Do you make a point of staying fit?Posted by Jeff F. on September 20, 19104 at 11:55:52: I'm a lifelong amputee, and I've always been on the physically fit side, probably because I've always had to rely on my arms more than most folks. When I was a teenager, no one believed I didn't work out. More recently, I've developed a roll of fat that hung over my belt. I bought a larger pant size, but was starting to outgrow the new pants, too. That was a wake-up call. I still looked trim to most folks, because the fat wasn't enough to show through my clothes. But I saw it, and so did my wife. All my life I've been told to stay small, and avoid weight gain. I'm happy to say that I didn't gain enough to cause me real problems. I started eating healthy to nip the problem in the bud before it got serious. Here's the progression as I see it. You gain weight >> your prothesis becomes less comfortable under the new weight >> you become less active, due to the discomfort >> being less active, you gain more weight >> you end up in a wheel chair. Besides the amputee issues, there are other factors. I'm 45 years old, and concerned about future heart health, like anybody. I want to look good for my wife, who loved my physique when we were teenagers. And I just want to feel good and be more capable. Two months ago, I started dieting, and have lost the roll of fat, but now I'm enthusiastic about going farther. We have two very dusty exercise machines in the house, and I've taken them out of mothballs and I'm starting an exercise routine. My initial goal is to get some nice abs. Even at my fittest, I never had a six pack, but I think I can get one with enough work. How about you? Do you have a workout routine? Do you have any modfications that you could share with fellow "Asymmetrical Americans"? Personally, I can't run. My birth defects won't permit it. But with my new comfortable prosthesis, I'd like to get into a walking routine, if possible. I've never been aboe to walk great distances, so that may not be an option. We'll see. Please share your experiences and advice. Jeff.
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