Body contouring procedures can be great options for eliminating stubborn areas of fat and excess skin, and exercise can help produce and maintain optimal results.
Getting in shape before a procedure can eliminate some excess fat and allow your skin to contract naturally, reducing the amount of fat that needs to be removed during your procedure and improving the quality of your skin left on the treated area. This can also make the procedure less invasive with smaller or fewer incisions. Healthy bodies also recover more quickly than unhealthy ones; therefore, getting fit beforehand can help in a multitude of ways.
Developing a healthy routine prior to body contouring can help you continue that habit after your surgery, and continuing a healthy exercise regimen after your recovery period will ensure that you do not reverse your results by gaining the weight back.
Here are 5 exercises that will allow you to take advantage of your time and get the most effective workout.
1. Push-Ups
The push-up is a fundamental exercise that has been employed in a variety of workout practices for centuries. This exercise targets the chest, arm, and shoulder muscles (pectorals, triceps, and anterior deltoids), and it provides an ancillary workout for the core muscles as well.
2. Crunches
The abdominal crunch is another basic exercise used in many workout routines. It strengthens the stomach muscles (abdominals) as you raise your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor while lying on your back. The knees should be bent, and the feet can either be on the floor or lifted into the air with your calves parallel to the floor. You will get the most out of this workout if you contract your abs and do not use your hands to pull your head forward as you “crunch” your midsection.
3. Squats
This exercise resembles the motion of sitting into a chair and then standing back up, but it is performed without the chair for support. Squats work the muscles in the thighs and buttocks (quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteals) as you squat down and then raise yourself back to a standing position. Be sure to keep your knees behind your ankles and your back straight for proper form.
4. Lunges
Lunges work the major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, gastrocnemius, and soleus) in the lower body and can also improve balance. This exercise is performed by taking a large step forward so the front knee forms a 90-degree angle and the shin of the back leg is parallel to the ground. The heel of your back leg should lift off the ground, and your weight should be put on the toes. Bring the back leg forward to meet the front one, returning to a standing position, and repeat with the other leg to complete one repetition.
5. Bend-Over Rows
This exercise with barbells is great for working the muscles in the upper back and upper arms (trapezius and biceps). To perform this exercise, start with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms extended down to your sides, and hands each gripping a barbell. Bend forward at the hips without hunching your back, and bend your elbows to pull the barbell up to your waist. Lower your hands back to the starting position and repeat without moving your back.
Whether you are considering tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, or any other body contouring surgery, you are likely to achieve the best results if you’re close to your ideal body weight before undergoing the procedure.
