Do you think you're too big to exercise? If so, you're not alone. There are many people out there who are embarrassed to exercise in public and they're all worried about the same things: What will people think? What will I wear? How mortifying will it be when I can't go very far? Then because of what is going on in your mind, you convince yourself that exercise will hurt your knees or back and that you are just too big to do it. Unless your doctor has told you this, it's easy to use that as an excuse not to exercise, but everyone has to start somewhere, even you. It won't be easy, but starting an exercise program is the best thing you can do for yourself. So let’s get that body moving! Here are some great ways to get started, but before you begin any exercise program, Before you do anything, SEE YOUR DOCTOR to make sure you can safely exercise without hurting yourself. If you're taking medication, find out how to monitor yourself since some heart or blood pressure medications can affect your heart rate. Make sure you get details from the doc about exactly what you can and can't do. If you've never exercised, the last thing you want to do is hurt yourself by doing too much too soon.
Best types of exercise to start if you are overweight:
Recumbent bikes are great for people who need support while they exercise. One of the newest products on the market is the Recumbent Cross Trainer which offers an alternative to endless pedaling. This machine is more like a stepper than a bike and it allows you to work your upper body and lower body at the same time without stressing your joints. It accommodates a variety of body types and sizes and holds up to 400 pounds.
Stability balls are one of my favorite pieces of equipment for strength training and are excellent for clients of all sizes. They help you work on balance, stability and abdominal strength. Some of the basic exercises you can try include sitting on the ball (try watching TV for a while and you'll feel your body working a little harder than usual), marching or balancing by lifting one foot off the floor, hold and then lift the other foot. You can even get a stability ball chair to sit on at your computer desk.
Chair Exercises involve performing a series of exercises while seated in a straight-backed chair. Chair aerobics is performed for about 20-30 minutes and consists of rhythmic movements. Though, it's a low impact workout, yet it helps in building your functional capacity, thus enabling you to perform your daily routine activities effectively. The best part about carrying out chair exercises is that you don't need any special equipment. There is no need to attire any special clothing. All that is needed is a chair and your erect sitting posture. Exercising while sitting on the chair seems to be the most apt workout option for people having pain in knees.
Swimming or Water Aerobics.
Aquatic exercise not only enhances your cardiovascular fitness, but it also can improve your muscular endurance and overall strength. Because water provides buoyancy and support for the body, the likelihood of muscle, bone and joint injuries is nearly eliminated when exercise is performed in the water.
