Exercise and Fitness: Questions & Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Gina Jackson, who is our resident exercise and fitness expert and who is available to answer all your questions about exercising and fitness. Gina has a private practice and is available for consultation.
Gina answers all your exercise and fitness questions below:
Q: I have had to stop my usual routine of walking 20 minutes in the mornings and 30 minutes in the evenings at a fairly fast pace about 6 times per week due to injury.
On reflection my routine became rather mundane and like a chore and I sometimes felt I 'had to' exercise for fear of putting on weight not because I enjoyed it.
If I decide to not recommence my rigid routine and continue to eat at balance diet as I do, am I likely to put on weight or lose muscle therefore weight?
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A: The short answer is yes.
There is no way to prevent muscle loss without exercising. Women especially need to exercise (especially weight bearing exercise) as it helps to prevent bone loss in menopause.
You need to find physical activity that you enjoy, so that you do not become bored with it. There are a range of different types of activities that you can take part in, without feeling bored, especially if you mix it up and choose a few different types. Maybe you can find a friend to come with you on some days, so that you can feel more motivated.
You have not stated what your injury is, so it is not possible to give you specific advice on the physical activities best suited to you, but I can tell you that yoga and pilates are usually fine for most people with injuries. Just ensure you let your instructor know your exact injury so that she/he can give you alternate movements if necessary.
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