of A non-randomized study published in Canadian Health and Fitness Journal, We followed 19 women younger than 9 months postpartum who participated in a biweekly strength-based group exercise program created by. remills 8 weeks total.Although it is worth noting that this study was very small and more robust research on the psychological health of postpartum women is needed, the results Did it We are beginning to shed light on how effective fitness can be in improving the mental health of new moms.
At the end of the study, the researchers identified two major findings of note via a questionnaire given to all participants. I noticed—signifies temporary but highly emotional anxiety— Before and after each exercise class. Next, they noticed “significant improvements in meeting basic psychological needs (competence) and significant improvements in autonomous regulation (intrinsic motivation),” write the study authors. increase.
Interestingly, however, no increase in self-efficacy or improvement in depression, perceived stress, or ‘trait anxiety’ characterized by the anxiety experienced in many situations has been reported.
Still, if you’re a new mother (or soon-to-be), the positive results are worth having in your pocket. Dr. Peggy Lu, licensed psychologist trained in Postpartum Support International“The results aren’t surprising to me. Especially in the first few months after giving birth, mothers often go through such radical life, role, and physical changes,” she says. “There is overwhelming evidence supporting physical activity and exercise as a way to reduce anxiety.”
According to Dr. Loo, three aspects of the study are key to understanding the kind of support new mothers really need. “What stood out to me about the study was the group format, where women were able to bring their babies, and this happened within the first nine months after giving birth,” she says.
“Investing in your body and spending time regularly to strengthen it is extremely empowering and can restore a sense of self-care and identity that is often forgotten in the day-to-day work of parenting. —Dr. Peggy Lou
Exercise itself is powerful because there is significant research showing that moving your body makes your mind a safer, happier place. “Investing in and regularly devoting time to strengthening your body is extremely empowering and can restore a sense of self-care and identity that is often forgotten in the day-to-day work of parenting an infant. she says. Childcare crisis has left thousands of women without adequate supportcan’t miss what the class provided.
“Finally, there’s always something powerful about being around women who are in a similar stage of life. Raising children with peace of mind that they are not alonesays Dr. Lou.
Hopefully, future research will delve deeper into its roots. Fat phobia leading to postpartum anxiety,addition Linda Baggett, PhD in Inclusive Therapist. “I think one very important factor that hasn’t been mentioned is the problem of weight prejudice and fat phobia. Weight prejudice and fat phobiaBoth contribute to eating disorders, increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, and make the exercise space a hostile rather than a supportive environment for anyone with a large body,” says Dr. Baggett.
Dr. Loo says that new moms can put this research into practice by adding strength training to their daily routines (even if it’s Twice a week, literally just 10 minutes)“I think the advancement of nearly all online options post-Covid is something mothers can really take advantage of,” she says. “Participating in online streaming exercise classes from home was also an option. Gathering a few mothers together for a weekly Zoom session and sharing a screen playing a short yoga video was an option similar to this study. You can mimic the structure creatively, but with more flexibility.”
Get moving with this 10-minute postpartum workout:
