Exercise is simply moving rather than sitting still and doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be free of charge, can be done anywhere and helps you feel good -- inside and out. Here’s some exercise motivation on how moving more can help you:
- Boost your mood
- Give you better control of your weight loss after bariatric surgery
- Increase your muscle strength and help you feel toned
- Improve your posture and strengthen abdominal muscles
- Increase flexibility to prevent falls
How to Start Working Out After Bariatric Surgery
Even though you may feel tired or weak after surgery, your doctor will have you up and walking the floor to keep the fluids moving throughout the body. When you get home, you can continue these short walks several times a day. When allowed by your physician, you can begin your exercise program, which may include:
- Aerobic or conditioning exercises to help your heart and muscles work efficiently and to maintain a normal body weight.
- Strengthening exercises to build muscle strength, support the spine and boost muscle mass. Resistance exercises also burn calories.
- Stretching to increase flexibility of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Make Exercise Fun for Fitness Motivation
Many people resist exercise and consider it boring. But exercise can be diverse activities that keep you moving throughout the day! Consider these activities that can be easily worked into your lifestyle:
- Dance with friends
- Engage in sports games on your gaming system
- Join a gym and attend a Zumba class
- Play with children or grandchildren
- Ride your bike to a nearby park
- Swim or participate in any type of water aerobics
- Take the stairs at work
- Vacuum the house
- Walk the dog at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Walk on the treadmill during your favorite TV show
- Wash your car
Sources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Get Moving to Take Charge of Your Health.