Safe exercise

Body: 

Hi just wondering are crosstrainers at the gym ok to use and aslo the exercise bikes where you are pedalling in front of your body rather than the traditional way?

Do you mean this type of machine, http://fitsupermom.com/finding-the-perfect-elliptical-cross-trainer/ ?

Do you mean this type of bike, http://www.bornrich.com/tags/technogym-recline-personal-exercise-bike/ ? Or something like them?

yes these are the machines. Im 32 and am a fairly active person with 2 small children so just trying to find my way to do whats best for my body while still doing things I enjoy with out feeling everything is restricted!

I cannot see any problems with the elliptical machine as long as you maintain your posture and don't hunch your upper back with all the pushing and pulling. I think getting your feet far enough forward so you don't need to over-reach on the push might help with that. The gym might have several machines to suit different sized individuals. Just ensure that you are using both upper and lower body in a balanced way.

The bike might be a different story. I suspect that these bikes might make you tuck your butt under, but maybe they are all different. You might be able to use a lumbar support or adjust the seat and back. It is the obtuse angle of spine to legs that tends to tip the pelvis back and make a straight line between bladder, uterus and vagina. If you can keep your organs forward in a relaxed belly that shouldn't be a problem. I think i would go for a vertical bike by preference, one that you can freely adjust your posture on, and one that doesn't have quite so much abdominal involvement. See the Youtube video of Christine cycling in the park to get an idea what I mean.

There are probably better ways of exercising your abs than a reclining bike, eg leg lifts in a WW standing or sitting position, which would rotate you forwards by about 90 degrees. However, I am not an expert on gym equipment.

I think you probably know what symptomatic pressure feels like. Try a few different machines and compare what it feels like in your vulva. You will be the best judge of how best to use these machines for your body's wellbeing. It really is possible to do most tasks and activities in a Wholewoman way, but there are a few that just feel wrong, no matter how you do them.

Louise