Exercise

I began posting about exercise as part of the “Day in the Life” series.   It seems to have struck a chord, at least with other very fat folks.  This page is to help folks find some of my favorite exercise-related posts.

Why Exercise?

I choose to exercise for practical reasons.

• Keeping up with the man of the house.
• Being better able to lift heavy objects.
• Maintaining mobility.

The latter is the one that looms largest in my mind.  I injured my knee (and/or the muscles in my leg) a few years ago and was very worried that I would not be able to walk without pain again — or at all.  I rebuilt after that, but the problem came back when I lapsed into less activity.

I’m fairly certain that I will not be ABLE to walk or climb stairs unless I continue to exercise.    As incentives go this one is pretty compelling.

“Ah”, you may be thinking, “Doesn’t she realize that she—like everyone else—is probably only temporarily able bodied?”  Yes.  But I am currently able to maintain the level of activity and mobility I want to have, with a certain amount of time and effort, and I am willing to do so.

Getting Started

Most of the women I know who became aware of exercise in the late 70s and 80s (or later)  tend to think of “exercise” as “aerobics”, and that’s where we go to when we start a new exercise program.

Here’s something to think about, though: It’s a lot harder to do aerobics if your muscles don’t support easy movement.  Strength training can help that.   Plus, if you’re sufficiently out of shape, strength training will probably be aerobic too.   That’s why I’m putting strength training first.  :)

Healthy muscles, researchers say, are those that … have enough power and strength to get you through life, especially as you grow older.
— Gina Kolata, writing in the NY Times

(These posts are specifically written with Superfat people in mind, but can be used by anyone.)

1. Starter Strength Training Moves – no equipment necessary.
2. Stretching for Flexibility – no equipment necessary.
3. Aerobics at Home- most needs no equipment, but there is one item I suggest.

Other Musings

• Rebuilding after Injury
• Side Benefits to Exercise
• Why Go to the Gym?
• Friday Fluff: Dream PE
• Sample Gym Visit
• What Exercise Won’t Do
• What’s Enough Exercise?

me, stretching