Well we are just starting the new month of February and if you are still adhering to your new years resolution to 'get fit', Congratulations!!
But as we all know, many new year's resolutions to lose weight, exercise more and eat healthy, fall to the way-side right about now. Many of my patients who are interested in starting an exercise program ask for advice on how to avoid the common pitfalls. There are many out there who need to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Statistics from the US reveals that about 67% of the population is either overweight or obese. But more alarming is the number and rate of children who are becoming overweight and/or obese.
Surprisingly, it's not that overweight people do not recognize the benefits of exercise. A survey of 1500 men and women conducted at the George Washington University Medical Center, found that overweight respondents were even bigger believers in the benefits of exercise than their 'normal weight' counterparts.
So 'what's the problem?' you may ask. New insights are suggesting, that the key may lie in your self-image and more specifically, your self-consciousness.
Researchers found that over-weight people found the prospects of exercising around people who were fit was very unappealing. The mere idea of huffing and puffing and sweating around healthier figures, literally turned them off exercise! This kind of self-consciousness understandably affects women more than men. Women were more likely to feel intimidated by the exercise equipment, feel more pressure to abide by fashion standards and feel pressure by other healthclub goers.
"Overweight people have received the message from their physicians and all the publicity about the importance of exercise," said study author Wayne Miller, a professor of exercise science at George Washington University Medical Center. "Most of the negativism or barriers that are associated with not participating in exercise are emotional, and there are differences between men and women."
Another reason many people fail to maintain an exercise or healthy lifestyle program is they often bite off more than they can chew. Many people try a workout that they just don't like, or they do too much.
In my practice I'm a big proponent of exercise for all my patients, BUT I always advise on taking it slow. Especially if the patient is new to exercise. Try small things first and go from there. Try taking the stairs, maybe more fruit here and there. You get the picture. Losing weight and getting healthy will take time, honestly. If you come to terms with that and set realistic, achievable goals, there's no reason why a slimmer, healthier you can't be realized!
If you're by the Commercial Drive neighbourhood in East Vancouver, contact me here at COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR!!!
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