If you are a woman weighing more than 300 pounds, you may have despaired of ever finding a way to be fit.
There is no reason, however, to think you cannot improve your fitness levels.
Even if you weigh as much as 500 pounds, you can improve your fitness.
The first step is to take an assessment of where you are and what you are capable of doing. If you can only walk from the bedroom to the living room, that is a start.
If you can’t walk, but you can move your arms, you can exercise while sitting in a chair, which will strengthen your upper body and increase your fitness level. Wherever you are in terms of movement, there is a place for you to begin.
When you are a supersize woman, you must take extra care to begin slowly. The weight of your body already taxes your muscles. You must allow them to build additional strength gradually. Chances are you did not become unfit overnight; the process cannot be reversed overnight either.
There are special classes and exercise DVDs for large, overweight, and super size women. A good exercise program will include a warm up, exercise, and then some gentle stretching to cool down. If you are just beginning, you might want to focus on gentle stretches as your beginning step.
If you do not want to take a class or purchase a DVD, you can begin to improve your fitness just by doing a little more of the things you currently do every day.
Try walking just a bit farther, standing just a bit longer, or performing some gentle stretches. Remember to take it very slowly and increase the length and intensity of your exercise over a period of time.
Yoga plays an important role in every stage of a woman’s life. Yoga exercises will make you more aware of your strengths and weaknesses while reducing stress, improving co-ordination, increasing flexibility and extending your range of motion.
Here are some recommended yoga poses for women to perform regularly:
Poses for women
Archer pose: This pose is excellent for women. It stretches your front muscles and opens the hips.
Stand straight, keep your left leg forward and bend it so that it can support the weight of your body. Keep your right leg straight back with the heel off the floor.
Extend your left arm as if holding a bow and with the right hand pretend that you are pulling back the bow strings. Your right hand should reach all the way past your chest. Take a long breath and hold the pose.
Baby pose: Baby pose is great for relaxation and aids in digestion. Sit down on your heels and bend forward until your forehead touches the floor. Keep your arms by your side with palms facing upwards or downwards.
Shoulder stand: This pose stimulates your body metabolism and is great for weight loss. Lie down on your back. Lift your legs and bring them up over your head.
Keep your hands on your back for support. Keep the body in a straight line with the floor. Make sure there is no neck movement. Look at your chest and relax your breath.
Partners:
