AMY MOOLYK -Lifting Through Pregnancy: Strength Training, Research, & Breaking Barriers

In this episode, I sit down with Amy Moolyk, certified strength and conditioning coach, clinical exercise physiologist, and co-owner of Connect Physiotherapy & Exercise. A former national-level Olympic weightlifter, Amy shares how her own pregnancy and postpartum journey inspired her to return to grad school and pursue research in pre- and postnatal exercise science.

We dive into the challenges and myths around resistance training during pregnancy, how the Valsalva maneuver is often misunderstood, and the role of research in shaping safer, stronger paths for postpartum athletes. Amy brings both lived experience and scientific insight to the table, making this a must-listen for anyone supporting or living an active pregnancy.

We Talk About:

-Competing as a Canadian National weightlifter

-Encouraging more women in strength sports

-What research says about lifting while pregnant

-The outdated advice still circulating

-How to modify exercise during pregnancy

-Managing anxiety around movement

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:55 how weightlifting changes in pregnancy

7:12 systematic review on postpartum injury

11:12 researching how how heavy lifting affects pregnancy

22:50 choosing exercises for the study

27:26 considerations during a training session

36:33 advice for first time moms

38:30 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH AMY

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymoolyk/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/connectptex/

Website: ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/

Website: connectpt.ca

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms’ Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and postpartum professionals from all aspects of the industry.

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