Motherhood, stress and the exercise experience: Freedom or constraint?

Journal article


Currie, Janet Lynne. (2004). Motherhood, stress and the exercise experience: Freedom or constraint? Leisure Studies. 23(3), pp. 225 - 242. https://doi.org/10.1080/0261436042000251987
AuthorsCurrie, Janet Lynne
Abstract

Lack of leisure and time to self have been found to be major stressors for mothers. This paper examines perceived stress‐relieving benefits gained from involvement in a 12 week exercise class program by a group of mothers (n = 30, x̄ age = 37.3 years). Qualitative data indicated that exercise classes had the capacity to reduce perceived stress levels. The exercising mothers reported greater feelings of well‐being mainly due to gaining a space of their own, time‐out from busy schedules and the burden of childcare, and the feeling of doing something to improve their physical appearance. The negative or constraining aspects of exercise class participation included normalisation and self examination of women's bodies, and self‐surveillance rather than freedom of choice. The conclusions of this paper suggest that exercise classes can provide one avenue for mothers to take more control over their own health and lifestyle.

Year2004
JournalLeisure Studies
Journal citation23 (3), pp. 225 - 242
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN0261-4367
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/0261436042000251987
Scopus EID2-s2.0-3242752728
Page range225 - 242
Research GroupSports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/87q61/motherhood-stress-and-the-exercise-experience-freedom-or-constraint

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