What if you Cannot Exercise?

The other day, I had the pleasure of sharing my weight loss experiences with a group called First Place 4 Health in Lake Elmo. This group was a fabulous group of Christian women led by my friend Meg Corrigan, who are working on improving their eating and exercise to lose weight. Their stories reminded me that physical challenges can make exercise very difficult.

Here’s the good news: Studies have shown that a person can lose weight without any exercise. In fact, my friend Nadia Giordana lost 80 pounds without breaking a sweat.

Here’s the bad news: Exercise increases your feel-good hormones, which motivates you to eat healthier food.

Whether you recently had a baby, had surgery, or experienced an injury, exercise may be scary. On the flip side, it can be downright maddening to lose weight through a diet-only approach. This article is designed to help you find exercise that is safe for any level.**

There are two important exercises that can improve your physical health. Neither requires equipment, and most of us have done these two since we were babies.

1.  Swimming

One of the best experiences I had when heavily pregnant with my first daughter was floating on my back in the pool. I felt relaxed, supported, and healthy. I love being in the water! For those of you with physical challenges, the water gives your joints a break from gravity, and you can even do water aerobics or water Zumba if deep water scares you.

2.  Walking

Are you taking every opportunity throughout your day to walk? Why not? When I lived in southern Germany, I actually lost 15 pounds without even trying. I did not have a car or bike, so my own two feet were the best means of transportation.

Do you work in an office all day? Take a 5 minute stroll around your floor every few hours, or go outside for some sunshine during your lunch break. Bring along a friend, and catch up on some gossip.

I do have a final recommendation for those who are post-surgery or recovering from an injury. Do what you can to build up any muscles that suffered during your convalescence. Keep up with the exercises you worked on with your physical therapist or doctor.

The stronger your muscles are, the less chance you will have a relapse.

If you enjoyed this post, you will really love the MOVE card in my new Health is in your Hands deck! Health is in your Hands is a purse-friendly pack that will keep you on track for your weight loss goals by providing 30 tips I used to lose 100 pounds. Get Health-y for free by joining my email list.

Hurry! The free offer ends on April 30.

**I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. Please seek your physician’s advice prior to enjoying more movement.**