not working out just counting calories.

Hello Everyone,

I have been counting calories since September and so far have lost 12 lbs. I haven't been working out though. I had a hernia repair about a little over a year ago, and was told to watch out with the weight workouts. Everytime I go on the treadmill my asthma starts acting up. I have a feeling that the only was to lose the last 6 lbs to reach 118 is by exercising. Any suggestions, I've can't seem to shed the last 6.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Hi--I also have exercise-induced asthma. You might want to talk to your doctor about whether it would be OK for you to use your short-acting inhaler (for example Proventil) before you do cardio. It has made a great difference to me!

Exercise is key in losing weight, so yes, adding exercise would greatly help you reach your goal.

Maybe you are starting too hard on the treadmill? ie - walk before you run.  Or maybe look at a less intense cardio workout in the pool or using an elliptical as this can be much easier on the joints.

Have you spoken to a trainer or a physical therapist to see if you can do some specific weight workouts to strenghten your problem area?  I'm not sure of the particularities of working out with hernia repairs, but I'm sure a professional can give some more insight.

Try doing weightless exercises, like streches, pushups and situps.  Use your body weight to tone muscle, and you can burn more calories by having more muscle mass.  Google for some weightless exercise routines, check with a trainer at the gym or just make them up!