Overcome Mental Barriers to Exercise

Many people know what they should do to lose weight, but for obese women, there are several mental blocks that keep them from exercising. A study at Temple University of 278 women showed that women who were severely overweight had a hard time exercising because of several reasons. Among these were the feel that they were too fat to exercise, fear of injury or failure, thinking their health was too poor, having aches and pains and feeling self-conscious. Women were given follow-up questionnaires at three and twelve months, and these attitudes prevailed over the entire course of the study for those who were overweight. But you can overcome these attitudes and lose weight. Let's look at them in more detail.

There is no required body type for exercise. Of course, being overweight will limit what you can do, but there's no such thing as being too fat to exercise. Walking is the preferred exercise for most, and it is easy to start and doesn't require any special equipment. Though this activity will not promote quick weight loss, it is easy to see progress and will help prepare you for higher-intensity activities. Start by walking around the block, and work your way up to a greater distance over time. It's a great confidence builder and you will start to feel more comfortable with your body doing this. This can also help with feelings of self-consciousness and fear of failure.

Fear of injury is very real for anyone who is very overweight. Poor balance and undeveloped muscle makes it very easy for you to hurt yourself. But choosing a low impact, gentle activity will help keep you from getting injured. There are specially designed yoga classes for plus-sized people that are gentler and easier to participate in than more advanced ones. Make sure you stretch thoroughly before and after exercising and follow proper form. Use a mirror or partner to help you make sure that your movements match those of what you are trying to do. Stretching also helps avoid aches and pains, as does a hot bath with Epsom salt.

Just like there's no required body type to start exercising, there is also no minimum health condition. If you have severe health problems, make sure you work very closely with your doctor before and during any type of exercise program. If breathing is an issue, try walking or swimming at a pace that won't make you lose your breath. There are many exercises you can do. Always be sure to eat a sensible diet, and if cravings are a problem, try using an appetite suppressant like hoodia. Keep your doctor informed of any progress and setbacks you encounter, and use common sense. If something doesn't feel right for you, don't do it.

About The Author:
Susan Patterson has been studying alternative medicine and health for over 10 years. She loves to write to help others, especially in the area of quick weight loss, which can be accomplished safely. She has found several herbal remedies to be effective in her journey to better health without the side effects that medications cause. She is particularly passionate about hoodia for weight loss.

Tags: WEIGHT LOSS, EXERCISE, OBESE, WALKING, YOGA, SWIMMING, DOCTOR, SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS, FAILURE, INJURY, STRETCHING, HOODIA, APPETITE

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Title:	Overcome Mental Barriers to Exercise
Author:	Susan Patterson
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Overcome Mental Barriers to Exercise