Better Workouts After Bariatric Surgery

You are now on your weight loss journey and have begun making it a priority to get in a daily workout.  Some think that you’re accomplishing a successful workout routine if you go to the gym and sweat.  Wrong! It is essential that you follow healthy guidelines for your workout to have a positive outcome.  Aside from keeping your body fueled with healthy calories, there are a few other things you can do to make your activities better:

Always stay hydrated. Studies show you should be drinking around 16 ounces of water two hours before your workout.  Make sure you sip water throughout your exercise program (and after!). Water should always be your first choice for fluid replacement.

Start slow. You want to make sure you work your way up to an aggressive workout.  It is healthy to go step by step and build up your strength and stamina.  If you go too hard, too fast, you will be in pain rather than feeling satisfaction and seeing results.

Avoid exercising on an empty stomach. Eating before your workout will ensure your body has the fuel for stamina, endurance, and performance. Not eating before activity could result in being light-headed and dizzy or even fainting. Don’t forget; your body won’t function without food.

Figure out what works for you. Every person has a different digestive system and different needs for nutrition and exercise. Experiment until you find the right balance of eating and exercise. There’s no one right way to do it. Remember, it is always important to focus on your needs and not compare yourself to others.

Get plenty of rest. That means sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a night and giving your body recovery days during the week. Working out too much can cause fatigue and possibly overtraining symptoms.

Keep things interesting. Changing up your workouts regularly will keep you from getting bored and help you avoid weight loss plateaus.  Remember, not just one specific part of your body needs the exercise. So make sure you are giving attention to all areas.

Be comfortable. Wear workout clothes that help regulate your body temperature to avoid getting too hot or cold. The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable in your workout clothes and have to end a workout early.

The most important tip for having a great workout is to do what you enjoy. It’s all up to you to figure out what makes you happy. A positive outlook and attitude will show positive results. Experiment with different exercises at different times of day to figure out what you enjoy the most. Doing that will make it that much easier to stick to your program.

Related Topics:

• Getting Back to Basics. How Best to Get Your Daily Hydration Quota
• Reducing Undue Pressure on Your Joints After a Bariatric Procedure
• Maintaining Muscle Mass after Bariatric Surgery
• Why Carbs Aren’t the Enemy