Exercise is a vital weapon in the fight against obesity.
But, particularly for people who are overweight or who have never done much of it before, physical activity can be daunting.
It’s one of life’s little ironies, that the people who need exercise the most tend to struggle with it more than their thinner, healthier, or more active counterparts. The struggle can be discouraging, and may derail an exercise regimen before it even gets going.
Regardless of weight, fitness level, or health condition, we all need exercise. And as a corporate wellness professional, it’s within your power to help your employees overcome whatever hurdles are keeping them from getting fit.
A few words of encouragement can go a long way when someone is tempted to throw in the towel. Offer a good supply of moral support to everyone who expresses an interest in making lifestyle changes to improve their health.
Remind them that every step counts and even small changes can have a big payoff. The most important thing is to get them moving in the right direction, focusing on making good choices each day, one at a time.
With the right attitude, a little motivation, and some tips and advice designed to help beginners find their fitness groove, anyone can overcome the obstacles that have until now prevented them from achieving better health.
WebMD offers these exercise do’s and don’ts from clinical exercise physiologist Gerald K. Endress: