The Gen X Woman: Strength, Stress

1
The Gen X WomanStrength, Stress Self

• Maintaining a Higher Level of Physical Activity
• Elaine Winslow-Redmond MS, ATC
• Radio City Rockettes

2
The Radio City RockettesA group of highly
skilled generation X female athletes

• How they maintain an extremely high level of
  physical activity while facing the challenges of
  their generation

3
How times have changedand keeping with the times

• Over the past ten years the Rockette choreography
  has become increasingly more challenging
• More technically demanding
• Extensive intricate routines
• Higher levels of fitness required to maintain
  higher level choreography
• Increased potential for injury

4
Radio Citys response to the higher physical
demands placed on the Radio City Rockettes

• An in-house Athletic Training Program geared
  towards the Radio City Rockettes and the Radio
  City Christmas Spectacular

5
In-house Athletic Training Program Model

• Full coverage by a certified athletic trainer for
  all rehearsals and performances
• Access to a sports medicine doctor, podiatrist
  and general practitioner throughout the season
• In-house rehabilitation services
• Preparticipation screening exams injury
  prevention education

6
Reduction of Injuries in the Radio City Christmas
Spectacular from 2001 to 2003
7
Challenges Facing theGeneration X Female
Athletes

• Starting a family while maintaining a career
• Maintaining high level of fitness through
  pregnancy
• Pressure to conceive prior to age 40
• Potentially delay pregnancy for fear of losing
  ones competitive edge
• CDC reports a 51 increase in birth rates of
  women between the age of 35-44 from 1990-2002

8
Good news for Female Athletes

•   Recent articles published discussing the
  implications of exercise and pregnancy offer good
  news for female athletes
• Alteration of training patterns during pregnancy
  will have little impact on pre pregnancy
  training programs.
• - Training Patterns of Athletes During
  Pregnancy Postpartum Res Q Exercise
  Sport. 2001 Mar 72(1)39-40
• Regular exercise for pregnant woman is safe and
  beneficial.
• - Exercise During Pregnancy
• Physician Sportsmedicine.Vol. 27 No. 8
  Aug 99
•  

9
Guideline changes favoring increased exercise

• The American College of Obstetricians and
  Gynecologists (ACOG) recently revised their
  guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. Their
  revisions allow an increase in the level and
  intensity of exercise recommended during
  pregnancy. This is a positive change for female
  athletes looking to start a family and should
  help to encourage women of this generation to
  stay fit during pregnancy without fear of
  significant decreases in their level of fitness.

10
Revised American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists ACOG Guidelines

• Continue mild-moderate exercise routines
  throughout pregnancy. Thirty minutes or more of
  moderate exercise daily is safe during pregnancy.
• No exercise in the supine position (flat on back)
  after 1st trimester.
• There is a decrease in oxygen available as
  pregnancy progresses so modify intensity of
  exercise accordingly. Non-weight bearing exercise
  will decrease the risk of injury during
  pregnancy.
• Be aware of balance changes especially during 3rd
  trimester and avoid activities that require great
  balance.
• Increase caloric intake by 300 calories daily
  while exercising and pregnant
• Stay cool and hydrated during exercise at all
  times.
• After birth resume pre pregnancy exercise routine
  gradually.
•   

11
Thank You!!