New research: exercise during pregnancy is safe even for beginners

For a long time, the advice was to take it easy during pregnancy, especially for women who had not been very active beforehand. New research by Clifton J. Holmes and colleagues (2026) challenges that picture significantly.

The study shows that it can be safe and even beneficial for women who exercised little before pregnancy to start moving during it. This is relevant information for the CrossFit and Hyrox community, where many women remain active throughout their pregnancy.

Experts such as Brianna Battles, who specializes in training during and after pregnancy, have long emphasized the importance of movement during this period. This research now provides additional scientific support for their approach.

For coaches and athletes in the functional fitness world, this is a reason to take the conversation about prenatal training more seriously. Consulting a healthcare provider remains, of course, the first step.