The generation of mothers that simply can’t afford to exercise

Lack of childcare facilities at gyms is one of the prime reasons for 21 per cent of UK women aged between 20-85 not exercising, according to a new study. 

The findings come amidst growing concerns that many new mothers feel pressured to get back into shape quickly, inspired by celebrities who regain fabulous bodies just weeks after giving birth.

Yet according to the recent think tank Centreforum report by Elizabeth Truss, childcare costs are escalating with families spending more than a quarter (27 per cent) of their income on childminding.

The new research, conducted by Concept2, the UK and Ireland distributor of the world’s leading indoor rowing machine, found that 24 per cent of women said they would exercise if they had access to a gym at work.   However, the time pressures of looking after a newborn and adjusting to life as a new mother coupled with money constraints played a significant role in preventing them from leaving the house for the gym or to exercise outdoors.

Alex Skelton of Concept2 says : “The news is worrying for both stay at home mums as well as working mothers who have to shell out extra money to find a child care centre near the gym should they wish to exercise.  Indoor rowing is an ideal way for everyone, whatever their age and ability, to shed weight and tone, and more and more people, particularly women, are finding out that it’s an excellent all round work out.  It’s a low impact sport which exercises all of the major muscle groups to get people fit. Most importantly it can be done in the comfort of your own home.”