Depending on your workplace, many of the exercises to come can be done right at your desk or in an empty cubicle. Like a lot of folks, I work at a desk job that’s not particularly conducive to heavy workouts. These workouts also require very little equipment: many of the exercises can be done with just yourself or a chair.You’ll obviously need to customize these to your own fitness opportunities and goals. For example, I have problems with my right wrist ,so I have to take it easy on yoga poses that require weight on the wrists, as well as lifting weights.
There are many kindred souls out there who worry about starting an exercise program. What should you do and where do you start? How can you keep exercise safe and enjoyable all at the same time? If you’ve been afraid to exercise or just uncertain for how to begin, I have some good news for you: It doesn’t take much exercise to make a difference. Before you do anything, always 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.
Intimidation at the gym. Gyms can be scary even for the most experienced exerciser. Walking into a room full of sweaty exercisers, all of whom seem to know what they’re doing, is hard for many of us. My obese clients have mentioned how much more humiliating it is when you’re very overweight.
Confusion about cardio. Cardio exercise can be a challenge at a gym. Some of the problems these clients have faced include:
- Some machines are difficult to use or can cause knee or back problems.
- Swimming is a recommended exercise for obese people, and while this is wonderful if you have a pool in your backyard, what if you don’t? Walking around in a bathing suit causes instant panic for plenty of people, but even more so if you’re overweight or obese.
- Recumbent bikes are another good option for obese people. The problem is, many aren’t built with big enough seats, and climbing onto them can be a real challenge.
- Walking. This is a simple exercise that can be done anywhere, right? For people with joint or knee problems, walking isn’t always comfortable, and some of my clients
