Exercise is Key to Weight Maintenance

by Kristyne McDaniel

Selecting the type of exercise that is best for a weight maintenance program that can be followed for the long term is no easy task. In my case, I have the added difficulties of being asthmatic, morbidly obese, and diabetic. That means that I need to carefully plan my aerobic activity so that it does not strain my capabilities before I can even get a good bit of motion going.

For most people who start while they are young, selecting an aerobic exercise is simply a matter of finding something that is either convenient for them to do or that they like. When you are older and have other complications you'll have additional considerations as well. A lot of us are better suited to walking for exercise.

Aerobic videos are a great way to get started with exercise. You can do them in the privacy of your own home, and on your own time schedule. There typically are videos that are suited to people in any weight, strength, and endurance group. And if you aren't able to keep up you just go as far as you can and don't worry about who might be looking at you and notice you're not moving anymore. It doesn't matter if you achieve perfection immediately. People like me got fat over a period of several years; I will get thin the same way.

If you are young and reasonably healthy and looking for a challenge, start off with the Buns of Steel video. I'm told it is one of the best around. When you are ready, take a look at what proper ab-exercise equipment can do to strengthen both the abdominal and back muscles.

Personally, I can't do the exercises yet, but I expect to be able to do them later on. An exercise bike or fitness walking are especially good ways to start if you're not in the best shape to begin with.

_{This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 22, 2006}