Get Moving

When you begin to incorporate exercise into your weight loss journey, you have so many options to choose from. If you are new to the workout game, take heart. There is a plan or regimen that will work for your individual needs. From walking and jogging, to weight lifting, to group fitness classes like Zumba, HIIT (high intensity interval training), Pilates and yoga, there are countless options that can meet you wherever you are to assist you as you work hard to lose weight and keep it off. If you are at a place where bariatric surgery could be a viable option, please contact Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute. Dr. Velarde has been in clinical practice for over 10 years and is an expert at Gastric Sleeve, Gastric By-Pass, and Lap Band surgeries. Let us help you start on the path towards health and wellness.

There is no question that physical activity plays a vital role in your health. Not only does it assist with depression and anxiety, but it also helps relieve stress. It plays a powerful role in mental health and for that alone is beneficial for everyone. Physical movement is important to keep your cardiovascular system functioning at its best. It helps with weight loss and maintenance not to mention promotes confidence and self-esteem in those who make it a regular part of their lives. Simply stated, exercise is necessary.

The National Institutes of Health suggest that adults aim for at least 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity activity each week. This breaks down to about 30 minutes a day, according to the American Heart Association. They also suggest 75 minutes of exercise at a vigorous intensity or some combination of moderate and high-intensity workouts. This could be a mix of endurance activities like walking, jogging, or easy running and something more explosive like interval training. The most important thing is to get moving and remember that if you are new to this something is ALWAYS better than nothing. The AHA also suggests that adults partake in 2 days of muscle strengthening exercise (weight lifting and body weight exercises are examples) each week.

If you have never been a regular exerciser or are starting back after a long break, it is important that you begin by choosing an activity and then committing to it. You need to remember that perfection is not the goal here, progress is. Every time you lace up your shoes and hit the road, you have made an active decision to better yourself, and this is what is important. Starting a program is often the hardest part and you should congratulate yourself on this! You are doing it! Everyone starts somewhere and you are not alone. Find friends to keep you accountable. Find a gym or a group of exercises that make you excited to get out and move. You can do this. Start slowly and remain committed and there is nothing you will not be able to achieve.