Is it possible to be too fat to exercise?

Saying you're too overweight to exercise is like saying you're too skinny to eat.

Your body needs exercise just the way your body needs food. No matter how overweight you are, you can do something to start the process of losing fat, strengthening your bones, and relieving your joints of the load that they're carrying. If you're overweight or have other medical conditions, you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Start small: Walk 5 minutes day, and increase by 1 or 2 minutes every few days. Soon, you'll be fit enough to walk an hour a day. You can even start small with resistance training. Doing simple exercises with soup cans or books will stimulate your muscles in new ways-and begin the process of kick-starting your metabolism so your body can burn fat.

If you want to live longer, start today. Your family-and your younger body-will thank you.

There is no such thing as being too fat to exercise! Often we hear people in fitness centers say the phrase “I need to get in shape before I join the gym”. This is absolutely not true. Many people believe exercise has to hurt or be tedious to be effective. Exercise is a matter of just moving more. It doesn’t need to be difficult classes in the gym or excessive time spent lifting weights. Start small and work your way up to more challenge and volume in activity only when you’re ready to do so.

We all need to start somewhere and a simple walking program can be very effective. Even just parking a little farther away from your destination or walking in place when you brush your teeth are simple ways to begin moving more. Pretty soon exercise will be a normal part of your routine.

No, although this is a common excuse used by many overweight individuals who do not exercise. The truth is, if you are overweight or obese, becoming more physically active is perhaps one of the best things you can do for yourself. However, it is recommended that you obtain a medical clearance from your physician before beginning an exercise program.

If you are new to exercise, start out slowly. Begin by walking 5-10 minutes a day, and then gradually increase the duration until you are able to walk 60 minutes each day. Choose activities such as walking, cycling, water aerobics, and resistance training exercises that avoid placing too much stress on your joints. Being overweight does increase stress on the joints, therefore it is very important that you do not try to do too much too soon to prevent developing an orthopaedic injury.

Participate in activities you enjoy, and exercise in a setting you feel comfortable in. This way you will be more likely to stick with your new exercise routine.