’ll explore how to stay active during fertility treatments, the customized fertility workout plan we’ve developed with Soto Method, and our "Fitness and Fertility" event series that combines fitness with fertility education. 

Section 1: Fertility and Exercise—What You Need to Know 

For those undergoing fertility treatments, maintaining physical activity can be a healthy and safe way to support your body and mind through the process. However, a common question many people ask is: Is it safe to work out during fertility treatments? The answer is yes, but with some specific considerations. 

During fertility treatments like IVF, your body goes through significant hormonal changes, and some exercises can put unnecessary strain on your body, especially as your ovaries become stimulated and enlarged. High-intensity exercises, such as running or heavy weightlifting, could potentially cause ovarian torsion, a painful and serious condition in which the ovary twists. Because of this, certain workouts are recommended over others. 

Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates are generally considered safe during most stages of fertility treatments. These workouts focus on flexibility, balance, and endurance without putting undue stress on the body. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your workouts to match your energy levels and how you feel on a daily basis. 

Strength training is another option, but it's important to avoid heavy lifting and focus on lighter weights or body-weight exercises. The goal here is to keep muscles engaged without overexerting yourself. Pilates and barre classes, which use small movements to build strength, can be especially effective because they help to tone muscles without adding the kind of strain that could impact your fertility treatment. 

Overall, staying active can help manage stress and improve blood circulation, both of which are important during this time. But remember, your workout should be a way to nurture your body—not a source of additional stress. Always consult with your fertility specialist before starting any new fitness regimen, especially during fertility treatments, to ensure it aligns with your personal health needs. 

Section 2: The Soto Method for Your Fertility Journey 

Recognizing the need for safe, specialized exercise routines, we partnered with our friends at Soto Method to create a workout plan designed specifically for individuals undergoing fertility treatments. The "Soto for Your Fertility Journey" program is a carefully crafted series of workouts that align with the various stages of fertility treatment, helping you stay active and strong throughout the process. 

The Soto Method itself is a full-body workout that combines cardio and sculpting movements, with an emphasis on mental and physical strength. The method’s signature move involves a 60-second isometric hold followed by 10 dynamic movements, allowing you to build strength in a way that's gentle on the body but still incredibly effective. This approach has earned a reputation for being simple, digestible, and adaptable to different fitness levels. 

The Soto For Your Fertility Journey program is divided into four phases to mirror the stages of fertility treatment: 

• Phase 1: Priming 
  During the priming phase of fertility treatment, you're preparing your body for the upcoming stimulation process. In this phase of the Soto Method, exercises focus on gentle strength-building and flexibility. Low-intensity movements are combined with light cardio to help increase circulation and promote overall well-being, without overexertion. The goal is to enhance your body's readiness for what's to come while minimizing stress. 

• Phase 2: Stimulation
  As your body enters the stimulation phase, where hormones are introduced to stimulate the ovaries, your ovaries will begin to enlarge, and high-impact activities should be avoided. This phase of the Soto Method focuses on maintaining muscle tone with controlled, low-impact movements. The exercises aim to support circulation and help manage the bloating and discomfort that can arise during this stage. Think Pilates-inspired movements that are gentle on the joints but still offer an effective workout. 

• Phase 3: Retrieval
  After your eggs have been retrieved, the body needs time to heal. During this phase, the Soto Method shifts to restorative movements and stretches, with a focus on aiding recovery and reducing tension. The emphasis is on light, therapeutic exercises designed to improve circulation and support the body as it heals from the retrieval process. Breathing exercises and stretches help reduce muscle tension and encourage relaxation. 

• Phase 4: Recovery
  The final stage of the program is all about recovery and rejuvenation. Here, the exercises help rebuild strength and flexibility, but at a pace that’s manageable for your body post-treatment. As you begin to regain your energy, the movements increase in intensity but are still low-impact, ensuring that your body is ready for whatever comes next—whether it's the embryo transfer or preparing for the next steps in your fertility journey. 

This thoughtful and supportive workout plan provides not only physical benefits but also emotional and mental support, helping you feel connected to your body throughout the fertility process. 

If you’d like to try out ‘Soto for Your Fertility Journey,’ or the rest of the Soto’s collection, you can use code XYZ for a free month.  

Section 3: Spring Fertility’s "Fitness and Fertility" Event Series 

If you’re interested in learning more about your fertility, join us for our "Fitness and Fertility" event series—a unique opportunity to combine a workout session with fertility education. Whether you're just starting to think about fertility preservation, or are ready to grow your family soon, these events offer a supportive and engaging way to learn more about your fertility while staying active. 

All events are held in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Portland, OR- each event is designed to empower participants with knowledge and confidence. Attendees will participate in a curated workout session, led by fitness experts, followed by an informative session on fertility and egg freezing led by a Spring physician. Spring doctors are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the fertility process, egg freezing, or IVF, providing insight into how to navigate your fertility journey with confidence. 

These events provide the perfect blend of physical activity and educational support, ensuring that you leave feeling not only stronger but also more informed. Whether you're curious about fertility preservation or simply looking to engage in a supportive community of like-minded individuals, this series is designed to meet you where you are—no matter what stage of the fertility journey you’re in. 

For those interested, Spring Fertility’s event series is currently being held across multiple locations, with new events being added regularly. To see the full list of upcoming "Fitness and Fertility" events, check out Spring Fertility’s event page. These events are a great way to connect with experts, ask your pressing questions, and enjoy a workout tailored to support your body through its fertility journey.