Isometrics Won’t Work for Seriously Overweight People – OK? Wrong!
There is a myth that people who need to lose significant amounts of weight can only do so with strenuous, high-intensity, high-impact exercise. But a myth is exactly what it is. Isometrics may be the perfect exercise for morbidly obese people, as many of the exercises can be performed while seated; Physical limitations are no barrier to success.
According to the owner of one popular fitness center, at least 35% of her clients need to lose more than 35 pounds — and about half of them need to lose 100 pounds or more.
So… does she force them onto the treadmill and “torture chamber” gym equipment? Does she spin them endlessly around a track? Does she close her eyes to her physical limits and shout, “No pain, no gain!” On them until they are reduced to tears and give up, once again frustrated and disheartened by failure?
No way! She starts them on a program of isometric exercises. Then, she stands back and watches them beam with joy when, within the first week to 10 days, they’ve lost inches… increased energy levels… and dropped pounds safely. started.
People who are severely overweight often have many physical limitations. One of the most common problems is a “bad knee,” which shortens and restricts the ability to stand or move easily for any length of time. Along with bad knees, morbidly obese people suffer from shortness of breath… have low energy levels… and they burn very few calories with their food. The unburned calories turn into new fat cells, triggering an upward spiral of failure and despair, with apparently no way out.
But there is a way – and that way is with isometric exercises. Is anyone going to lose 35 pounds and several dress sizes in the first week? certainly not! But you have to start somewhere, and normally losing several pounds and an inch or two in the first week of an isometric exercise program is an excellent start. The exhilarating thrill of success, alone, is priceless, considering how often the first week of a standard, high-stress exercise program only results in sore, sore muscles without anything to show for it.
Most effective isometric exercises can be performed while sitting in a chair. And even those designed for standing can be adapted for a sitting position, should one need it.
Another really cool aspect of an isometric program for morbidly obese people is that through the use of a DVD, the exercises can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, whenever you want. That means no more derision and disdainful looks from “gym bodies” in public workout centers… and it also means that if the best workout time for you is midnight, all you have to do is grab that DVD. Slide it in and go at it.
If you or someone you know is morbidly obese and think you’re “stuck” that way, check out isometric exercises for change and feel healthy success.
Source by Ellen Miller
