Reasons for Exercise Resistance
Inaccessibility of facilities -- Physical and Attitudinal
Difficulty finding exercise clothing in larger sizes
Lack of leisure time
Lack of financial resources
Benefits of exercise are too abstract
Fear of ridicule, embarrassment at being watched
Lack of self-confidence
Difficulty performing exercises designed for thinner people
Misguided and counterproductive connection with weight loss:
Memories of failed weight-loss attempts
Oppressive nature of weight-loss focus at gyms
Weight-loss propaganda focuses on diet programs, not on exercise
What-the-hell syndrome?" As long as I'm not dieting, why bother
exercising?"
Unrealistic expectations
Benefits of Exercise
Long term, abstract: Improved blood pressure, blood
sugar, cholesterol, circulation, heart, etc.
Short term benefits that we can actually feel:
Greater flexibility and agility
Mood enhancement, lessening of depression
Increased energy and vitality
Better breathing
Less chronic pain, including arthritis pain
Reduction of edema
Relaxation of tense or sore muscles
Better complexion and skin tone
How to overcome exercise resistance
Take weight out of the equation. Exercise for health, not for
weight loss. Exercise because it feels good.
Two approaches, use whichever works:
1. Find a form of physical activity that feels good and gives you
pleasure.
Or:
2. Make it a routine like brushing your teeth.
Assess your needs, abilities, likes, and personality, and use
techniques that will help you. Some people like to dance alone,
others like a partner, others like to be part of a line dance, and
others want to be in a dance class. Some people need to exercise
first thing in the morning, and others do it in the afternoon. Find
your own patterns.
Companionship Walk, swim, dance, or do exercises with a
partner or in a group if that feels right to you.
Find a useful reason for the activity Walk to the store, take
someone in a wheelchair out for a walk.
Take classes Find a size-friendly facility. Don't put up with
rude treatment.
Use equipment You can get advice from a size-friendly
professional to start out with.
Use videos There are a number of videos designed for larger
people.
Variety Change what you do, watch different videos, listen to
different music.
Types of Exercise
Walking (malls, streets, roads); swimming
(water aerobics, freestyle, laps, water walking); dancing (classes,
line dancing et al., clubs, or at home); bicycling (regular or
recumbent); workouts on equipment in the gym (with or without help
from a trainer); low-impact aerobics classes; home workouts with
vides or on your own; yoga (classes, videos, or private practice);
home equipment (exercise bicycle, recumbent or hand bike, treadmill,
elastic bands, etc.); sports of all kinds.
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