Exercise is a tough endeavor for sedentary people, more so for those who have issues with their weight. Fortunately, for people who are morbidly obese or have limited mobility, there is an increasing number of trainers and nutritionists who cater to their specific needs. Some of these professionals might have been formerly obese.
Here are some pointers to get you started on your health journey:
Seek Guidance
The first thing you need to do when you’re starting out is to consult professionals. When you’re losing 100 pounds or more, it is important to have someone monitoring your progress. Exercise and a proper diet are good for your health, but misaligned programs may do you more harm than good.
Doctors can monitor your heart, blood pressure, and other relevant factors when you start your fitness journey. Medical care is important when you start any health program. Be sure to find a doctor who is compassionate to your condition—you might get discouraged from seeking help if all your doctor does is berate you for not losing weight faster.
By learning how your body works now, doctors, trainers, and nutritionists can help you determine the best course of action to lose weight easier.
Get Out There and Find Friends
If you have a mobility scooter, use it and attend the nearest support group for obese persons. If you’re a little more restricted in your movements, find one online. What matters is you find social support for your weight loss journey.
A group approach can help you lose weight. Participants in weight loss programs who enrolled with their friends kept their weight off after their weight loss programs ended. Having social support can motivate a person to continue their efforts, especially when they see their support group doing the same work as them.
Start Small and Progress
Exercise routines for people who need to lose 100 lbs or more are completely different from that of people who need to lose 20 lbs. Limited mobility and joint pain will prevent morbidly obese persons from using their full range of motions.
Those inclined to work out outside of their homes may find the local pool useful. Water helps displace weight and helps you access movements you may not be able to do on land. Seated exercises also work for people who cannot do much. Simply reaching your arms to the ceiling, lifting full water bottles, or strapping weights to your ankles can get the body to burn calories. People with more mobility can consider walking or using a stationary bike.
Diet Appropriately
Abs are made in the kitchen and a successful weight loss program is made there, too. You can’t expect to lose weight without giving up your current diet. Learn which food is best for your body. Whole grains, vegetables, real fruit without additional sugar, healthy sources of protein, and plant oils are just a few foods that are healthier for you. Consult a nutritionist for a solid food plan that you can realistically follow.
If you need help moving around, there’s no shame in buying a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are typically for sale at malls and online. People who are only starting out with their exercise routine or those with limited mobility will find mobility scooters useful to get around. Using these mobility helpers, you can join classes for people in a similar position as you and connect to trainers who can help you on your fitness journey.
