Question:
Looking for some exercises to do

I just got the ok to start doing exercises like stomach crunches, and doc said some back strengthing exercises. Any good ideas on some starting out exercises? I'm 300lbs so something with my legs in the air is gonna be rough,hehehe(saw that on another site)    — vicky31mom (posted on December 30, 2001)

December 30, 2001
You might see if there is a YMCA close to you that has an indoor pool and take a water aerobics class. That is what I am going to do. I start mine this next week. I am almost 4 weeks post op. Hope this helps. Good luck!!
   — Darla Y.

December 30, 2001
A really good one to stretch your back is the "cat stretch". Get down on all fours and then "round" your back up as far as it will go and hold it for 5 - 10 seconds... then "sink" your belly down as far to the ground as it will go and hold that for 5 - 10 seconds. Do this 5 times to start out and increase it until you are doing 20. This really helps in "pumping" spinal fluid back into your spine between your disks and feels soooo great!!! Whatever you do, start out slow and work your way up so that you don't get discouraged. I think walking is one of the best excercises for the back, butt and thighs as well as the tummy. And that you can do anytime!!! Good luck!
   — Kellie Jo B.

December 30, 2001
YOGA is an excellent excercise, it has been around forever and is relativly easy, Get a video and floor mat. I love this because it is very efective and relaxing, and not areobic, i do not care for the jumping stuff, that is not for me, I hope this works for you. Debbie H
   — peaceangel58

December 31, 2001
I'm a therapist, here are a few I am doing. 1. You can sit in a chair (needs to have arms) and while pressing down on the armrests lift both legs. You don't have to lift them high or anything just enough to where you feel the stretch in your abdomen. Do five times to start and then progress. 2. Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Just lift your head up as high as you can and look down to your knees. You too, will feel the stretch in your abdomen. It's not a full crunch but a modified crunch. 3. For your back, lay in the same position as in #2 only this time push the small of your lower back into the floor. This helps to stretch your back muscles. As you get stronger you will be able to do more and complete more reps. I'm only doing ten every other day and it wipes my muscles out. Good Luck!
   — purdue_1993

December 31, 2001
Three cheers for Yoga. I started it years before my WLS and I'm so glad I did. It's tough to do a lot of the positions when you're so padded. If you link to my profile and then website, you will see my pre-op yoga pictures. The best thing to do is find a good freindly yoga class. Book and videos are second best. No matter what approach you take, feel free to experiment with what works for you. Remember that the teachers and authors are not obese so they don't realize that some positions just aren't possible. You can find your own variations though or just skip the ones that aren't comfortable. Find just a few exercises or postures that you love and do them whenever you find the time. Also remember that at your weight, normal activity is exercise so every step you take is good. I bought a pedometer and for a while it was my best freind. That's a device that counts your steps. You are so on the right track by exercising now, if you need more suggestions or encouragement, email me.
   — kcanges

December 31, 2001
Early post op, my exercise of choice was water aerobics. Aerobic enough to get the old heart pumping, but very low impact, so easy on the joints. Also, no need to have your legs in the air LOL. Recently I have started doing Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" videos and I love them. I can do them in my living room anytime I feel like it. Good luck!!
   — Lynn T.