Despite the name, overweight doesn’t just refer to being overweight in terms of weight; it also relates to muscle mass and overall health. If you’re heavy in the sense that you have excess fat on your body, these tips will be great for you; if you’re overweight in the sense that you have an abundance of flab on your arms and legs, however, these fitness tips may not be as beneficial for you as they are intended to be.
Start Small
When men start to exercise, they often think they have to make a significant change at once. Start small:
- Walk around your building or block instead of using the elevator.
- Get off at a different subway stop and walk some extra blocks.
- Build-in 10 minutes of resistance training each day.
Losing weight is hard and takes time, so don’t feel like you need to lose it immediately. You can be fit without being thin!
When it comes to taking care of your health, start small. The trick is beginning to exercise in ways that fit into your daily life and then slowly increase as you see how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for how overweight men can get started
Work Out At Home
Working out at home is a fantastic option for overweight men. We tend to live very sedentary lifestyles, but there are plenty of ways to break up that routine. Sometimes you can’t make it to a gym or prefer not to exercise with other people around—and that’s fine!
If you’re working out at home, it’s essential to invest in a good set of dumbbells. You can also consider resistance bands or even an exercise ball. These items are relatively inexpensive and can give you a great workout without leaving your house. It might be tempting to work out on your couch, but it’s better to use an exercise mat so that you don’t slip around or damage your furniture.
There are many easy ways to work out at home, including simple exercises like crunches or push-ups.
Most overweight men prefer to work out at home. It’s convenient, and if you have kids or a busy schedule, it makes more sense to find time for exercise around your family or job. You can also just avoid running into people who don’t know that you’re trying to lose weight—something that can be awkward in a public gym.
Take Up Boxing
Boxing is one of those activities that has gotten a bad rap over time, but with proper training and protection, it’s a great activity for men to get involved in. It’s a great way to work out those arms (while getting rid of stress at work) and burn off extra calories and pounds. And you don’t have to be some sort of fighter to get started: just check out your local boxing gym or take up martial arts instead.
Boxers don’t have to be huge guys with crazy muscles—they just need to know how to use their fists and feet in a fight. It’s an excellent way for overweight men (who aren’t fighters) to get into shape quickly and safely, plus it works out your arm muscles simultaneously. Check out local gyms or martial arts schools for more information on boxing classes in your area.
Exercise Together
It may seem counterintuitive, but overweight men should work out together. Since many men aren’t too keen on joining gyms and even fewer are open to working out with each other, it can be challenging to get into a good routine—especially when you’re just starting. But if your goals are as similar as your numbers on the scale, you might have more success sharing tips, providing support, and accountability.
Working out with other people has many advantages, including lower costs and more motivation. Many people work out to keep each other accountable, help with logistics (like childcare) and provide support during difficult times. Whatever your reason for working out together, you can save time by heading to a gym where you can join a group fitness class—from Zumba and CrossFit to TRX and Pilates. A gym membership offers many benefits that will help keep you consistent.
Supplement Your Workouts
One thing men often overlook is proper nutrition. If you’re overweight, it may be good to supplement your workouts with a fat burner. Fat burners can give your metabolism a jumpstart and help you reach your weight loss goals faster. In conjunction with exercise, this tool is particularly effective for those who are trying to lose weight quickly but safely.
Consider CrossFit
If you’re an overweight guy looking to shed some pounds, it’s worth considering CrossFit. The high-intensity nature of CrossFit makes it an excellent option for people who have struggled with other types of exercise in the past because it forces you to push yourself physically (and mentally) beyond your normal limits. Because CrossFit tends to be more intense than regular cardio, it also burns more calories in less time—perfect for anyone struggling with willpower when dieting.
Use a Gym Buddy
Obese men are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to their higher BMI. And according to an Australian study, even normal-weight men who have high BMIs have worse health indicators than obese men with healthy BMIs. So overweight or obese men must incorporate fitness into their daily routine by going to a gym and having a gym buddy to keep them accountable.
Eat Healthier at Home
That’s why it’s important to eat healthier at home. Consuming fewer fast food and packaged foods, more fresh produce, and lean proteins helps men lose weight and feel good about their bodies. This doesn’t mean a lifetime of bland, uninspired meals. With a bit of creativity, you can get as much flavor in your home cooking as you can at any restaurant. Use these health tips for overweight men to make better choices when eating out or cooking.
Take Baby Steps
Many overweight men think that getting in shape is all about how much they work out and how much weight they can lose, but it’s not just that. You need to take baby steps to get your body back in shape. First, start by working out every other day. Then move on to exercising three times a week. When you’re feeling comfortable with these two fitness levels, step it up again by building more muscle mass while increasing your cardio training and overall intensity.
Your body is beautiful but if you are overweight and looking for a change, these are the best fitness tips for overweight men.
If you are looking for more health tips, check out this post here.
