Is low-intensity exercise good?

Question

I am a 63 year old male, obese (5'9, 245 pounds), out of shape, with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and I had a mild stroke 3 years ago. I am belatedly trying to improve my health through diet and exercise, instead of the dang medicines that cause a lot of side-effects. I recently purchased a lot of home exercise equipment, and I am starting to exercise for hours at a time, but at a very low level. At this point, I want to just burn off calories, and I don't want to overdo it and have a heart attack. So ... if I do very light exercises for several hours per day, will that be helpful? It seems like a good comparison is walking: some experts say that walking a mile is just as good as running a mile, and it seems like the same principle would apply to other exercises.

Answer 1

A health teacher once told me that it is always better to lower the intesity but lengthen the time

Answer 2

If you want to burn off calories I would suggest you do something cardiovascular, it looks as if you have a treadmill or you're walking? This is the best for burning fat. You can get the same workout walking brisk as you can with jogging, and no pounding on your feet, knees, or back. You will want to start walking slowly, and gradually build up, or else you can cause more harm than good. Your body isn't used to it, especially your heart, so start slowly, to build up to a hour with your walking. Start for 20 minutes, 5-6 days a week. Keep this routine for several weeks, then gradually increase 5 minutes a week. You must do this gradually for your heart, never mind all the other injuries you can get with your feet, knees, back, because your body isn't used to this!
Hooray for you for buying equipment! Start slowly, you didn't say what equipment you bought, is it weight lifting equipment? Do everything slow and controlled and not heavy to start. If you work one body part one day, don't work it the next, for recovery time. For instance if you work the front -part of your body on Monday, tuesday do the back half, so your front gets some rest. Does this make sense? Hopes so!!

Answer 3

well before you start exercising check with your doctor. walk helps but it is not the only thing that will help you get in shape. first of all start slow and easy. it is easier to walk around the block a few times before trying to go further. weights will help if you show determination to use them setting a schedule that works all the muscles in the body. legs back arms chest they will all need to get into shape at the same time.

Answer 4

Definitely good for you. But boredom might be your worst enemy. I suggest you exercise for an hour a day and monitor yourself. That way you can see how you are improving and plan realistic goals for yourself. That way your body won't get too used to the gentle exercise and hit a plateau, but will keep improving. It also means that you won' overdue it which in itself can shock the body. Of course, ultimately it would be wisest to get the doc on board and ask him to suggest a plan for you and help to monitor you too.

Answer 5

be glad you surived the stroke i am also a stroke suriver and the low intensity is great for you and with the other things get the drs okay. walking is great to but if you can have some one go with you and drink alot of water and i do wish you the best for you .

Answer 6

Yes it is good for you. It is called cardiovascular excercise. It helps you shed pounds and feel better about yourself. Don't just sit here, go jog a mile!

Answer 7

yes low intensity is better for older people because it puts less strain on the heart, different muscles, and joints. Good job!!! :o)

Answer 8

It's better than no exercise. Walking is great exercise.