Industrial Tricycle for Morbidly Obese Weight Loss

Morbidly Obese Weight Loss Best Cardio?

The Industrial Tricycle IMHO is the best cardio for the morbidly obese. 

Read on and I will explain.

Whether you are a professional fitness trainer, social worker, family member, or an obesity hotline volunteer, there is a chance that you may be in a position to encourage a person with morbid obesity. 

  Why the morbidly obese need the best cardio with the least risk of joint injury.

The biggest obstacle for a person of double body weight to lose weight will be the stress on their joints and heart from exercise. Let me share my experience in finding a key to overcome this problem with my client, Corey.   

Our biggest fitness training tool for the morbidly obese has become the industrial tricycle.

Not all adult trikes are rated for heavier bodyweights, so be sure before you buy one.   

Corey’s body weight of over 400 pounds makes load-bearing exercise difficult to sustain. He began at 430 lbs and was hardly able to walk or stand for more than a few moments at a time without becoming breathless and legs burning with pressure.   

After a few seated workouts to activate the body, our weight loss and functional fitness program went to the next level with the addition of our biggest cardio cross training tool yet–the industrial tricycle.

The adult Industrial tricycle is the best non-weight bearing exercise choice for a large and heavy person.   

A two-wheeled cycle will not brake safely in downhill situations under heavier bodyweights. A single-speed tricycle with two rear tires plus hand and foot brakes give maximum support and deceleration stability.   

Although the maximum manufacturer rating is only 400 pounds, some modifications can be made to provide additional support and reinforcements. Our local bike shop J.T.’s of Henderson, not only assembled our trike but also added an extra wide seat with springs and a solid steel seat post with welded base plate to reinforce the seat. This trike completes Corey’s program with non-weight bearing cardiovascular workouts with constantly changing scenery.   

Our private guard-gated community encircles a golf course offering street inclines varying from flat to 25 degrees. The intensity progression will be a natural one based on Corey’s ability to overcome each hill climb before approaching his next challenge. Twice daily bike rides allow plenty of recovery between morning and evening outings. From the very first ride there has been a steady progression of success in both weight loss and conditioning.   

Travelling exercise such as cycling allows change of scenery and constant sensory stimulation. This makes an enjoyable experience, which is more likely to be done more frequently. Also, the movement creates airflow that causes evaporation of sweat to keep you more comfortable. You won’t recognize the effort and intensity as much because you are moving. The non-weight bearing activity of cycling opens possibility of greater duration and frequency.   

Industrial Tricycle Seat Adjustment Corrections

Be sure to have the seat height adjusted to allow adequate leg extension with about 25 percent knee flexion when allowing the bottom pedal to drop to the 6 o’clock position. This will enable a more functional motion while distributing more of the work over more leg muscles. Too low a seat height results in too much quadriceps and burning above the knee.   

Safety on an Adult Tricycle

Safety on three wheels is better than two, but the rider must become accustomed to the turning radius. Corey finds himself leaning on turns with a body weight shift to control the cycle through a curve. Dynamic balance is required just as it would be on two wheels. As always, wear a safety helmet.  

Just like exercise machines in gyms, most ready-made cycles are designed for average sized people not the extra large morbidly obese. 

Don’t let your heavy bodyweight deter you from seeking a way to modify a good cycle because you can usually find a way to make it work. Cycling is the best cardio exercise a large person can do to reduce risk of joint stress and increase fitness benefit. Remember, swimming has been proven not to release stored fat from the body because the frequent water environment makes the body prioritize buoyancy. Fat makes your body more buoyant. Choose your primary cardio workout based on high benefit with low risk plus high fat loss. 

Correct Cycling Attire for the Morbidly Obese Weight Loss Client  Large cyclists do well with bib cycling shorts that resemble a wrestling singlet. The bib comes well above the waistline and will help to hold your body in both front and back. This will also serve as a support undergarment to hold in the loose skin apron once belly fat is greatly reduced. Dress correctly and do not allow even the slightest skin abrasion to develop from the friction to the upper thighs, buttocks, and groin. Chamois padding is fairly standard in cycle shorts for good reason. Dress for your activity and avoid any uncomfortable setbacks so that you get to your fitness and weight loss goals before you burn out.   Cycling is a must for large-sized weight loss clients. It is a low risk activity that offers high benefits.   

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