Combat Winter Weight Gain
Just because it's
wintertime doesn't mean you can't exercise! Exercise will help you counteract
holiday weight gain, as well as improve your health.
Learn more
about:
Obesity has been
linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes and
cancer. Sixty percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese.
Middle-aged folks are not the only ones susceptible to getting a "spare tire"
around their waist. The number of overweight adolescents has tripled since
1980. 14% of those aged 12 to 19 are considered to be overweight, and three
quarters of them remain overweight as adults.
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Getting Started
- Experts recommend
at least three 20 minute sessions of exercise per week. If you are trying to
lose a significant amount of weight, 5 times a week may be what you need.
- Remember, the
elderly or people with health problems should consult with their doctor before
doing anything strenuous.
- Some winter
chores and activities are good forms of exercise, for example, moderate snow
shoveling and ice skating (see warning above).
- Take the stairs
instead of the escalator or elevator.
- The President's
Counsel on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) has many publications
about how to design your own exercise regimen.
- Fitness.gov (the
website of the PCPFS) also has tips about exercise and weight control.
- Make exercise
part of your daily routine. With a treadmill or exercise bike at home, you can
watch your favorite TV show while you burn those calories.
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Take A Walk!
- If you ride a
subway or bus to work, get off one stop early to get some extra exercise.
- If you live in a
climate with little or no snow and ice, consider taking a walk after dinner
each night (but not too close to bedtime). Be sure to be safe when you walk
outdoors. Stick to well-lighted, familiar areas, and walk with a partner if it
makes you feel more comfortable.
-
AARP has tips suitable for people of all ages about how to get the most
out of a "walking workout." For example, pump your arms to increase calorie
burn by 20%.
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Shop
Wisely
- If you are
considering buying a device that "guarantees" weight loss with little or no
effort, check with the Federal Trade
Commission to see if it is really effective and safe.
- If you purchase
exercise equipment at a consignment shop or yard sale, check with the Consumer Product Safety
Commission to make sure the item has not been recalled.
- If you work in an
office building or live in an apartment complex, check to see if there is a
workout room on the premises. You may be able to workout for free or at a
discount. If there is not a gym on the premises, ask your supervisor or your
apartment building's rental office if use of a nearby gym could be arranged.
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Other Resources
This is just a brief
overview. For more information check out these resources. Read these publications online or
order them:
Websites*:
* Names of
resources and organizations included in this online article are provided as
examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by the
Savvy Consumer Information Center or any Government agency. Also, if a
particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this does not mean or
imply that it is unsatisfactory.
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bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. We are not responsible
for the content of these websites.
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