by Cara Forrester
In conjunction with our Mom Strong by MINT Strength and Conditioning Program launching, I wanted to highlight and shout out to a specific group of strong moms with an important “why”…
Last weekend I met three different mamas who wanted and NEEDED to be strong for the same reason. To care for their severely handicapped children. As moms and women in general it is so important to be physically strong. There are so many reasons to work on physical strength including; increased capability, bone, joint and muscular health, mental fortitude, maintaining independence while aging, decreased risk of falls, feeling and looking good and of course-an increased capacity to keep up with and care for our children.
As a mom of three I can testify that increased physical strength is helpful in every aspect of motherhood. The stronger I am, the more capable and easier everything is. However, for this special group of mamas taking care of special children, that need to be physically strong and capable is even higher. In chatting with these women last week I learned that one of them works out because her daughter has a rare bone condition that requires her to be carried most places at the age of 3 years old. This strong mama is carrying around a 3 year old and caring for her newborn on a daily basis. She needs to be Mom Strong in a way that keeps her going and able to care for her family without breaking her down and making her too tired to keep up. She shared with me that she wants to push really hard in her workouts but that she is dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence and that if she gets too sore during a workout then it makes it extra hard for her to care for her daughter. This incredible woman is Mom Strong.
The other two mamas I met both have older children with autism. One of which also has Down Syndrome. As their children grow, the physical demand of carrying, chasing, and caring for their children has increased. They shared that if they did not strength train they would not be able to keep up with the physical demands of caring for their children. These women are Mom Strong.
All three of these women perfectly exemplify the airplane oxygen mask analogy. They have to put on their own masks first, before helping others. In other words, they need to be physically capable and strong for themselves and in order to help their children.
As a mom, it can be difficult to find the time to “put on the mask first” but for some moms, it is vital. Here is to hoping that all moms make the time, find the support and believe they can be strong-your body and health deserve it.
You got this, Mama! If you’re looking for a program to follow through pregnancy, return to fitness postpartum, or to be forever Mom Strong, head to our programs page! You’ll get access to our Facebook group where you can chat with The MINT Mamas and other Moms like you!
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