Bariatrics & Managed Weight Reduction Nutrition Therapy

Make exercise and fitness part of your daily routine

Regular exercise is the foundation to a long, healthy life. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, reduce stress or manage a chronic condition, you’ll find that health and fitness go hand in hand.

Which exercise is best for me?

A good fitness routine will include elements of aerobic exercise, stretching and strength training.

Aerobic exercise

Also known as cardio, aerobic exercises raise your heart rate with brisk activities. Zumba is a type of cardio workout. Ideally, you want to do 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least five days a week.

Strength training

As a resistance workout, strength training builds muscle and strengthens bones with the help of weights, elastic bands and your own body. This type of exercise burns calories even when your body is at rest. Aim for a strength training workout two or three days each week.

Flexibility and stretching

Stretching is mainly important before and after a workout to decrease the risk of injury and help with exercise-related soreness.

Benefits of exercise and fitness

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and other weight-related conditions. Keeping your body in motion is just one way you can take charge of your health and future.

Other proven benefits of exercise include:

  • Improving joint pain and stiffness
  • Increasing energy levels and reduce fatigue
  • Promoting better sleep and emotional well-being

Taking the first steps

If you’re not already active most days of the week, it can take effort and time adjusting to your new lifestyle.

Follow these tips to ease your way into exercising regularly:

  • Find an exercise that’s enjoyable to you, such as an alternative exercise.
  • Start slowly and gradually progress your workouts from 10 minutes until you can do more. A low-impact workout may be a good first start.
  • Use a fitness app to track your progress.

Always talk to your primary care provider before beginning a new workout.

Goshen Health promotes health and fitness in Goshen, IN, with resources and fitness education.