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Obese And Exercising

I am a good deal over weight.

Recently, I started a diet plan to lose weight. It is coming along well, twenty pounds lost in just over three weeks. But I would like to start exercising and my exercise machine broke, or at least the plastic pedal did, hehe.

I really want to keep up the exercise, but don't like doing straight aerobics via video tape or off the TV. Running is a little hard on my knees since I'm over weight. So my question is what are your suggestions for exercise when your a hundred pounds over weight?

Remember, being heavier makes things harder on your lower half, your knee and ankles especially.

Exercising Obese

My wife purchased a Gazelle machine. It is the one Tony Little endorses. Even though the guy is a pain to listen to, the machine really does work. There is no stress on the knees or joints for that matter, and you get the full abs and legs workout. There are also strength pistons you can attach for a full arm workout also. She has lost almost 40 pounds using this machine, along with a diet. The only problem I can see is if you are over the weight limit of the machine. She was at first, but only by a little, and it did not break. You should be able to pick one up at your local Target or Wal-Mart and I believe they are pretty affordable, around $100-150 US, if I recall correctly.

Obese And Exercising Sports & Fashion Music Movies

I'm in the same proverbial boat. Actually, all of the doctors I see (there are many because I'm having surgery in the next few months) have said "if you have access to a pool -- that is the best for your joints." Because there is so much additional weight, there is so much additional stress on my joints. Even walking does not really burn enough calories for me because my heartrate doesn't get high enough. Swimming and water aerobics seems to be what is working the best for me. I also found out, I don't know where you are located and if you have something like this, but hotels that have indoor pools will usually let you use their pool for a smaller fee than a healthclub will. I know those are expensive. Keep us posted though, I would really like to know how things work out for you.

Congrats on the loss so far, you are a real "loser!"

Exercising Obese

Sounds like your doing well konquererz.

I would keep up what you are doing and just add simple walking not fast not far just walk.

If you can I would add weight lifting in there especially your legs . It sounds weird but leg lifts on a bench would likely be less stressful then walking and it would help your knee. Also things like tia chi or yoga strengthen the body and will help muscles and joints.

The general rule as I understand it is to work the muscles where the fat is to loose it quicker. IE belly do sit ups. legs lie on floor and do leg lifts no weights required your leg is heavy enough to get started.

start slow and as you progress your body will let you know how much more you can do.

Weight loss is good but well conditioned muscles are even better as they will be what helps you keep the weight off in the long run.

Keep up the good effort! Join some classes might make it more fun! I joined Karate last year it was hard to get the stretching started but now I look forward to classes.

Exercising Obese

Okay, first I want to know what diet you started that can help you lose weight so fast? 20 pounds in 3 weeks? That's amazing! I know men lose faster than women, but that's really incredible.

Second, the advice you've received so far is sound. Swimming is great for "weightless" exercise with resistance. Yoga I thought was for sissies - not so! It's one of the most challenging exercises I've ever been involved in, and is designed to work with your body for strength and toning. Closely related to that is Pilates, which I *love* for toning and strength, and a lot of it is floor work on a mat so it's easier on your joints.

Keep with it, Konq!

Obese And Exercising

I enjoyed reading the information given so far. While I am not majorly over weight I do still need to loose a little. As far as a low impact yet very productive workout I really enjoy oliptical machines. You can get them in a variety of sizes depending on the space you have. I have a very bad knee so any impact give me a lot of trouble and these machines do not stress my knee at all. It was even recommended to me by a doctor friend of mine as the walking motion actually builds the muscles behind your knee. It was explained to me that without the impact you can get much more of a workout before feeling overly tired.

My real question here is a about some of my wifes friends. Or more specifically what I could recommend for them. There are three of them that are badly over weight and say that they do want to do something about it. The only problem is no matter what form of excersise everyone else is doing, it is always something that they cannot handle doing. More specifically they are either afraid or embarrassed to do it. It is always one excuse or another. Either the heat, impact on their legs, ect. I worry about them medically as their weight gives them other health issues.

Any suggestions for them?

Obese Exercising

They have to just start! Do *something* every day. Walking is probably the easiest, and it can start with just 15 minutes a day. Walk around the block. Take the husband or the kids after dinner. And we're not talking "strolling," we ain't pickin' flowers here! Power walk, swing the arms and *move* like you mean it. Slowly increase the time as your body adapts. Honestly, that's the best way to at least make an effort to start.

Form a group to walk early in the morning - I've done this several times (formed a group or found a partner), and walking with a friend is the best, lots of talking and it makes the exercise fun.