The majority of mums feel guilty about participating in sport and fitness pursuits. That’s the conclusion of a 2019 study by Sport England. Despite exercise being touted as an excellent way for mums to improve their health after having a baby, many don’t feel like it’s a viable option.
Surveying 1,000 mothers with children ranging from new-borns to six-years-old, Sport England found that most prioritise family and housework. Additionally, 61% said they worried about enjoying sport or exercise as it felt like they were neglecting their responsibilities.
Don’t Let Time or Money Slow You Down
While no one would argue that mums need to put some sort of emphasis on the care of their children, it shouldn’t come at the expense of personal care. Indeed, as well as the health benefits of exercise, Sport England has stressed that sport can build relationships outside of the home, something new mums often struggle with. What’s more, it’s believed that a mother’s activity levels have a greater impact on a child’s future interests than a father’s. Therefore, a mum that exercises is more likely to raise a child that’s interested in health and fitness.
Of course, we all know that time is precious as a mother. Indeed, Sport England’s report showed that 77% of those surveyed cited lack of time as the main issue for not exercising. A further 21% said high costs were a barrier to entry. Those are fair points. However, in today’s world, they don’t have to be limiting factors. With the right tools, any mum can not only enjoy sport and improve their overall health but mould their offspring into a more active induvial.
The Internet is an Active Place
For example, off the back of its findings, Sport England launched This Girl Can. A series of online and social media tips, articles and videos, the initiative is designed to help more mums (and women) get into fitness. As well as theoretical advice, the website provides practical activities that women can fit around their daily lives. From “school runs” and home HIIT workouts to clubs and ways to exercise with a child, This Girl Can is filled with ways for everyone to get more active.
Looking at the internet at a whole, sports betting websites can also be a fantastic gateway into sport. A major reason many people shy away from getting into sports is a lack of knowledge. Inside Unibet, for example, statistical data abounds. From odds on the latest events to results, win ratios and more, the site is awash with information anyone can use to learn more about a pursuit. Beyond that, there are promotions, insights from experts and live streams. In unison, these resources allow novices to familiarise themselves with a broad range of sports, some of which they may then go on to try.
Global Training at Home
For those that know what they like but feel like it’s impossible to leave the house, apps are the order of the day. Scroll through the major app stores and you’ll find a plethora of fitness products. Some are free, some you have to pay for.
However, in the end, they all do the same job. By offering up workouts you can do almost anywhere, these apps have made it possible for mums to exercise in their home. In fact, even though they can’t quite replicate the social side of joining a gym or sports team, there are interactive elements available.
For example, Under Armour’s My Fitness Pal not only allows you to track calories and complete workouts but share your achievements with an online community. Taking it a step further, newer fitness apps such as Gixo stream live classes to your device every day. Basically, just because you’re exercising at home, it doesn’t mean you’re alone. This, combined with the convenience of an app, is another great way to become more active as a mum. Even if you only do something once a week, that’s a start. In the end, whatever you do, the evidence shows being an active mum will not only benefit you but your child and those around you.
