ParticipACTION: Busy lives and the active women who lead them

There are thrills and spills on any course through life.  Many women will grow and change through a variety of significant roles as they age, including wife, mother, and employee.  Each role places different demands on a woman’s time and is often associated with changes in physical activity levels.

Research shows that each life stage in a woman’s life presents different challenges and opportunities to living a healthy, active lifestyle. 

“No matter what a woman has going on in her life, it’s important that she take time to be physically active,” says Kelly Murumets, President and CEO of ParticipACTION, the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada.  “When you’re active and healthy you’ll be better able to take on whatever life throws at you.” 

Here are some tips to help women stay moving at various pivotal stages in life.

As new wife or partner

As you begin spending more time with, or settle down with a partner, you may be experiencing new living arrangements and less time for yourself.  To make sure that physical activity doesn’t take a back seat to your new partner, you can try:

• Joining a co-ed soccer team as a couple.  You can get fit together—and with others—and you will look cute in your matching jerseys.
• Visit a farmers’ market together.  Walk around, connect with your community, and purchase some healthy, local produce.
• Sexercise.  Not only is sex great physical activity, it will also strengthen your relationship.

As new mother

All of a sudden you have someone completely dependent on you, 24/7.  Being active, both with your baby and on your own, will help you deal with the new demands and delights in your life.  You can try:

• Postnatal yoga.  The classes are specifically designed for new moms.
• Checking out strollerfit or another exercise class for baby and mom.  Get fit while spending time with your baby, and meet women who you can trade all your diaper stories with.
• Going for a walk.  The motion of the stroller will soothe your baby as you move your way to being a fit mom.

As a new retiree

Retirement does not mean sitting on the porch in a rocking chair.  Now you finally have the flexibility to do all the physical activity you didn’t have time for when you were working.  You can try:

• Diving into aqua fitness.  Water provides added resistance to your movements, but also supports your bones and joints.
• Donating your time as a volunteer.  Many volunteer opportunities require you to be active, and it’s a great way to give back to your community.
• Joining a golf league.  Golf allows you to play and interact with other people, get a lot of exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.

As a new grandmother

Ask most grandparents and they’ll tell you that being a grandparent is more fun than being a parent.  A great way to spend time with your grandchildren is by doing something active together.  Not only will you get more activity in your day, but your grandchildren will get the opportunity to learn healthy habits and share their interests and activities with you.  You can try:

• Walking your grandchildren to school.  Work obligations may prevent the parents from walking their children to school, but if you have the time, you will help establish this daily active habit.
• Signing up for a new activity, like karate, in which students are grouped based on skill and not age.
• Taking a family hike.  Make it a family affair and include your children, too.  Research shows that childhood exposure to the Great Outdoors can increase physical activity and instil a love and appreciation for the outdoors that will endure for life.

For more tips and inspiration on getting physical activity into your day, please visit www.participACTION.com.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, July 2010