‘Exercise Info’ Category
Running to Lose Weight: Good Idea or Bad?
Running to lose weight is what many people think of, when they hear the phrase, "diet and exercise".
But is running a good idea? If you are significantly overweight, probably not.
Stress on Your Joints
Ok, you’re 40 or more pounds overweight. Your joints are already at maximum load, just with day-to-day living. One of the last things you want to do is stress them further. And running isn’t exactly a low-impact exercise.
If you haven’t been exercising regularly all along (and likely you haven’t), don’t pick running or even jogging as your exercise of first choice. At least not until you’ve lost some of the weight and have gained flexibility.
If you push your joints further and get injured, you may put yourself out of commission for any exercise you can’t do unless you are seated.
What Are Some Options?
Running to lose weight sounds like it should work, and it can. After all, running is an aerobic exercise that uses up calories at a fairly good rate. But running won’t do you any good if your body isn’t fit enough.
So, why not try walking? It’s lower impact, and it can still be aerobic. As you become more fit, you can "graduate" to jogging or running if you wish.
Swimming is low-stress on your joints, and if you don’t know how to swim, you can still do water aerobics to burn calories.
Don’t discount a balance ball for an exercise option, especially if you have problems walking to begin with. And there are even balance ball aerobic exercise programs available!
Running to lose weight does burn up the calories, no doubt about it. But if you’re significantly overweight, it may not be your best choice, at least when you are starting a new exercise program.
Get on the Ball — Balance Ball Exercises to Lose Weight
Balance ball exercises — they aren’t just for physical therapy any more. Nope, balance ball exercises are a viable way to tone your core and lose weight. Want to find out how?
Balance Ball Beginnings
For so many years, balance balls (also called pilates, swiss and stability balls) were confined to physical therapists. People who were recovering from an illness or injury could do these exercises in a low-stress way.
The word got out, though. Balance call exercises were a great way to get toned!
Into the Core
A balance ball requires you to stabilize your core muscles. If you think just sitting on a balance ball is easy, think again! Although you can get used to it fast, the first few minutes are on the wobbly side.
Every balance call exercise starts with aligning and stabilizing your core abdominal muscles. So ever single exercise tones you — no matter which part of your body the exercise targets!
Using the Balance Ball for Weight Loss
Yes, it’s indeed possible to use a balance ball exercises for weight loss.
First, since you are toning your core, you’re building those muscles. Next, when you are targeting a specific body area, you’re likely doing strength training of one sort or another. Again building muscles.
The more muscles you build, the higher your metabolism and the more calories you burn.
Balance balls can be for just about everyone, and they are extremely low-impact.
Try balance ball exercises — you might like it!