Exercise and weight loss

Injury	Diseases	Nutrition	Poison
Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Calculating body frame size

Healthy diet

Muscle cells vs. fat cells

Overview

Prevention

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If you are doing a regular program of strength training (weight lifting), your muscles will get bigger. It is possible that your overall weight will increase, because muscle weighs more than fat. However, your clothes will probably fit better and your body will be more toned. Your body composition is a better indicator of your overall health than the number on the scale.

If proper technique is followed, most people of any age can safely lift weights. It is important, however, to check with your doctor before you start to train with weights. Also, consult an experienced personal trainer or coach prior to beginning a weight lifting program. This can help prevent injuries and the loss of muscle strength and endurance that occurs with bed rest and inactivity.

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Look for other activities house activities that improve strength or endurance, such as gardening.

Those recovering from heart attacks can benefit greatly from supervised cardiac rehabilitation programs.

See also: Body mass index

Making a Commitment

The decision to keep fit requires a lifelong commitment of time and effort. Exercising and eating right must become things that you do without question, like bathing and brushing your teeth. Unless you are convinced of the benefits, you will not succeed.

Patience is essential. Don't try to do too much too soon and don't quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards. You can't regain in a few days or weeks what you have lost in years of sedentary living, but you can get it back if you keep at it. And the prize is worth the price.

Health Benefits of Exercise

Regular exercise -- including walking -- decreases your risk of:

Anxiety
Depression
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Some cancers
Stroke

Exercise also improves good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

You should always check with your health care provider before you begin any new form of exercise.

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Review Date: 10/18/2009
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).