There are many benefits to adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate amounts of physical activity. One of the biggest benefits is improved cardiovascular health. Other benefits include reducing the occurrence of diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. There is also a reduction in anxiety and depression in physically active people. In women at different ages across the lifespan, physical activity has been shown to positively influence general health, mental health, reduced obesity rates, and overall vitality.1 These same benefits extend apply to postpartum women, particularly improved psychosocial well-being and cardiovascular fitness. Returning to physical activity is also associated with a reduction in anxiety, depression, lactation-induced bone loss, and stress urinary incontinence.2 There are a fairly large number of women in the general population who do not participate in regular physical activities for exercise, and available data are conflicting on the level of physical activity of women with and without children or before and after pregnancy.1 Weight maintenance during pregnancy can lead to higher risks and occurrences of obesity and obesity-related diseases and health problems. As with any individual, physical activity and exercise appear to be a good approach to reducing weight retention and postpartum obesity.1,2 The American College of Physical Activity Guidelines Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that adults participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity. activity 5 days per week or vigorous intensity for at least 20 minutes 3 days per week.1 ACSM guidelines recommend that postpartum women return to exercise...... middle of paper ...... already have a stroller. It also eliminates other barriers such as child care issues while providing personal and health benefits to the mother. There are likely benefits for the baby too, as being outside will provide a different type of stimulation. Mothers should just watch out for excessive stimulation on walks if their babies are younger. The baby tends to be the focus of the postpartum period, but it may be beneficial to devote a little more attention to the mother in order to promote optimal health and a return to pre-pregnancy status. Works cited1. Greany JF and Greany KA. The fitness benefits of pushing a stroller. J Physiotherapy for women's health. 2013;37(3):103-107.2. Evenson KR, Aytur SA, Borodulin K. Physical activity beliefs, barriers, and enablers among postpartum women. J Women's Health. 2009;18:1925-1934.