Question

I am almost 42 years old. I am 5'11" and weigh 224lb. I work with computers, so I spend most of my day sitting. I rarely do any practice or workout. Recently I started going up the stairs (rather than taking the elevator) for 7 floors at once, going slowly and taking half a minute standing rest after the 4th floor. Then again later the same day, I go up the stairs again for 2 or 3 floors. I do that only on weekdays. Is this good for me? Any suggestions?

Answer

Walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator is a good thing to do, but exercise must be regular and enough, which depends on your weight-height ratio and what you eat. It will take much effort on your part, as it means a lifestyle change.

The necessary change will include regular, sufficient exercise and an appropriate diet, and it may take some time to accomplish, but when you lose weight slowly and you adapt to your new lifestyle it is more likely to stay off. Diet without exercise, as well as exercise without diet, won't work.

Before you begin any exercise and diet regime we advise you to have a check-up with your doctor and get the go-ahead for your plan. You can get help from the links listed below.

If you find you need more help, you could join a Weight Watchers Group near you, where you can get personalized professional advice, as well as the emotional support of others also needing to lose weight. You may prefer, however, to attend a gymnasium, and take an aerobic or weight-lifting class.

Links

• Find Out Your BMI
• How to Eat a Healthy Diet
• How to Start Exercising