By Jen Dugard
W
NEW MUMS:
SETTING FITNESS
GOALS
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WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SPRING 2018
e all know its
helpful to set
goals with our
clients, but when working
with new mums is there
more to consider? I think so,
YES. As Fitness Professionals
it is relatively common to
talk in terms of aesthetic
and weight loss goals,
training and fitness goals.
We talk to clients about
how they want to look in
a certain item of clothing
(that perhaps doesn’t fit
them anymore) how much
weight they want to lose,
how fast they want to run
a certain distance and
how heavy they want to
lift. Each of these goals has
its place but I feel when
talking with new-mums it
would be incredibly helpful
to change the conversation
a little.
What many people don’t know (unless
you are a new-mum yourself) is the huge
amount of pressure many women are
already putting on themselves. We also
need to consider what they don’t know.
When a new mum comes to work
with me my first goal is to ensure she
understands that to begin with our focus
is on working from the inside-out. On the
parts she cannot see and is sometimes
not aware of (through seeing a women’s
health physio). And setting expectations
that are achievable and realistic right
now; the rest can follow.
So where do we start?
I choose to start with a number of
thoughts to frame the process rather
than specific goals. And they look like
this:
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SPRING 2018
1.
Encourage your client to lok at her
body. Aim to look at your body in terms
of what it has ‘done’ and what it can
now ‘do’ - start to make steps to rebuild
her body in terms of functionality and
strength. Nurture it through great food
and the ‘looks’ will follow.
2.
Encourage your client to reduce
self criticism and lead by example - her
children are influenced by her view of
her body.
3.
Encourage your client to really
understand what she wants - if she wants
to become stronger and fitter than she
has ever been before, encourage her to
believe she can do it BUT know it will take
hard work, dedication and a little more
time than initially thought but remind her
she can get there and you will guide her
safely and effectively.
4.
Encourage your client to use this
time to re-set her attitude. Many women
experience restricted eating or excess
exercise in their younger years. A lot of
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