Consulting A Physician First - What To Look For

When you read online that you should consult a physician before starting a new fitness routine … there is a reason for this - and, it’s not just a disclaimer to protect the site owner against potential legal actions. It’s a recognition of the fact that exercise, done improperly, can be harmful and sometimes you can’t get everything you need to know with a few google searches.

A medical doctor, especially one that specializes in sports medicine - a relatively new focus - can check your overall fitness before beginning, help you define your limits and recommend specific routines to help you accomplish your chosen goals.

Regrettably, not all physicians are created equal. They’re rushed, overburdened with government regulations and paperwork and sometimes they’re just not very good doctors. This shouldn’t be surprising. Every other profession has a range of competence, there’s no reason to expect medical doctors to be any different.

Unless you are fortunate enough to get a great recommendation, experience (a part of which is simple trial and error) will ultimately land you a medical doctor suitable for your purpose. Asking the right questions like “What is your experience with sports medicine?”, “What is your stance on diet ‘X’ or drug ‘Y’?”, “What would you recommend for someone like me?” - will help you reach that goal.

Don’t be put off by a busy doctor, you’re paying for his or her time. Also, find one that’s willing to explain in terms you can understand, without acting like you’re an idiot for asking.

Nearly all physicians will have a basic knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, proper functioning and so forth. But physicians who specialize in sports or fitness will have a thorough, in-depth experience-based knowledge of the subject. It’s no criticism of physicians that they do not all have that. No one can be an expert in every area.

That in-depth expertise will help you in a dozen ways.

Avoiding injury is primary in developing any workout routine. Mild discomfort is normal, especially when beginning or after a long period of inactivity. But pain is a signal that something is wrong. It could just be improper technique, or it may be something more serious. A physician can help you find out the cause of your pain, or help develop a routine that avoids it in the first place.

Optimizing your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and overall fitness involves understanding first and foremost how different routines will effect you in particular.

Men and women have basic differences and even racial differences play a part in developing correct routines. Body types differ among different groups. Each individual has a specific arrangement of joints and muscles, a unique level of lung and heart capacity, a distinctive genetic inheritance and so forth. Ultimately, you need a workout that is optimized for you specifically.

A sports physician can help you achieve those goals, beyond the level at which most fitness professionals - good as many of them are - can generally do so. Make time to see one before beginning any strenuous exercise program.

               

Join the Go! Smell The Flowers Weight Loss Contest!

Yesterday marked Day Seven (of my third try) to lose weight. Rather than put myself through a mid-week weigh-in, I have decided to delay weighing myself until Friday Morning .. on January 11, 2008, which will be Day Ten.

My reason? Two fold:

(1) I thought it would be easier for me to remember, and it would be nice to start a weekend with FULL weekly splurge points available … and

(2) SO I CAN JOIN THE GO! SMELL THE FLOWERS WEIGHT LOSS CONTEST!

From their blog …

Commencing on Friday 11th January and closing on Friday 2nd May 2008, the winner will be announced on June 1st 2008 with the highest % weight loss AND a convincing 500 word account with diary if possible of how they managed it.

We thought 4 months should cover it nicely! The prize - Flowers, of course AND 7 nights stay for 2 in a Hotel at our cost (we’ll provide the lettuce leaves) to be used between July 1st and September 1st 2008.

All you have to do is post your name in their comments, and .. of course .. LOSE WEIGHT!

Are You In?

               

It’s That Time Of Year - Time To Start The Diet Again!

Image Created at Create-A-Character

Weigh-Ins

* On May 25, 2005 .. I joined Weight Watchers and officially weighed in at 291 lbs.

* On January 1, 2006 .. I had stopped watching or counting points and weighed in at 263 lbs.

* On January 1, 2007 .. I weighed myself back at 283 lbs.

* Yesterday - January 1, 2008 .. I weighed myself and I was 287.5 lbs.

I must say, I don’t feel obese, being a 6′1″ person .. but I mostly sit at my desk working and do feel sedentary at times. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m losing feeling in my toes from the lack of circulation. My wife is cold blooded and hates the heat .. (could be thyroid related) and I’m always cold and using a Space Heater in my office here on the 2nd floor to up the heat a few extra degrees. Is that because of lack of circulation? Last Summer I was at the cottage, and swimming, running, biking, walking the dogs .. but, had trouble fitting in a Kayak that I had purchased - that is, sitting in a position with my feet together inside the kayak and my back straight. When summer was over, we still went until just about Canadian Thanksgiving time, on Weekends .. but that exercise was enough for me and I never even walked the dogs during the week. I have to also say, that these past six months has been quite stressful for me - workwise.

In November, my father-in-law was in a serious car accident, and now has brain damage, loss of sight and requires 24/7 personal care. I have been taking care of his business, or rather - trying to liquidate and end the business .. and eating out at restaurants. Maybe it’s because I’m out and about, and doing lots of lifting, and running around - but, I actually lost weight in November and December (before Xmas celebrations that is). But, ever since - I’ve been taking Tums at night (yummy Calcium!) But, only after eating burgers, pizza and fries! That can’t be good.

My Body Is Trying To Tell Me Something

Well .. my brain and stomach told me to immediately finish off the remaining Rice Krispy Marshmallow Treats that I made last week (3 points each for about 2″x2″ bar, 34g each) .. and give it a go with the open boxes of chocolate (and 1/2 an Easter Bunny) .. But - now that it’s gone now… My brain is telling me it’s time again - time to officially lose weight and get healthy.

OKAY! I GET IT! Enough is Enough!

The diet starts today - January 2, 2007 … I’m back watching what I eat, counting points like I used to with Weight Watchers, minding my portion control and .. eaaaaazzzy on the chocolates, Double Mozza Burgers, Pizza and All-You-Can-Eat buffets!

So - the good news is .. I will be back now posting on the HART’s Getting In Shape category here at Battling Obesity … three times is the charm! You guys *want* to see what I’m eating, now - don’t you?
How about you? Are you blogging about your weight loss in 2008? Leave your link in the comments - and I’ll start a “Friends” page about this! Interested in joining me? We can also try to do some meme’s, cross linking, share recipes, pictures, etc etc etc … or - let me know privately off-line via obesity.BattlingForHealth.com/contact/

HART