First Steps for Overweight: Fit in a Minute
Aired on Lifetime Television for Women
Sunday, August 6 and November 26, 2006
Show 321
When you're overweight, starting an exercise routine can be a real challenge. So we asked Todd Whitthorne at the Cooper Aerobics Center for some advice. My advice is to start slowly. If you have other medical conditions, it's a good idea to check with your doctor, but once you get the green light to begin exercising. Consider water activities or a recumbent bike that puts less stress on your joints. Any exercise where you don't have to lift or push your own weight is good. And if you can, there's no doubt that walking is a great way to begin. Recently, a 400 lb. man lost more than 100 lbs. walking across America. Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to start at a lower level. Just be consistent and you should be able to increase your duration and intensity over time. Here's a trick. Buy a pedometer and set a reasonable goal. After a while, increase it. But pushing too hard may only lead to discouragement. If you're overweight, you sometimes have to be creative. You don't have to hike across America, but find something that's comfortable for you, and stick with it.