Women who exercise daily are an average of 4 pounds lighter one year after giving birth than are women who exercise less frequently, a study at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., found. But just 11 percent of the 622 women studied exercised regularly, 42 percent rarely. What motivated new moms to exercise was a can-do attitude about it (called self-efficacy) and the knowledge that exercise improves a new mother's mental health, physical fitness and appearance. According a researcher Christine Olson, Ph.D., R.D., to increase your feelings of self-efficacy, you should set reasonable goals, such as extending stroller walks by 10 minutes each week, and walk with others who can help motivate and support you.

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COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group