Woman Tracks Childbirth as Workout on Fitness App, Sparks Debate on Social Media
In a surprising turn of events, a woman has gained attention on social media for tracking her childbirth as a workout on the fitness app Strava. The post, shared by user @paularambles on X (formerly known as Twitter), showcased a screenshot of a Strava user who recorded the five and a half hours she spent in labor, burning 914 calories with an average heart rate of 81 beats per minute.
While the accuracy of the screenshot could not be verified due to the user’s identity being blacked out for privacy, the concept of quantifying childbirth as a workout has sparked a debate online. The post has garnered over eight thousand retweets and 5.7 million views, with users expressing a mix of awe and skepticism at the idea of measuring the “calorie burn” of labor and receiving “kudos” for it on a fitness app.
Even the official Strava account joined the conversation, humorously stating, “If it’s not on Strava, it never happened.” This playful remark highlights the growing trend of using fitness trackers to document and share various life events, including childbirth.
Critics of the trend argue that the constant need to quantify every aspect of our lives, including intimate moments like childbirth, reflects a societal obsession with fitness and validation through digital means. The pressure to track and share personal experiences for external validation raises questions about the true purpose of such data-driven activities.
On the other hand, supporters of tracking childbirth as a workout see it as a way to acknowledge the physical and emotional challenges women face during labor. Studies have shown that the physical toll of childbirth can be comparable to running a marathon, with similar injuries and recovery times. The brain’s response to the pain and memories of both events further emphasizes the connection between intense exercise and labor.
Despite the physical and emotional demands of childbirth, society often overlooks the efforts of new mothers, especially in countries like the United States where paid maternity leave is not guaranteed. Using technology to document and share the experience of childbirth can provide validation and recognition for the incredible feat of bringing a new life into the world.
In a culture that often downplays women’s pain and sacrifices, tracking childbirth as a workout can serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of mothers. By celebrating the physical exertion and energy expended during labor, new moms can receive the credit and acknowledgment they deserve for their remarkable achievement.
So, while the idea of tracking childbirth as a workout may seem unconventional to some, it ultimately serves as a way to honor and appreciate the incredible journey of motherhood. Whether it’s through a fitness app or a simple acknowledgment of the challenges faced during labor, every effort to recognize the efforts of new mothers is a step in the right direction.