Regular exercise is helpful in maintaining a healthy body weight
Part of a healthy weight loss journey is committing to an active lifestyle, but if exercise is new for you, it can feel daunting to start a new regime. One of the best ways to incorporate more activity into your life is to find something that you actually enjoy doing. This will increase the chances that you will stick to it in the long term and ensure that your plan is really sustainable.
To help you find inspiration, we’ve put together a list of some of this year’s top fitness trends. Take a look and see if anything piques your interest…
Strength training
Strength training is a very good way to build lean muscle and even lose body fat, plus the movements often work on increasing balance and overall mobility. An added benefit is that you don’t have to use any equipment to try this kind of exercise: body weight exercises like push-ups prove very effective in building strength. Once you get stronger, you can begin to incorporate some light weights into your routine, although we do recommend that you consult with a trainer to ensure your form is correct.
Yoga
Yoga has been rising in popularity in recent years, and it looks like the trend is here to stay. Besides its ability to improve flexibility, yoga also helps to build strength. It’s also a great way to stretch various muscle groups, improving tone and overall mobility. Besides its physical benefits, yoga offers the added bonus of relaxation and stress relief, which can be very helpful as you work through your weight loss journey.
Swimming
Swimming is a great form of exercise, especially for those looking for an activity that is easy on the joints. While it’s a low impact activity, it’ll still increase your heart rate and improve your overall fitness levels if you do it regularly. One of the best things about swimming is that it’s a total body workout, and you’ll find yourself using almost all of your muscle groups — this makes it a great toning and strength building option.
Group classes
Group fitness classes have grown in popularity, and they provide a sense of community which can be very appealing for those who are new to exercise. Classes can also be a fun way to meet people, and most gyms offer a few different options. Some popular choices include barre classes, which are usually made up of a series of low impact movements with the use of a ballet barre and some light equipment; Pilates, which is a great full body workout; spinning, which is high intensity and fast-paced; and group strength training sessions, which usually incorporate a variety of compound movements.
If you’re not sure where to begin, a good start is to try going for a walk every day. Increase your distance and speed gradually, and when your fitness levels rise, chat to a professional about trying something new.
As part of our care plan, our exercise physiologist will help you by developing a training program based on your needs and fitness level. To find out more about our ongoing care before, during and after surgery, have a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.