Why are the basic principles so important?
Regardless of your physical condition, it’s important to apply basic principles of exercise to your activities. These principles can help you avoid injury, achieve a steady progression, and stay motivated.
Adapt your activity to your present condition
Remember that you don’t need to perform like an elite athlete – all you need to do is increase your heart rate for a little while. Jogging, for instance, is generally not recommended for bariatric surgery patients as it can cause stress on the knees and joints. Instead, go for a brisk walk and try to keep your heart rate elevated as long as possible.
Always try to adapt your level of physical activity to your current condition. For example, if you’re having a day in which walking is painful or uncomfortable, try doing isotonic exercises instead. Isotonic exercises are any movement where the body is lifting, pushing and/or pulling some weight. They include bicep curls, triceps extensions, squats, chest presses, shoulder presses, leg presses, etc.
If you experience joint pain that prevents you from walking daily, you may want to try aquatic therapy. Water exercises are not weight bearing, which makes them ideal for people with joint problems. If swimming is not your style, strive to replace sedentary activities with some other type of physical activity.
| Tips to remember
Regularity: Try to do some form of exercise every day – even if it’s only a little. Listen to your body and respect your limits, but make sure to do some type of movement. Soon you will see progress – from day to day and week to week. Individuality: Try not to compare yourself to others. You are unique with your own goals to achieve. Focus on those and you will begin to see improvement and build confidence. Progression: Gradually increasing your level of activity over time stimulates adaptation and boosts your confidence in your exercise routine. |