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This article is from the Big Folks Sports and Activities FAQ, by sharon@ecs.ox.ac.uk (Sharon Curtis) with numerous contributions by others.

A3-8) Fat people and Exercise Equipment

Many pieces of home exercise equipment are suitable for big folks,
though you should check the weight rating of the equipment.

Some people like ski machines, as they are easy on the knees.
Generally people tend to prefer low impact exercise machines with
a gentle full-body workout.

If you sweat a lot, as some fat folks do, be sure to drink lots of water
*while* you are working out. Don't wait until the end. Bring a water bottle
onto the machine with you.

If you're using a stationary bicycle, make sure the seat is comfortable
for you.

Some people find the Stairmaster is a good antidote for back soreness.
It keeps the back upright. You may find that as a fat person, as you're
lifting more weight than most people, you want to use the lowest levels.
You don't need to support your upper body by leaning on the rails with
your palms turned out. It may hurt, and it's counterproductive, as you're
then only working your legs and you might as well be on bicycle or a
treadmill.

Treadmills vary. You may wish to choose one with no bars on the sides, or
only on one side, as with the two-bar ones, you might hit your arms
on the bars as you walk. Some treadmills are poorly made and will creak
if a heavy person walks on them, but the well-made ones support several
hundred pounds with no difficulty. Walking on the treadmill is
low-impact. If you swing your arms, you'll get a more strenuous workout.
Holding onto the rail in front will be a less strenuous workout, but it
will stabilize your body and may help if you are experiencing some
soreness. By cranking the incline up to 10% or more, you can get an
aerobic workout that's just as good as running.

Some people like the Elliptical Crosstrainer. This is a cross between
a ski machine and a treadmill, except that your feet move in an arc
instead of in a horizontal line. The depth of the arc and the resistance
of the machine can be altered.

 

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• next: A3-9) Fat people and Gardening

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