Take Exercise Outside after Bariatric Surgery

With the weather starting to warm, now is the perfect time to breathe new life into your workout routine. Though you may have spent the winter camped out at your gym, outdoor workouts can have big benefits after bariatric surgery—it’s time to come out of hibernation and explore the countless exciting activities that Mother Nature has to offer.

In addition to giving you some fresh air and a chance to improve your focus, spending time on outdoor exercise can help you develop new active hobbies and get a taste of the world around you. Your next favorite workout could be waiting just outside, and while you should always ask your bariatric surgeon before jumping into something new, taking a step into the great outdoors can be a big part of improving your fitness and quality of life.

After you get your bariatric surgeon’s approval, try out awesome outdoor workouts like:

• Swimming. Forget the indoor lap pool at your gym—this activity was made for cooling off after a hot day in the sun. Consider joining a swim club with an outdoor pool in your area or head to a natural option like Lake Tobesofkee just west of Macon.
• Cycling. The exercise bike is great for a rainy day, but don’t forget that this workout can also be a great way to get around. Get into the garage and dust off your bike for a spin around your neighborhood or a nearby park. To find good routes in your area, try mapmyride.com.
• Hiking. The wilderness can make walking an even better workout. Get prepared for your journey and head out to tread the trails of Chehaw State Park near Albany or the boardwalk at Macon’s Ocmulgee National Monument.
• Yoga. One of yoga’s benefits is that it can be done anywhere, any time—you don’t have to spend all day in a quiet studio to do it. After you’ve learned the basics in a few yoga classes, you can take your practice outdoors by doing yoga in a tranquil corner of your yard, or bringing your mat along on a hike for a few poses in natural seclusion.
• Golf. It may not seem like an exceptionally strenuous workout, but a day of golf can help you burn tons of calories, especially if you leave the cart at the clubhouse. Find a course in your area and soak up the sunshine as you work your way towards the hole.

Things are starting to heat up in Macon and Albany, so take advantage of the weather before another winter rears its frigid head. If you have any questions about your ability to handle these outdoor workouts, ask your bariatric surgeon first.