Login or Register

Bed Exercises for Weight-Loss in the Obese

May 23, 2011 | By Lyn Michaud
Bed Exercises for Weight-Loss in the Obese
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than are consumed. Bed exercises contribute to weight loss in the obese as well as strengthening and toning muscles in preparation for movement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity provides health benefits even when obesity or other physical limitations prevent meeting minimum guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise.

Stretching

Stretching muscles improves flexibility, helps prevent injury and prepares muscles for exercise. Breathe deeply and stretch. With elbows straight and hands clasped, raise arms over head and repeat five times. For the shoulders, touch fingertips on shoulders and with elbows pointed upward draw circles in the air with the elbows five times in each direction. Stretch the legs by pointing your toes away from your body, then toward the body and repeat 15 times. Make circles with the toes, rotating the ankles 15 times in each direction.

Strengthening

Strengthening bed exercises involve contracting, holding and releasing the contraction of large muscle groups. Perinatology.com recommends performing bed exercises with slow and gentle motions. Repeat each exercise for the leg muscles 15 times. Squeeze the buttocks together and hold for five seconds. Tighten the thigh muscles while pressing knees into the bed and hold for five seconds. Bend knees and pres heels into the bed and hold for five seconds. Lift one leg into the air 10 inches, while keeping the other leg on the bed with the knee slightly bent and hold for five seconds.

Resistance Training

In a review of research reported in the July 2005 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, resistance exercise can improve physical activity levels and enhance function for obese adults. An exercise recommended in the Journal of Supportive Oncology uses a towel to provide a force for the muscle to work against. Lying with knees bent and feet flat on the bed, hold the ends of the towel with arms extended upward. Exhale and tighten the towel by extending your arms to the side away from each other. Repeat five to 10 times.

Exercise and Weight-loss

Exercise can be as effective as dietary changes for weight loss. However, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a 200-pound person would need to do the equivalent of brisk walking for approximately one hour and 57 minutes to shed 700 calories.

Obesity Special Considerations

Poor circulation to adipose tissue makes skin folds susceptible to chafing and skin breakdown. In the August 2004 issue of Critical Care Nurse, powder in skin folds should not be used because the particles can cause further skin irritation. In addition, obesity interferes with breathing by making the respiratory muscles work far more than people who are not obese. Also, circulating blood volume increases due to the accumulation of excess adipose tissue so cardiac output increases in proportion to the degree of obesity. Consult a physician and physical therapist to ensure bed exercises appropriately meet your needs and limitations.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: May 23, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments