About six years ago, I went to my doctor for a standard physical. I was about 30 pounds overweight. Everything checked out fine, and because of my age, the doctor also gave me an EKG. The doctor said that I was exceptionally healthy and I had a very strong heart.
Of course he recommended I lose the excess weight. He said that if I didn't lose the weight and keep it off, I could suffer some major heart problems in about 10 to 15 years. The reason is, I was carrying all the weight above my waist putting pressure on the heart and lungs.
He suggested exercise in the form of swimming. Being a professional engineer, and working in an office 8-10 hours a day, I didn't see where I could easily fit that into my schedule. I asked him if golfing 2 to 3 times a week would be enough exercise. He laughed and shook his head. Walking around a golf course does not keep your heart pumping for the required amount of time. For when you stop to set up for your next shot you usually cool down a bit and when playing with others you stand around thus again cooling down. The short walk from one ball lie to another doesn't provide much exercise at all.
He then suggested doing some Nordic Track exercises since that would exercise all of my limbs; hands and feet. This I could do! We had a Nordic Track at work, and I could do that during my lunch breaks. I did this three times a week for about three months.
Well, one thing led to another and I ended up getting hooked on jogging 2 to 3 miles a day. I've slipped a few times in the last six years, either because I was sick or family illnesses that made it difficult to keep up my exercise program. I gained some of that weight back, but I am no where near the weight I used to be. Reason is, i'm still running and I ENJOY IT!
Yes, I can not stress how good you feel just after running and I feel more vibrant and healthier for it.
But don't get me wrong, in my opion, any sustained exercise that increases your heart rate for at least 15 minutes or more three times a week will make you feel better. Try it, you'll love it! Another thing, watch your diet, do not try to eat more since you exercise more, you won't get anywhere. But if you maintain the same calorie intake as before you ever started exercising, you should be able to lose weight. It worked for me!
