by Mandy Lennon

Created on: July 29, 2011

Beginning an exercise regimen is a scary prospect for many obese people. They are at greater risk of injury and health complications as a result of exercising. Many also have psychological barriers, where they convince themselves it's all too hard, or they don't have the time. For others their appearance is a draw back. Fortunately there are ways to over-come these hurdles.

To avoid injuries and health complications you should begin with gentle exercises. Swimming is a good place to start as it is less stressful to the joints. However if body-image is a problem you can start with walking. A casual stroll around the neighbourhood is a relaxing way to exercise, or you could do a few laps of your backyard each day. As your stamina and levels of fitness increase you can speed up your walk, or add extra streets and uphill stretches. Feel like you don't have the time to stroll around the neighbourhood? How about making it a weekend activity with the family, turn it into an adventure for any reluctant children by suggesting they take a bag to collect “treasures”. Instead of meeting friends in a café, grab a coffee to go, and take a stroll together. Park your car ten minutes away from work, that way you will get in twenty minutes of walking a day.

Using a bicycle is another option. Once again if you don't want to go out in public when you begin your exercise regimen you could invest in a stationary bike. If you place it in front of your television, put on some music videos and pedal to the beat it goes quicker, and it's easier to ignore the ache of unused muscle if you're happily singing to your favourite tunes. Under time constraints? Why not peddle while you wait for the kettle to boil for your morning coffee? Peddle while you read your mail, watch the news or chat on the phone. Four, five-minute sessions add up to twenty minutes of cycling a day.

Dancing is a fun way of exercising. Crank up the music and rock your body as you wash the dishes, mop the floor or even cook dinner. Or move the furniture out of the way, and dance like you're a diva. Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to dance like a diva everyday, but dancing while doing household chores doesn't use up any extra spare time from your day.

These are all fairly easy ways to add movement into your daily routine. They might be a slower way of getting fit, but they are habits that will put you on the right path. Once your confidence and fitness levels have improved you can launch yourself into a more intense exercise regimen.

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