Women fighting the post-pregnancy weight battle face a lot of challenges, not the least of which is just finding the time to exercise. New research from Duke University suggests that more time exercising -- not intensity -- results in long-term weight loss.
While the idea of longer workouts may seem to conflict with an already hectic routine, mom-and-baby fitness program Baby Boot Camp ( http://www.babybootcamp.com/ ) proves otherwise, with solutions that are in line with the longer-is-better findings. Its 55- and 75-minute walking and strength-building classes are gaining popularity with many moms.
"Baby Boot Camp classes focus on developing strength and burning calories and fat to lose weight, without straining joints or the cardiovascular system, which are sensitive in the post-partum months," says Michele Stake, DPT, MHS, a physical therapist and exercise kinesiology educator and member of Baby Boot Camp's advisory board.
Exercising longer, fewer times a week works for San Francisco mom Erin Edwards. She and 11-month old son Broderick joined a Baby Boot Camp class seven months ago. In that time, she's lost 10 pounds. "With my unpredictable 'mom' schedule, it's hard to get to a class 3-5 times a week, but I can do twice a week," she says.
Christine Cha balances being a mother of two with her oncology practice in Portland, Ore. She started Baby Boot Camp classes in May 2005. She chronicled her progress by monitoring her fat composition. In eight months, Cha lost 11 pounds of body fat, replacing it with 6.4 pounds of lean muscle.