Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 4/23/2005

Question
I am 32 y/o & have been obese for 3 years.  I was previously very fit (5'3, 130 pounds), but after suffering postpardum depression, divorce, etc... I "woke up" recently and realized just how FAT I have become (241).  I have committed to a lifestyle change, and my question pertains to cardio.

I don't know what level of exercise I should be doing.  Since I was previously fit, and am still young (no other health problems), should I follow a more aggressive routine; or should I follow the low-impact walking cardio workouts recommended for obese people?  Thank you.

Answer
****Suggestions offered here may or may not help you in your particular situation.  Please consult with a physician before adding or changing an exercise and/or nutritional regimen*****

Hi mskyle2,
I am sorry to hear that you've been through some trauma in your life.  I hope you are on the road to not only to lose weight, but to be more both mentally and physically healthy.

To answer your question:
Since I was previously fit, and am still young (no other health problems), should I follow a more aggressive routine; or should I follow the low-impact walking cardio workouts recommended for obese people?

I strongly encourage you to go to your health club or to an exercise professional to get evaluated, but also to set realistic goals for your plan of action.  Because you've been through a lot, I'm not a therapist, but having some guidance to help you focus on what the best course of exercise/nutrition/ and behavior change definitelly minimizes your chances of initial "falling off the wagon" and basic frustration.

Even if you can afford only a few sessions with a qualified exercise professional, use those sessionsn to concentrate on safety, realistic expectations and positive reinforcement/encouragement.  For example, I have several committed clients who "check in with me" once a month to fine tune their workout.  They may have been fit like you at one time, found themselves overwhelmed by life, and just need the occasional nudge from me to make sure they are on the right track with their exercise/nutrition regimen.

Is this making sense to you?  There is only so much I can suggest here over the internet to you, so I'd rather recommend you to go in the best direction that may be the most successful to you in the LONG run.

Go to AFAA.com, ACSM.com for trainers in your area, of call 1-800-233-4886 (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.  CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING A SURVIVOR (I just went through the same thing-divorce, baby blues, weight gain).  It takes some time, but be encouraged. Do what your doctor/therapist/other professional says (if its working for you), and HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!

Sincerely, Daphne
Let me know how you are doing in the next few months or so.