The New Year is a natural time to reset priorities, build healthier habits and recommit to long-term well-being. Committing to exercise is one of the most important steps you can take toward sustainable weight loss and overall health. Developing a more active lifestyle is a fundamental component of losing weight and keeping it off long term.
Even after weight loss surgery, you’ll be encouraged to become more active and start exercising regularly to support your weight loss goals and improve muscle tone. As you begin the New Year with renewed motivation, it’s important to remember that exercise after weight loss surgery requires patience. You must allow your body time to heal and ensure you are physically ready for activity, especially as you adjust to a significantly reduced caloric intake.
For many people who undergo weight-loss surgery, exercise was not a regular part of their lives before the procedure. When weight loss becomes a priority, exercise often becomes part of a New Year’s resolution. Unfortunately, the early days of starting a new workout routine are also when exercise-related injuries are most common. Improper form and trying to do too much, too fast are leading causes of injury.
An injury early in your fitness journey can quickly drain motivation and derail even the strongest intentions. Start your workouts with a clear focus on safety. Pay close attention to proper technique, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and know when it’s time to stop.
Rethinking the “no pain, no gain” mentality
The idea that “if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t work” can be dangerous, especially for those new to exercise. Working out is something you need to ease into. It’s essential to understand the difference between normal muscle fatigue from a good workout and more serious pain that could signal a problem.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor:
- Abnormal heart activity, such as flutters, palpitations or irregular beating
- Pressure or pain in the chest, arm or throat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sudden lack of coordination
- Confusion
- Cold sweating
- Fainting
- Loss of vision
These symptoms may indicate dehydration or something more serious. Lesser symptoms, such as extreme fatigue lasting into the next day, nausea or vomiting during or after activity, difficulty breathing during exercise or a significantly increased pulse rate, may signal the need to adjust your activity level. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you must stop altogether, but they are signs to proceed with caution.
Start the year strong — and smart
As you commit to exercise in the New Year, remember that consistency matters more than intensity. Ease into your routine, wear loose-fitting clothing and supportive sneakers, and consider working with a personal trainer to learn proper form and equipment use.
Most importantly, talk with your weight loss surgeon before starting any new exercise program. With the right plan, realistic expectations and a focus on safety, your commitment to exercise can become a lifelong habit that supports lasting weight loss and better health.
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Content provided by Bariatric Innovations and Northside Hospital Surgery & Weight Management, which offers specialists and comprehensive solutions for when diet and exercise are not enough.
