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Active Parents 0001
Active Parents 0001
Active Parents 0001
Do at I Do:
Active Parcnts Make
Active Families
ffi BYMASARAHVAN EYCK ued, "fparents] have to real-
for Capital Newpaperd ize that taking care of them-
With the immeasurable selves is taking care of their
demands of raising a child, babies."
staying fit as a parent can be Dana Micinski, a mother
difficult. Especially in the of two who teaches a pre-
first years, when parenting is and post-natal fitness class at
an around-the-clock job, the west branch of the
what used to be a mind-clear- YMCA of Dane Count5r,
ing, exhilarating workout can agrees. "You have to have a
feel more like another chore. little time to decompress so
Add sleep deprivation to the that you can deal with being
challenge and few parents a mom again," she said,
would choose an invigorating Micinski, who has been an
three-mile run over a pilfered obstetrics nurse for 10 years
snooze between feedings. and a fitness instructor even
But medical advice tells us longer, also says that mothers
Eeectant mom |{d,rcn Zanoya keeps in shape by attendint a pte- and post-natal that the benefits of being in benefit from the social aspect
fihess crass at the WestYMCA. pHoro: ATMANDA wEcNER shape while expecting and of her classes, as they follow
raising children are clear: one another's pregnancies
mothers experience easier and ask advice about every-
labors when they are strong thing from epidurals to
and flexible, we all sleep breastfeeding. "I dont know
more easily and deeply after why they cant ask those
a workout, and regular exer- questions in a doctor's
cise makes any parent better office," she laughs, "but they
able to handle the tossed peas feel more comfortable when
and harrowing car rides that everybody's talking about it."
accompany life with small Often, she said, pregnant
children. women who have never exer-
"Mindful exercise can be cised or who have come to
so important," said Dr. class, just to meet new people,
Alison Craig-Shashko, a end up staying long past their
pediatrician with the due dates once they realize
Universigr of Wisconsin the benefits of being in
Hospital and Clinics, shape. "Getting started and
"because it makes you take finding a class that fits a per-
time out for yourself." As a son's needs and has q.social
new mother herself, however, aspect is key," she explained.
slre algo knows how challeng- '1But once th"yr"illze lhuJ
ing tliis can be. "You have to enjoy fthe class], they stick
!;
be realistic with your eners/ #ttt it."
reseryes," she conceded. "Eat While some glms, like the
as well as you can, exercise YMCA, offer in-house child-
when you can. But the rest is care, staying in shape need
up to nature, you just do not induce separation anxi'
vour best." Still, she contin-
continu0 on page 15
A LOCAL GUIDE FOR PARENTS IN DANE COUNTY Page 15