How Your Exercise Routine Can Affect Your Fertility

How Your Exercise Routine Can Affect Your Fertility Many women exercise for their health, to minimize stress, or to keep their weight in check. But when trying to conceive, does exercise play a role? Preliminary research suggests that regular workouts may actually improve reproductive function and boost fertility. But on the other hand, some data links too much vigorous exercise with lowered fertility. These studies have even shown that women need to hit an “ideal weight” for their body type in order to conceive. The sweet spot for many women translates to the normal BMI range (18.5 to 24.9), which is associated with optimal reproductive function. If you’re at a normal weight, there’s no need to give up your sweat sesh, just keep your workouts to an hour or less a day. If you’re underweight and exercising five or more days a week, consider cutting back to three to gain weight to boost fertility. If you’re overweight, trim calories and gradually up your exercise to reach a fertility-friendly BMI.