Have you ever paused to think about how your mom or grandmother filled their days when you were little? Interestingly, the answer reveals a stark contrast to how modern moms spend their time, especially regarding physical activity. A study from the Mayo Clinic looked at how mothers with young kids in 1965 compared to those in 2010 in terms of daily activity levels. They tracked everything from housework and childcare to exercise and found some surprising results.
Today’s mothers are logging a whopping 13.9 hours less of physical activity each week and are spending an extra 5.7 hours per week being sedentary. For moms with older children, the gap is even wider: they are 7 hours more sedentary and engage in 11.1 hours less physical activity compared to their counterparts from 1965. This translates to nearly two hours less of activity each day, equating to a decrease of 1200 to 1500 calories burned weekly.
But let’s not jump to conclusions; this isn’t about laziness. It reflects how maternal roles have evolved. Nowadays, more mothers work outside the home, meaning more time is spent commuting or at a desk rather than doing household chores like vacuuming or mopping. Plus, thanks to technological advancements, many tasks are less physically demanding, allowing for more time spent sitting down.
The health implications for today’s moms are significant and might explain the rising rates of weight-related health issues. To counteract this trend, modern moms need to actively incorporate physical activity into their routines. Whether it’s fitting in a morning walk, taking the stairs, or even joining a Zumba class, it’s essential to make movement a priority. After the kids are asleep, consider an online fitness class to squeeze in some extra exercise.
Even with regular workouts, making up for a two-hour daily deficit can be challenging, which means being mindful of calorie intake is crucial. Cutting back on fats and sugars while aiming for 3-5 servings of veggies daily can help maintain a balanced diet that suits today’s busy moms.
How do you stay active with your little ones? Share your tips!
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In summary, while modern moms are less active than their grandmothers, understanding the reasons behind this shift can help in finding ways to stay healthy and active in today’s world.
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