The group exercise intervention was the 45-minute group fitness class Les Mills TONE , which aims to strengthen core musculature , improve aerobic fitness and balance , and increase muscular strength and endurance .
Participants were given the option to bring their baby to the group fitness class to help reduce potential barriers with exercise engagement . Previous research has demonstrated no significant difference in anxiety outcomes when 45-minute aerobic exercise sessions were completed with or without baby present ( Cramp & Bray , 2010 ). In each class , the instructor provided options to either increase or decrease the intensity of each exercise . In addition , options for using the baby as weight if the mother had to be attending to the baby during exercise were provided .
Before and after the 8-week exercise intervention , participants completed online questionnaires . For mental health outcomes , in addition to state anxiety , postpartum depression , trait anxiety , and perceived stress were
“ What you might call ‘ Neapolitan workouts ’ that give a flavor of three key training disciplines like cardio , strength and core are ideal for new moms , as they offer variety and a broad range of benefits ,” adds Bryce . measured . Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale , which is the most common and widely used screening instrument for assessing perinatal anxiety and depression ( Gibson , McKenzie-McHarg , Shakespeare , Price , & Gray , 2009 ).
“ Seeking workouts that offer the flexibility to find your level and continually progress are really important for new moms , while adding social elements by training with others is another great way to reinforce the habit .”
At the completion of the program , participants additionally completed the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire ( PAGEQ ) ( Estabrooks & Carron , 2000 ) to assess the experience of engaging in group exercise
Participants in the study were encouraged to increase or decrease intensity based on their own abilities . This is essential whether you ’ re a fitness newbie or an elite-level exerciser , notes Les Mills international presenter and trainer Dee Rowell . with other new mothers , while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions . Group cohesion was measured utilizing PAGEQ , which measures four separate constructs : individual members ’ attraction to the group task ( ATG-T ), individual members ’ perception of attraction , acceptance , and social interaction within the group ( ATG-S ),
“ No one should feel pressure to bounce back or recover quickly after birth . Our journeys during conception , pregnancy and postpartum are all different , so we just need to do what feels right ,” says Dee , who recently individual members ’ perceptions of bonding and closeness to the collective task ( GI-T ), as well as individual members ’ perceptions of integrating into the social atmosphere of the group ( GI-S ). gave birth and found her return to exercise took longer than expected .
“ I ’ ve got a new appreciation for moving slower . I made a promise to give myself time and grace and remember what my body has been through . An aesthetic goal has never been in my mind . I just want to be fit and strong .”
METHODOLOGY
Twenty-one women less than one year postpartum volunteered to participate in a bi-weekly group exercise program for 8 weeks .
All women were at least 6-weeks postpartum and had been given physician clearance to begin exercising again . Classes were offered twice per week at an outdoor location due to restrictions on indoor exercise during the study period which coincided with the