Q: “I’m very overweight and the standard exercises that everyone talks about won’t work for me. What exercises do you suggest I do?” -- Jeff M, Fairfield, PA A: Jeff asks a great question – one that many of our overweight clients ask. And I’ve got the answer. One of my favorite exercises to do doesn’t strain or stress joints the way more jarring activities do. Yet it can torch from 500 to 700 calories an hour and give your muscles a resistance workout. What is this miracle workout? Swimming! Not only does swimming work your heart, it also helps to maintain, or even build, muscle on your entire body – particularly your core, hips, arms, shoulders and glutes – each time you kick, push and pull the water. And remember, the more muscle you have on your body, the more calories you’ll burn – even after you towel off. What’s different about a water workout than one you’d get on land is that the water helps neutralize the effects of gravity, putting virtually zero stress on your joints as you exercise. If you are not comfortable swimming, most recreational centers now have water workout classes which also provide lean muscle building and cardio benefits… without the impact. Of course, if this is your first foray into exercise, always check with your doctor before starting. But I’m certain that when you get the go-ahead, you’re going to see that you really enjoy how your body feels gliding in the water. Thanks, Jeff, for such a great question – and your free bottle of RealDose™ Super Critical Omega-3 TG is on its way! Remember, if you submit a question and we use it in one of our RealQuestions, RealAnswers emails, you can be a winner too! Until next time, Steven Sisskind, M.D.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 10:33:36 +0000