Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding on Non-Traditional Exercise after Bariatric Surgery

10 Ways to Exercise Without Even Knowing It!

After undergoing bariatric, or weight loss, surgery, patients are taught how to live a healthy lifestyle. Besides eating right, you will want to increase your physical activity with your doctor’s approval. But working out does not have to be in a gym. The following are suggestions from Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding on alternative and fun ways to exercise.

  1. First, try yoga for body, mind and spirit. There are many benefits of practicing yoga. For example, it increases strength and flexibility. Yoga also improves your immune system, as well as your mind. Regular yoga helps people relax and focus. After bariatric surgery, yoga can also help you build self-esteem and provide serenity in your busy world. 
  1. Next, go dancing. Many people consider an hour at the gym a drag, but they’d lose track of time on the dance floor. Try a dance class like salsa or ballroom dancing, or sign up for a Zumba class at your local gym. Dancing builds your confidence in addition to burning calories: a perfect combination for a healthier you. After bariatric surgery, check with your doctor when you can begin this fun activity.
  1. Get fresh air with Fido. Walking your dog does not seem like exercise, but your pets have the right idea. Walking your dog twice a day could add hours of exercise to your week. Having a pal to walk with can be the inspiration you need. If you don’t have a pet, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter to add some fun activity to your life. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding also reminds all her bariatric surgery patients to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.
  1. Next, experience LARPing. LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing and it can be enormously fun. This roleplaying game where people dress up as characters allows them to experience a fantasy world while getting exercise. Read more about LARPing to find groups in your area.
  1. Another way to disguise exercise: swimming. Burn calories and strength in a neutral environment that won’t put pressure on your joints. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding recommends swimming for all body shapes and sizes. Try an adult swim class if you want to revisit the basics. You can also try water walking exercises for a fun and challenging twist on classic moves.
  1. Act out. For an active and fun addition to your life after bariatric surgery, take an acting class. Learn acting techniques to build confidence in the new you after bariatric surgery, and have a great time. You’ll meet a whole community of people in the process, and who knows where it could lead you!  
  1. Go exploring. Try geocaching, the world’s largest treasure hunt. Using GPS coordinates, explore your area to find a cache of hidden goodies. Then, sign the logbook and leave another treasure behind. It’s a family-friendly way to get outside and sneak in exercise while having a great time.
  1. Donate your time. Volunteering can be an active way to get moving and feel great. Sign up for a program like Habitat for Humanity or United Way. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding recommends an active lifestyle to all her patients. Donating your time to those in need could be the perfect way to get moving after bariatric surgery.
  1. Another way to get active is by gardening. The Centers for Disease Control calls gardening is a moderate cardiovascular exercise. Experts like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding encourage all their patients to get out in the fresh air. Added benefits: you get to enjoy lush and beautiful results. Apartment dweller? Try out container gardening to make any space a work of art.
  1. Last, don’t forget the many benefits of walking. Walking is so simple that we often overlook how important it is. Check out Dr. George Fielding’s tips for walking ten thousand steps per day. There are many simple ways to sneak walking into your life. For example, replace your coffee date with a pal for a walk through the park. Get to know your city with historical walk or look a ghost tour in your area.

At the end of the day, it’s all about being active. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding knows her patients will participate in exercise if it’s enjoyable. There are so many alternative forms of exercise today, there is something for everyone. When you’re having fun, you’ll forget how healthy you’re being.

Bariatric Surgery Consultation with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about weight loss, including bariatric surgery, consult an expert like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding. Visit the NYU Langone Weight Management Program to find out more information.

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