Is the exercise and health industry forgetting the obese?

If you are over 250 lbs. you have no doubt been frustrated by the lack of exercise equipment out there that can withstand your weight capacity. A quick research over many online sites offering exercise equipment shows on average the maximum weight capacity for many exercise equipment to be no more than 250 lbs. It seems pretty clear the health and fitness industry has forgotten those who really need the most help. With so many needing exercise help, it is befuddling and amazing that more companies that manufacture equipment haven't raised the bar a little and made exercise equipment for those needing it the most. Here is a list of some exercise equipment that may be able to help if you weigh more than 250 lbs.


Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer


This item is currently offered on Amazon.com and is reasonably priced at under $90.00 While it does not say in the description of this item what the weight capacity is, research of the online customer reviews turned up that a 280 lb customer was able to use this item. What is great about this particular piece of equipment is that it is small and easy to store in sharp contrast to many other elliptical type exercise equipment. If you live in a place with limited space this item may be a perfect fit. With over 500 customer reviews giving this item a solid 4 stars out of 5, I'd say it's worth checking out. Click on the image to purchase.

Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle

 

This item also doesn't state that it has a specific weight capacity, but here again, a customer review stated weighing 400 lbs. and used this item with no problems. The Marcy magnetic recumbent exercise bike has a few features that are worth taking into consideration. The bike offers eight levels of preset resistance, an adjustable tension knob that adjusts to your personal fitness level. It has a  large console display,tracks your speed, distance, time, and calories burned which is great for those of us on a schedule. The manufacturer states the bike is comfortable and supportive, with a recumbent step through frame for easy mounting, a great feature for those of us larger than 250 lbs. The bike also sports a dismountable and adjustable seat that accommodates different body types and sizes. The recumbent frame is great for those who find most upright bikes uncomfortable to sit on and also may be a great solution for those with other physical limitations. 267 customers gave this item a solid 4 stars out of 5 rating on Amazon and at only $149.00 and free shipping it sounds like a great item for the 250lb. and over people. If you are interested in this item click on the image to be brought to the Amazon page.

Ab-Doer Twist Abdominal Trainer

 

 

This machine has a maximum weight capacity at 300 lbs. so a little better for the larger folks. The manufacturers state that you can tone muscles and receive an effective aerobic workout from a seated position with the Ab-Doer Twist. The manufacturer also claims this item is easy to use, requiring the user to just sit down on the device and your body will automatically be positioned in an anatomically correct (and stable) position.
The machine allows you to move in a swivel like motion and in so doing, helps eliminate excess fat from your abdominal muscles and your obliques while also targeting other "metabolically active" muscles in your inner and outer thighs, hips, and buttocks. Wow that sounds like it covers most problem areas.
The manufacturer also claims that  The Ab-Doer Twist's state-of-the-art torsion flex technology activates a wide range of muscles groups. Because you're properly aligned and supported with this items design, you'll use these muscles effectively, with less stress and less pain. 63 customers gave this item a 3.5 star out of a possible 5 star rating. It's cost is $135.99 and may be ideal for those that have problems standing for a long period of time. If you think this may help you at your current weight, click the link and research this possible option for exercise.

Dieting: Keeping it real

Image via WikipediaDieting is a drag. Let's face it. It's all about self denial and sacrifice. However in proper perspective, it can be about alternatives, and healthy options. Either way, it is a commitment for life. This is the difficult part of the process.

How do we as consumers make such a strong commitment to ourselves when so often even making a commitment to pay a bill, stay in a relationship, or keep a promise can be so very hard? The easy answer is, well there is no easy answer.








Small changes
There are steps, small steps. I always find in my own health journey, that making small changes are a lot easier for me to handle than trying to make big changes all at once. If you break a small change you feel small guilt, but commit to do better. If you break big changes, you feel defeated, and like a huge failure.

Exercise
Almost as dreadful as the act of dieting is the act of having to  exercise, especially for an obese person. Why? Exercising hurts. Again, making a small change may be the answer. Walk a half mile every day? Or every other day? Eventually you will walk a full mile, then ?? Another alternative for those that need to lose before you can walk is to invest in simple exercise machines like Shake Weights, which can be used in the privacy of your own home and help you to work out your upper body.  It's about a small commitment to move more. Lets say we don't measure the distance, but commit to 15 minutes of brisk walking? The idea is to do what you are comfortable with. As you become acclimated to the idea, you will no doubt raise your own bar in time.

Drink more water
It seems so simple, but for many people dealing with health issues there is a lot of dehydration at the root of it. Water cleanses the body, provides hydration and adding lemon juice is said to help rid the body of toxins and help with digestion as well.

Keeping a journal
For some people writing is good therapy. For a dieter it may be just the visual aid needed to help them see where all the calories, fat and extra weight is coming from. By keeping track of what you are putting in your body you can at least gain some understanding. When you begin to keep your diet journal do so at least a month before you begin your diet journey. This way you can keep track of every bite, and become more aware of what you are doing, when you are doing it and it will all paint the profile you need to see where to make changes.

Treating yourself
Dieting is not just physically hard but it is psychologically hard on you as well. The hard work takes a long time to start paying off and treating yourself to a monthly treat may be the very thing that keeps your mind and body from becoming overwhelmed. Just remember once a month only. Once you start slipping and going off the beaten track it takes very little to undo what you've accomplished. Remember, dieting is a lifelong commitment.

Goals
Setting realistic goals for yourself is a key part of the commitment you make to your health. Goals that are too ambitious too soon may end up being abandoned. Instead place realistic goals on yourself that you know you can do. Besides, goals can change as your success becomes apparent. You can always raise the bar in your fitness journey. The idea is to never give up on yourself.

Doctor visits
We all hate going to a doctor, but at some point we all have to. Not only that, but if we are struggling with obesity, its important that we consult with a doctor to come up with a plan for our health. Doctors can keep an eye on your weight, blood pressure, sugar levels and advise you on additional steps you can take including detoxing, and other alternatives.


The run down:

1. Small changes
2. Exercise
3. Drink water
4. Keep a journal
5. One treat/cheat once a month
6. Set a goal
7. See a doctor regularly

Good luck in your journey, keep it real, keep it realistic and keep it going!

Known foods that spike blood sugar levels

Image via Wikipedia
If you are at risk for diabetes, or already have been diagnosed with
diabetes, you need to know what foods to avoid that will cause a spike in
your blood sugar levels. This list gives a general guide to what foods to
limit if not remove from your diet. If you live in South Carolina and have recently been
diagnosed with diabetes see: South Carolina Living With Diabetes to see if you qualify for health care assistance.

White flour- White flour is a simple carbohydrate, meaning the body quickly
converts it to glucose. White bread, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, pastries,
pasta, doughnuts, bagels, cakes, biscuits, etc are all known to spike sugar levels.
Look for whole wheat bread, whole grain products and high fiber content as alternatives.

Fruits and fruit juices- Grapes, pineapples, raisins, watermelon,canned fruit,
bananas,apricots, all cause blood sugar spikes. Beware of products that are labeled "no sugar added" as this is by no means a statement that the product isn't high in sugar. It simply means no additional sugar was added so always check the sugar and carb count on the package. Avoid also processed tomato sauces that are loaded with extra sugar. Tomatoes are naturally high in sugar to begin with so be careful of your intake. When cooking, use plain canned diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes which have much less added sugar, and once spices are added taste just as good as off the shelf pre made sauces like Prego, etc.

Vegetables and other foods- Stay away or limit your servings of these high starch veggies like potatoes, corn, canned yams,summer squash, sweet peas, white rice. Research has recently been
done that show healthy extra servings of green leafy vegetables can cut a persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes. High in fiber and  loaded with vitamins opt for fresh spinach, collards, bok choy, swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage,turnip greens, peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, pea pods and asparagus, will keep that sugar in normal range. Make sure at least  half of your plate is dedicated to these healthy veggies and as always check your sugar levels often to help you figure out what foods trigger sugar spikes.
For great low carb recipes see: The Low Carb Kitchen

Related articles by this author:

• Low carb Rocky Road chocolate shake
• How to make your own sugar free flavored yogurt
• Great low-carb products