Low Impact Exercises
December 21, 2008 by soreback · Comments Off
EXERCISING WHEN OVERWEIGHT
When you’re overweight even the smallest amount of exercise can be difficult yet very beneficial. Many people wonder how they’re supposed to work out when they’re overweight since that extra body weight makes it that much more difficult for them to be active.
This is a good point to consider since slamming your body around even when you’re fit is not good idea but can be especially dangerous when you have that extra weight. This doesn’t mean that you should just give up on the idea. There are some easy things you can do to get yourself active, protect your back, and shed those extra pounds.
Walking
If you’re overweight there is the danger of injuring your back even further by trying to lose weight with dangerous and strenuous exercises. People often find it difficult to enjoy physical activity when they’re overweight and obese because they can be in physical pain everywhere due to the weight.
Walking can be a great solution to both these problems. It has very little impact, unlike jogging or aerobic classes, and is easy enough for just about anyone to accomplish. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a decent pair of shoes. You can go for as long as it’s comfortable and stop when it’s not, unlike some sports activities that require you to participate for a number of innings or points which can be overwhelming for someone out of shape.
Many who walk find that it’s helpful to increase their time gradually, from ten minutes per session to 15 or 20, and the number of times they walk as well. You can try it every day but can also go four or five times per week to start out and increase your occurrences gradually as well.
Click Here to Get Your Free Back Pain Relief Guide
Swimming
Swimming is another great way to lose weight when you’re overweight because there is no impact on your bones or joints and therefore no pain when you participate.
Most cities have public pools of some sort or you may be able to find a gym or community center with a pool. There’s no need to feel self-conscious when you swim – take a look at everyone else in the pool and you’ll probably notice that they’re all of various shapes and sizes as well! And remember that you’re not there for anyone else but yourself so tune out the negative thinking and strap on your swimsuit.
Biking
Biking is another good exercise for anyone that’s overweight because there is no impact on the joints of the knees and ankles. It might be difficult to go around areas where there is a fair amount of hills as going uphill can be hard, but most city streets have sidewalks that are very flat and steady. There might also be bike paths in a nearby park or even a school that make riding easy.
Most gyms also have stationary bikes that a person can ride and these can be good for those that are overweight as you are off your feet and don’t get any impact.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WEIGHT LOSS
It’s estimated that some 60% of Americans are overweight and some 15% are categorized as obese. The statistics for children and other areas of the world are not that far behind these numbers.
No one wants to think about their need to lose weight and it is a very personal and private issue. But there is a distinct connection between excess body weight and back pain, and no doubt many people have back problems simply because of their extra weight.
There isn’t much you can do to fix your back problems if you’re overweight. No pills or stretching exercises or amount of heat can loosen muscles that need to work overtime just to get you from the couch to the kitchen. Surgeries, medications, and other options are going to be ineffective as well.
If you’re overweight you probably know it. While it is a sensitive issue, if you really want to fix your back pain then you need to consider whether or not it’s time to find a permanent solution to your weight, and to keep it off for good!