6 Great Exercises for Plus Women
January 27, 2008 by meielisawy
Filed under Women's Health
I’m happy to announce that I made it to the gym three times this week, which was part motivation and part pre-surgery jitters. Yes, I did have to head into the doctors for a little corrective procedure, but I’m already back and have been given the clear to head back in the gym tomorrow for a little light exercise.
But when you’re a little on the full-figured side, exercises feel a little different. Even a more enthusiastic elliptical session can feel more like high-impact when you consider the “jiggle factor”! I’ve put together a few exercises that are great for those of us who just can’t handle high-impact jumping and running.
1. Light Rowing: I’m going to do some rowing tomorrow without much resistance. I don’t recommend wearing an underwire bra on a day where you’re rowing– it could dig into your sides and chafe uncomfortably after just 10 minutes.
2. Walking on a Incline: A 15-degree incline challenge on the treadmill will save my body the shock of pounding the pavement.
3. Slow Biking with Resistance: I hate bounce. Extra resistance will burn more calories and reduce yucky jiggle. Less shock on your system will allow you to complete a thorough workout.
4. Light Weight Lifting: A few reps are a good way to start off a workout, and don’t be embarrassed to start off with low weights at home.
5. Floor Exercises: I’m a big fan of the Donkey Kick, although it can be difficult not to overextend when you’re getting into your workout. My favorite directions are these ones from FitSugar.
6. Yoga: I adore this DVD, Just My Size Yoga. Obsession! This size-friendly yoga DVD is so uplifting, and Megan Garcia, the creator, dropped a few sizes with these moves.
I will let you know how it goes!
I was so glad to run into your blog. My research clearly shows that women who exercise to lose weight have the worst motivational profiles and do the LEAST amount of exercise.
If you are looking for great exercises for plus women, walking is truly one of the best, even without an incline. Walking is convenient, cheap, less likely to cause injury and can be enjoyed! I like to walk outside and be in nature and/or get to catch up with a friend.
I really encourage all women to think about whether they perceive walking as “counting” as exercise and if not, to know that there is a growing body of research showing that walking has great health as well as mental health benefits.
Walking can really give me the burn. . . and I’m usually not expecting it, either!