Iris Lesser

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With mothers navigating never-ending to-do lists, expecting a traditional approach to exercise (travel to an exercise facility, engage in 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, travel home) is not going to make the cut. (Shutterstock)

Flexible fitness: How moms can blend movement and motherhood for mental well‑being

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley

For stressed-out mothers, exercise can boost mental well-being. But if a fitness routine isn’t flexible, it can be just another task on an endless to-do list.
Elle St. Pierre wins a heat in the women’s 1500-meter run during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials in June 2024, 17 months after the birth of her son. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Balancing the narrative: Celebrating Olympic mothers without losing sight of the postpartum struggle

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley

We can appreciate the exceptional performance of mothers in the Olympics, while also recognizing the challenges faced by mothers and the need for realistic role models of postpartum physical activity.
L'hiver ne doit pas être un prétexte à demeurer enfermé. Faire des activités physiques extérieures, comme la marche, a de nombreux bienfaits pour la santé. La Presse canadienne/Justin Tang

Allez jouer dehors ! Neuf conseils pour garder la forme durant l’hiver

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley; Amanda Wurz, University of The Fraser Valley, and Cynthia Thomson, University of The Fraser Valley

Pratiquer une activité physique à l’extérieur a de nombreux bienfaits pour la santé. Voici neuf conseils pour devenir – et demeurer – des adeptes de plein air hivernal.
Thick snow covers tree branches as people walk along a street in Ottawa after a snowstorm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Taking fitness outside: 9 tips for becoming more active through the Canadian winter

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley; Amanda Wurz, University of The Fraser Valley, and Cynthia Thomson, University of The Fraser Valley

Taking your physical activity outside comes with added benefits. Here are ways to pursue your fitness goals outdoors, even in the middle of a Canadian winter.
Self-compassion can not only enhance physical and psychological health, but may also influence physical activity in the postpartum period. (Shutterstock)

Heart rate variability and self‑compassion: Two tools to help postpartum mothers make exercise decisions

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley; Corliss Bean, Brock University, and Gillian Hatfield, University of The Fraser Valley

Physical activity and new motherhood can be hard to navigate, but physiological feedback and self-compassion can help inform decisions about when and how to exercise.
Many women feel there is inadequate support for exercise after the birth of a child, stating a need for more information from health-care professionals about guidelines for returning to physical activity. (Shutterstock)

Returning to exercise postpartum: Supporting women’s physical activity after the birth of a child

Iris Lesser, University of The Fraser Valley; Carl Nienhuis, University of The Fraser Valley; Corliss Bean, Brock University, and Talia Ritondo, Brock University

When asked about postpartum exercise, women were curious about strategies and recommendations for physical activity after the birth of a child, including finding the time, energy and motivation.

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