When you’ve been sedentary and morbidly obese for a long time, it can be difficult to get into a regular exercise routine. Following the weight loss that comes from bariatric surgery, you’ll feel renewed energy. But you may still need to take things at a slow pace for your safety. It’s unlikely you’ll be ready for the typical gym classes right away, but there are plenty of gentle exercises you can tryout to get active. For gentle exercise options, consider the following. Always discuss any exercises with your doctors and bariatric surgeon before attempting the class.
1. Yoga
Yoga is from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj,’ meaning to balance, connect or join. The goal of the practice is to forge a union between the mind, spirit, and the body. The physical aspect of yoga involves performing a series of stretches, postures, and balances. These moves improve flexibility, core strength, and balance. Yoga helps practitioners to tone their body, calm their mind, and exercise at a gentle pace. If you’re de-conditioned or injured then look to restorative yoga and yoga for bariatric patients. Avoid dynamic styles like Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga. Some of the best types of yoga for beginners are Hatha yoga and Yin yoga.
2. Pilates Exercises
Pilates is another exercise that’s good for those who have recently experienced an injury. The exercise is low-impact, helping practitioners to increase flexibility, posture, and build strength. Pilates usually targets your core, involving precise and small movements with a focus on breath control. When you’ve recently experienced an injury, it’s best to stick to a beginner’s class. You should also remember to inform the instructor of your injury to support you through the class. Pilates can be modified to suit various different levels of fitness. And there are plenty of easy pilates moves you can do while sitting in a chair.
3. Swimming
Swimming with a kickboard is a fantastic exercise to build cardiovascular fitness, improve endurance, and release stress. It’s another low-impact exercise, meaning it’s a great way to ease your body back into an exercise routine. Swimming can improve your lung health, plus it’s a therapeutic way to calm your mind. Aquatic therapy led by a therapist is a rehabilitative series of movements in a heated pool. After experiencing an injury, it is the perfect way to regain your physical conditioning and get into a regular fitness routine.
4. Gentle Hiking or Walking
Last up, gentle hiking is a top post-injury exercise option. Begin with a short walk on flat terrain, and ensure that you take a friend with you to offer support if you need it. Walking is the perfect way to regain your strength, and boost your spirits by experiencing the outdoors. Before you go hiking, invest in the appropriate walking boots to support your body, and avoid irritating your injury.
Exercises: What You Need to Know
You may be reluctant to start exercising or working out after bariatric surgery. Perhaps you worry about experiencing pain or adding to your injury. While these feelings are normal, whatever exercise you can manage however small, will help your rehabilitation process.
The safest approach is to discuss your rehabilitation plan with your trusted doctors and bariatric surgeon. It also would be wise to work with a Personal Trainer, Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist. In some cases, conditions such as deep vein thrombosis can arise when an individual has remained inactive for a long while. Treating DVT needs early intervention and understanding of the risks and symptoms.
Living larger than ever,
My Bariatric Life
