Trends Insight brought to you weekly by IHRSA and the Ketchum Global Research Network.
Ask any woman who has had a baby, and she will likely tell you that along with excitement and joy, pregnancy and new motherhood can wreak havoc on a woman's life and body. Many women, when they learn they are pregnant, think they have to abandon their exercise routines. In fact, until fairly recently, doctors were hesitant to recommend exercise due to fears about the unknown effects of exercise and concern that overexertion may lead to a miscarriage or harm the fetus. 1
Moms-To-Be Encouraged to Stay Fit
Research in the late 1980s drove the medical community to take another look at the effects of exercise during pregnancy. Now, expectant mothers are encouraged to stay in shape. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines recommend that pregnant women engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. Benefits of exercising when pregnant include prevention of obesity, prevention of gestational diabetes, possible prevention of high blood pressure and psychological well-being. 2
Getting Back in Shape Post-Baby
After the birth of their babies, many women distress about losing their 'baby weight', but there are also some serious heath risks associated with new mothers. Having babies increases a woman's risk of becoming obese. One study found that a woman's risk of obesity increases by 7 percent with each pregnancy.3 Another study found that women who gain more than 35 pounds during pregnancy are more likely to be overweight 15 years later than those who gain less. 4
Common Exercise Beliefs and Barriers
A recent study examined women's beliefs about exercise and their actual exercise behaviors during pregnancy and postpartum:
During pregnancy:
Most Common Belief: Exercise improves mood
Most Common Obstruction to Exercise: Physical limitations (i.e. nausea)
Postpartum:
Most Common Belief: Exercise controls weight gain
Most Common Obstruction to Exercise: Lack of time
This study also found that a woman's husband/partner and family members most strongly influence both pregnancy and postpartum exercise behavior. In addition, women exercise more before pregnancy than during and after. 5
Implications for Health and Racquet Clubs
Health and racquet clubs have the opportunity to make a difference in the health and well-being of expecting and new moms.
Educate members about the benefits of exercising while pregnant, and dispel any false beliefs about exercising while pregnant through brochures, seminars etc. Also, educate them on topics, such as healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Offer classes designed specifically for expectant moms. For example, many clubs currently offer prenatal yoga.
Offer personal training programs, similar to TSI's 'Buff Brides' program, which is specially designed for new and expectant mothers. One study found that new moms who complete a structured diet and physical intervention soon after birth successfully lose weight.6
Offer extra services for new and expectant moms, such as massage and nutritional counseling, which take their special needs into consideration.
Don't ignore Dad: one study found that new dads also tend to put on pounds after the baby arrives.7
1 Chang, A. 'Fitness: Once cautioned against vigorous exercise, pregnant women now encouraged to stay fit.' Associated Press, June 9, 2004. 2 Bertrand, A. 'Exercising for Two.' St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 10, 2004. 3 'Dads gain weight, too, after the baby arrives.' New York Times, March 10, 2004. 4 Ross, E. 'Study suggests weight gain threshold.' Associated Press, May 29, 2004. 5 'Clinicians can influence women's ideas about pregnancy and postpartum exercise.' Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, May 15, 2004. 6 'Postpartum weight-loss classes work.' Health & Medicine Week, March 8, 2004. 7 'Dads gain weight, too, after the baby arrives.' New York Times, March 10, 2004.
