Mums bike to beat cabin fever

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 455, 29 September 1992, Page 3

Mums bike to beat cabin fever

By

Jan

Savell

A group of women in Waiouru have set out to bring a ray of sunshine into the lives of Waiouru mothers housebound by small children and the inclement weather. The Mums' Fitness Group was started a fortnight ago by three mothers of pre-school children who were frustrated by the lack of opportunity for them to exercise. The group has since grown to a hard core of six enthusiasts with new women approaching group members daily. Marion Oliver, Wendy Moss and Jo Sprott had tried various childcare and exercise arrangements but nothing seemed quite right until they hit upon the system by which this group operates. No money changes hands. The only requirement of group members is that they are willing to take their turn at looking after the children. Each day the activity is divided into two sessions so that the participants exercise for 45-60 minutes and look after children for the other 45-60 minutes. "At present we are really enjoying power-walk-ing, with or without handweights (for an upper body workout as well). We are seeing good results already," said Marion Oliver. "We provided a welcome alternative to ladies who don't enjoy running or who are pregnant. It is easy to do and you don't have to be terribly fit or in great shape to do it." All exercise is low impact and the emphasis is

on peer support. The group meet every day no matter what the weather. On really wet days the ex-

ercycles and weight machines in the gymnasium are used. Even the children join in - 'racing' each

other on the front of mum's exercycle! "The motivation of going with other mums

keeps you from cheating yourself. Also the fitter and better you feel the less the lousy weather gets you down," Marion said. "And it is good for the children," said Wendy Moss. "They get a chance to socialise too. If it is fine we take them to the park so they're getting exercise out in the fresh air too." Interested Mums can telephone Marion 3876763, Wendy 3876446 or Jo 3876658 to find out more about the group.