Have you noticed that the typical
‘gym junkie’ exercises more in the face of
stress than those who are relatively new to
exercise? It has also been documented that
women who are habitually active are more
likely to use physical activity to cope with
stress than those who are sedentary. When
considering the impact of the female client’s
stress on physical activity you should
consider where their commitment levels to
exercise already are. Ask yourself:
1. Is your client a ‘multiple role mum’ just
starting out? If so, she is more likely to
struggle to commit to a regular
exercise program.
2. Is your client a ‘multiple role fit busy
mum’? If so, she is more likely to use
exercise to manage stress, but may also
be trying to keep up with the
‘Superwoman’ archetype.
The ‘Superwoman’ mum
Does your client’s bid to be a ‘Superwoman’
pose a problem? There are two views.
On the one hand, having multiple roles
can enrich life experiences, and increase
prestige, power, social connection and
emotional gratification. On the other hand,
multiple roles can increase the risk of
overload and strain. Stress within one role
could also increase the stress across her
other roles. Either situation could apply to
any female client.
Let’s take a closer look at a client who
just can’t seem to shift the post-baby
The 30-second article
• Stress and the menstrual cycle are two
of the most significant factors affecting
‘fit busy mum’ training clients
• Simultaneously engaging in multiple
roles means that many of your female
clients may be suffering stress
• Stress negative impacts exercise: it
predicts less physical activity
• Hormonal changes throughout the
menstrual cycle should affect the
type of exercise you program for
female clients.
weight. You’ve written a great program, and
she’s turning up to training but can’t lose the
fat. Why? It might be time to consider what
else is going on with her. Evidence indicates )ѡ