The Fertility Fitness Podcast

It’s been a little quiet here lately, but only because the Fitness Fertility team has been busy preparing something special for you! In this quick check-in, they share what’s been going on behind the scenes and what you can look forward to in the upcoming season. Get ready for more episodes dedicated to helping you reach your fitness and fertility goals. Stay tuned, and best wishes on your journey...

In this episode, host Maria tackles an important listener question: "Are the workouts, coaching, and advice you provide based on actual research?" Maria’s response is a resounding "yes!" Known for her passion for reading gynecology and sports journals, Maria uses this knowledge to offer evidence-based fitness advice to women on their fertility journeys.   For those trying to conceive, it’s essenti...

Welcome to Fertility Focus! I'm Maria, a personal trainer specializing in fertility. In today's episode, we dive into five key challenges that women often face on their fertility journey but rarely discuss: the emotional and psychological toll, physical and medical challenges, social and relational struggles, financial stress, and dealing with unsolicited advice. These issues can leave you feeling...

Welcome to Fertility Focus! In this weekly minisode, Maria, a personal trainer specializing in fertility, guides you through actionable steps to enhance your fitness and fertility. Whether you're preparing for IVF, managing your BMI, or fully committed to your trying to conceive (TTC) journey, tune in every Tuesday for tips that empower you to take control.   **Episode Highlight: September's 12-We...

Join Maria, a personal trainer specializing in fertility, every Tuesday for actionable tips on enhancing your fertility. In this episode, she welcomes Julia Young, a fertility nutritionist, who shares insights on how the Mediterranean diet can boost fertility, foods to avoid, and the impact of different diets on conception. Julia also discusses the importance of meal timing and the potential risks...

    Back from holiday and back at it     In this week’s episode, Maria shares her top five tips for getting back into your fitness routine after returning from a holiday, with a special emphasis on supporting your fertility. Whether you’ve taken a short break or an extended vacation, these practical strategies will help you ease back into your workouts while keeping your reproductive health in min...

In this week's episode of *Fertility Focus*, Maria chats with Sarah Root, founder of Root2Health, who empowers women on their fertility journeys through nutrition and lifestyle. Sarah shares her top five strategies for managing stress, emphasizing the importance of relaxation techniques, personalized adaptogens like ashwagandha, and the critical role of quality sleep. She also highlights the signi...

These tips are essential for anyone on this journey, and I’m confident they’re easier to implement than you might think. Ask for Help: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re juggling work, relationships, and fertility treatments. You can’t do it all alone, and you don’t have to. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let Go of Perfection: I know how tempting it is to try to be per...

The journey of trying to conceive is often accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions, and introducing Clomid into the mix can amplify this experience. Here are five side effects associated with Clomid: Hot Flashes: A sudden rush of warmth, akin to the hot flashes experienced during menopause, can be a side effect of Clomid. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations the medication can induce. Thank...

If you're looking for a bit of hope, head back to December 2023 and listen to Helena Gray's 10-year journey to having her baby. For insights on improving lifestyle habits , check out our January 8th episode If you want to hear from one of the leading experts in fertility, tune in to the January 18th episode with Jessica Burke, AKA the Fertility Detective, who shares many hints and tips. A massive...

IVF is more than a procedure; it's a process, and there's much you can do to prepare and feel in control. Here are the five key points we cover: Coffee and Fertility : Despite common concerns, moderate coffee consumption can be part of your IVF preparation. A 2019 study in "Fertility and Sterility" found no adverse effects of coffee on IVF outcomes. Plus, it can help with medication-induced consti...

Focus on Whole Foods - Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins. These foods are more nutrient-dense and satisfying, helping to control hunger naturally. Mindful Eating - Pay attention to what and when you eat. Slow down, savor each bite, and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat at a table with no distractions to prevent overeat...

5 Tests to Take.... 1. Comprehensive Hormone Panel : This test evaluates key hormones like FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Prolactin. Imbalances can signal issues such as PCOS or thyroid disorders, impacting fertility. 2. AMH Test : Measures Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels to assess ovarian reserve, crucial for understanding fertility potential, especially for women over 35. 3. Semen Analysis...

This episode is particularly close to my heart as I answer one of the most common questions from my clients: What foods should you avoid to boost fertility? The world of nutrition can be confusing, so stay tuned as I list five foods to steer clear of: Trans Fats - Commonly found in processed and fried foods, trans fats can hinder ovulation and insulin sensitivity. High-Mercury Fish - While fish is...

In this week's show, I'm sharing five health and fitness facts that, like it or not, are crucial to your journey: There Are No Shortcuts : Sustainable progress in fitness, weight loss, and fertility requires hard work and consistency. Quick fixes like fad diets and miracle supplements won’t cut it. Exercise Alone Isn't Enough : You can’t out-train a bad diet. Proper nutrition is key to achieving y...

Here are five key strategies to help you lose weight without counting calories: Focus on Whole Foods Prioritize unprocessed foods like vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These nutrient-dense foods help control hunger naturally and reduce the intake of unnecessary calories. Mindful Eating Pay attention to what and when you eat. Slow down, savor each bite, and listen to your...

In this week's episode, Maria discusses the important questions you should ask your fertility clinic during your initial consultation. These questions will help you make informed decisions about your treatment. For additional support, download Maria's free self-advocating guide at fitnessfertility.com/freeresources. Fertility Treatment Options: Understand the available treatment options and their...

5 Key Hormones Involved in Female Fertility: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Role: Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH is essential for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain your eggs. Optimal Levels for a 35-Year-Old Woman: Measured on day 3 of your menstrual cycle, FSH levels should be between 3 to 9 milli-international units per milliliter (MIU/mL). Luteinising Hormo...

Episode Summary: 1. IVF Babble: About: IVF Babble is the leading online fertility and IVF platform. Founders: Sarah and Tracy, who have been through their own IVF journeys. Why Check Them Out: They offer reliable and well-respected information, including clinic recommendations, celebrity stories, and expert blogs. Website: IVFBabble.com 2. The Fertility Detective (Jessica Burke): About: Jessica Bu...

5 reasons why IVF Babble is a must-visit at the Fertility Show: Educational Resources: IVF Babble provides a treasure trove of educational materials, from articles to expert advice, covering everything from the IVF process to lifestyle factors and emotional support. Don't miss out on this wealth of information! Community Support: When you're on a fertility journey, community is essential. IVF Babb...

Countries We Cover  First up is Spain, known for its advanced reproductive technologies and favourable legal environment. It's easily accessible from the UK and offers a range of affordable treatments, with the average cost of IVF around €6,000. Next, we discuss the Czech Republic, a leader in fertility treatments in Europe. With a well-regulated industry and an average IVF cost of around 3,000 Eu...

Topics covered :  Understanding the Basics: Nutrition forms the foundation of health and well-being, essential for supporting growth, repair, vitality, and fertility. A healthy diet comprises a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), along with essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Aligning macros with individual goals is crucial for fertility optimization. Building a...

Topics Covered: Urban Exploration: Why not explore a new city or neighbourhood on foot? Wander around urban areas, check out the local shops, street art, and hidden gems. You'll rack up steps while discovering new sights and experiences. This is also a great way to get your steps in when you're on holiday. Dance Party: Have a dance party in your living room, garden, or backyard. Put on your favour...

Topics Covered: Vitamin A : Excessive intake, particularly in the retinol form, has been associated with potential harm to fetal development, increasing the risk of birth defects. It's crucial to avoid high doses, especially during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Vitamin E : While vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, excessive intake may interfere with blood clotting mechanisms...

Welcome to Fertility Focus, your go-to podcast for valuable insights and actionable steps to improve your fertility. I'm Maria, a personal trainer specialising in fertility. Whether you're preparing for IVF, managing your BMI, or embarking on your trying to conceive journey, this show is for you. This week I am delving  into the key factors that can make a significant difference in your IVF outcom...