Parkview Warsaw Center for Healthy Living’s innovative ”Moms on the Move” program continues to promote health and wellbeing for pregnant and new moms while providing an additional source of fun and connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from Parkview.
The free fitness program was designed through a partnership between the Parkview Warsaw Center for Healthy Living and the Parkview Warsaw YMCA and received funding from the K21 Health Foundation. It provides exercise classes specifically for new and expecting mothers while providing a platform to connect and build supportive relationships.
Melissa Buesching, coordinator, Parkview Warsaw Center for Healthy Living Well-Being, and Tracy Frick, director of healthy living, Parkview Warsaw YMCA, recognized the need for support among new and pregnant mothers in the county last year before the current pandemic hit. They are pleased the program was able to quickly adapt to safely meet the needs of its members while continuing to provide a source of support and belonging to moms during this stressful time, the release states.
“We know how isolated and overwhelmed new and expecting moms can feel under normal circumstances, so it’s not surprising that COVID-19 may have exacerbated those feelings,” said Frick. “I’m thrilled that we have been able to quickly pivot and utilize Zoom and YouTube platforms in order to provide classes and support to our moms.”
Buesching, who helped design “Moms on the Move,” says the program represents a continued dedication the Center for Healthy Living and the YMCA share to engage and support families in the community.
“Our ‘Moms on the Move’ program is the newest example of a wide range of programming we’ve designed for new and expecting families here at the Center,” said Buesching. “Our other classes, including our childbirth classes, Lamaze classes and breast-feeding support group, are all designed to meet the needs of moms as they navigate this time in their lives.”
Rich Haddad, president and CEO, K21 Health Foundation, agrees the program is another way to foster a sense of health and well-being in the residents of Kosciusko County. “It is never too early to begin incorporating healthy habits into your life,” said Haddad. “New moms embracing fitness with their new baby is a great program to do just that.”
”Moms on the Move” livestreams a free pre/postnatal cardio/strength training class on Fridays and recently added a new outdoor “Stride and Stroll” walk on Wednesdays around the Parkview Warsaw YMCA walking trail. A new one-on-one online consultation with a Parkview Health registered dietician will also be available to registered participants.
Registration is required for full access to the free programming. To register for the “Moms on the Move” program, call the Parkview Center for Healthy Living at 260-266-6500.
