1. Move For YOU, Move For
THEM!
Jenny Bergstrom, Anna Dorn, Colette
Falsey, AshorOshana, Jaimie Sanders
1
2. Purpose
Encourage mothers with young children to become active and
maintain a healthy lifestyle
Provide methods for integrating physical activity into the lives of
mothers with young children
2 http://www.mommyworkouts.com/3-exercises-to-melt-away-that-post-baby-spare-tire/
http://www.hotmombootcamp.com/blog/
3. Importance of Fitness in New
Mothers
Shed baby weight
Improve mental health
Positively influence
children
http://www.uqccr.uq.edu.au/research.aspx
3
4. How Can You Get Active: Individually
http://invisiblefitness.com/blog/2012/09/motivating-yourself-to-exercise-workshop-in-los-angeles/
4
Utilize Child care
Be Creative
Preplan
5. How Can You Get Active: With Your
Child
http://www.strollerstrides.com/pictures/pictures
Mother/Child Fitness Classes
Stroller Strides
Baby Boot Camp
Mother/Child Fitness Devices
Playtime
5
6. Summary
Maintaining a healthy activity level through a variety of
methods can improve the overall health of new
mothers and their children
http://notalonemom.areavoices.com/
6 http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/03/17/299815_gold-coast-news.html
8. Sources
About baby boot camp. (2012). Baby Boot Camp. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from
http://www.babybootcamp.com/about.aspx
Eight ways to find time to exercise. (2012). Baby Center. Retrieved November 10, 2012
from http://www.babycenter.com/0_eight-ways-to-find-time-to-exercise_626.bc
Linné, Y., & Rössner, S. (2003). Interrelationships between weight development and
weight retention in subsequent pregnancies: the SPAWN study. Acta Obstetricia
Et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 82(4), 318-325. doi:10.1034/j.1600-
0412.2003.00150.x
Moore, L.L, Lombardi, D.A., White, M.J., Campbell, J. L., Oliveria, S. A., & Ellinson,
R.C. (1991). Influence of parent's physical activity levels on activity levels of
young children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 118(2), 215-219. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(05)80485-8
Norman, E., Sherburn, M., Osborne, R. H., & Galea, M. P. (2010). An exercise and
education program improves well-being of new mothers: A randomized
controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 90(3), 348-355. Retrieved from
http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/90/3/348.full
Stroller strides. (n.d.). Stroller Strides. Retrieved November 10, 2012 from
http://www.strollerstrides.com/programs-locations/stroller-strides
Verhoef, M. J., & Love, E. J. (1994). Women and exercise participation: the mixed
blessings of motherhood. Health Care for Women International, 15(4), 297-306.
8
Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07399339409516122
Editor's Notes
-The following public service announcement is entitled “Move For YOU, Move For THEM!”
“Move For YOU, Move For THEM” is aimed at encouraging mothers with young children to get active and in effect better their overall health. Additionally, it provides several diverse methods for integrating physical activity into the lives of mothers with young children.
To improve their overall health, newmothers should strive to make physical fitness a priority. One study shows that 73% of women who visited an obesity clinic attributed a past pregnancy to their weight issues. Maintaining a healthy activity level can help women shed baby weight and stave off future weight problems. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, It’s been shown that children born to active mothers are twice as likely to be active themselves. This can have a profound affect on the incidence of childhood obesity.
We know that mothers with young children have LOTS of commitments and statistics show that it’s not lack of motivation, but lack of TIME which drives mothers to become more inactive. So it’s a challenge, but the good news is that it can be done! A mother can find ways to work out individually through some careful preplanning to allow for a routine time for exercise. Get creative when thinking of ways to integrate activity into your life. Maybe this means taking a walk during your lunch break, exercising while the child is at daycare, or running to the gym during a time where your partner is normally home. Utilizing child care to allow for exercise time is another option.
Many mothers feel uneasy being away from their young children. The good news is this doesn’t have to limit your activity because you can workout WITH your child. For example, mother/child fitness classes allow a mom to workout in a variety of ways (such as stroller fitness, yoga, and much more) while bonding with her child. Stroller Strides and Baby Boot Camp are two such programs. Mother/child fitness devices like bike seats, strollers, jogging strollers, carriers, slings, or baby backpacks are just a few other options for mother/child fitness, but always check that the device is safe for the child’s age. What if you don’t want to purchase a device though?? The answer is simple, engage in playtime with your child. Have hula hoop contests, jump rope, run around and play tag! The options are virtually endless
Overall, being physically active as a mother with young children is essential to improving their overall health and their children’s health. Through some creativity and planning the activity can be not only achievable, but enjoyable.
We know it’s hard, but you can do this! Whether it be your child’s health or your own, pick a reason to become active and create a way to do this individually, or with your child. When it comes down to it, it’s as simple as this: Find your motivation, chose your method, and become physically active!