Despite these understandable circumstances, the researchers emphasize that sufficient exercise is really worth prioritizing. “High-intensity exercise can be associated with good health,” says Hesketh. “Think, for example, of better cardiovascular health, a reduced risk of diabetes and weight gain and even an improved mental state of mind. So if mothers are unable to exercise more intensively, this can have consequences for their future health.”
How?
A pressing question is how mothers of young or more children can be encouraged to move more. And is that actually possible? “Absolutely,” says Hesketh when asked. “It just has to be better tailored to the personal circumstances. Buggy workouts (where moms work out in the buggy with their baby, ed.), for example, are becoming increasingly popular. While this is a great way to train with your child, mothers often stop when it becomes more difficult to entertain older children during such a session. It would therefore make sense to also look at active sessions for mom and toddler, in which they move together. Arranging a babysitter or childcare can also be a good way to keep mothers physically active.”
“The biggest obstacle for mothers to exercise is finding time for themselves”
To school
All in all, the results of the study show that mothers of young or more children are often a lot less sporty due to circumstances and therefore miss out on important health benefits. By discussing this, Hesketh hopes that awareness will increase and that something will change. However, the researchers also have some hopeful news for mothers who really see no possibility of making time for themselves. “What’s interesting is that our analysis also shows what happens once children start school,” says Hesketh. “In that case, the daily schedule often changes, so that mothers see more opportunities to move more intensively again.”
Nevertheless, the researchers emphasize that physical activity is also necessary for mothers with young or multiple children. “So we need to find ways to help these mothers get enough and enough exercise,” says Hesketh. “That’s really important. And now that we know which parents are less likely to do this, we need to encourage them more. Parents naturally want the best for their children. But they need to realize that this includes taking good care of themselves. Because one of the best things for kids is having happy and healthy parents!”