Best type of exercise for underweight person?

When you say you are eating more exactly how much more and how often are you eating? Do you have an idea of the calories you are eating per day compared to your bodies BMR? I think diet is the more important thing for you hear. By increasing your protein you will work more on the muscles but by also increasing the green vegetables you eat you will improve your cell function which will make sure what you eat is put to good use and not just burned off. In terms of exercise agree with what has been mentioned above but if you like the gym at all forget working small muscle groups and work more on the larger areas that work muli joints.

I can relate as went through a period a few years ago where I lost weight due to stress and had no strength or muscle. As other have said I recommend ensuring you are eating a healthy, balanced diet and also ensuring you do some exercise. Do you have much appetite at the moment? or perhaps in your mind a lot? I can help you reconnect with your body and offer breathing, body scan as well as a gentle practice to build strength and flexibility. All excellent for being in the moment and being more mindful. Wish you the best ad contact me if want a free telephone consultation or any sessions or to come to a class.

You don't need a heavy exercise which burns a lot of calories. However, you need exercise to maintain your health and get you away from heart problems. I would recommend non-dynamic yoga nor hot yoga, choose the yoga which combines of breath exercise, movement that tunes and builds up muscles, and a minded cardio exercise. Search an accredited teacher from Yoga Allinace UK or British Wheel of Yoga [checks the list of teachers from their websites], and I would also recommend you to speak to teacher before you start with him or her, good luck.

Hi Abi,
For you, it's important to really try strength and endurance exercises after a good warm-up, of course! Start small and slow and build up gradually, otherwise you'll be put off doing them.
Whether you're slimming or trying to put on weight, I think the golden rule is always eat little and often. Dried fruit and nuts and seeds would be good for you, with a good breakfast containing protein and carbohydrates.
Are you a fidget? Try and calm yourself perhaps by taking up yoga rather than pilates.
All the best and good luck,
Chrissie

Yes yoga as a holistic practice will help you to find moderation and to bring all the body systems into balance. I am an IYENGAR yoga teacher, which may look like it has a focus on the asana practice, but the way we practice focusing on alignment, working precisely so you understand your body and yourself better; may help to stabilise your metabolism.

Hello Abi, I have come across your situation before. Like yourself, a very underweight client turned up at my pilates class but found the exercises difficult and uncomfortable. After some discussion, we decided that she would try my water aerobics class for a while. This enabled her to build up some strength while exercising in a much more supportive environment. She still takes part in both classes and has put on weight and gained muscle tone. I hope that this is helpful. Best wishes, Sarah Morgan-Giles http://www.clearwatertherapies.co.uk

You may benefit from doing a few one on one lessons - in your preferred discipline.. Group classes can be difficult as they cater for the whole class and Pilates, though a great exercise regime, can be tough - the complete repertoire gets challenging even for some fitness professionals.
Try some beginner classes or hire a trainer to help you build strength in a more structured way.

Hello Abi,
As a physiotherapist, I treat many people recovering from ill health, including cancer, as well as injury. While some Pilates exercises would be appropriate, any which are too strenuous will not help, and may make you feel worse. Choosing one style of exercise, only Yoga, or only Pilates, may not be the best for you.
I often provide a mixture of exercises, depending on the client, and make sure that the client is happy with each exercise and performing the correct technique, otherwise it is not repeated.
As the client progresses, other exercises can be added. You probably need to start with a very short routine, perhaps no more than 6 exercises, then build slowly from there.

Try swimming - if you are not sure about technique treat yourself to a few private lessons, they arent expensive and wll really make a difference. If you swim at a leisurely rate with good form you will start to build up strength in your upper body. Then you can go back to Pilates and combine the two.
If you are also trying to put weight on, protein based meals supported by warming carbs - potatoe, squash etc, milky puddings (rice, creme caramel) will help you to gain weight and remain healthy.
Trisha Hills

Hi! I was the same as you... very underweight and couldn't put wait on. I tried Pole fitness 5 years ago and loved it... it not only built my strength but also toned my body and the new muscles made me look healthier. Pole Fitness is very hard though and although it builds strength gradually, if you have had ill health you should consult your doctor. Yoga is also a fabulous form of exercise and increases both flexibility and strength but you should always tell your instructor about any health issues. Also belly dancing as it tones your body from the inside, making core muscles stronger, this is a very good low impact form of exercise. Good Luck!

As has been stated, an appropriately led Pilates or yoga class would be most suitable. Avoid mixed ability or dynamic sessions. Perhaps consider a 1-2-1 with an instructor so that you may talk freely and be catered specifically, for your needs. Thereafter, you can join a group class. Look for a well qualified instructor who is willing to take the time to offer modifications. Our studio is in Chester, Cheshire, http://www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk
Keep looking - there will be someone who help you safely back to strength and fitness.
Helen

yoga & gentle pilates are very good suggestion. Try to balance your diet & maybe talk to an experienced nutritionist for your own special body.

yoga & gentle pilates are very good suggestion. Try to balance your diet & maybe talk to an experienced nutritionist for your own special body.

Hi there,
Pilates should actually very be very good in this case, but the problem is that general mixed level class that you would normally find in an health centre/gym won't be suitable for someone with special need.
I teach Pilates and I have been in your situation myself having lost myself a lot of weight through ill health in the past, and Pilates havs been the best exercise ever. It was invented to cater for people with injuries after all!
I think you start a matwork/standing personalized or small group programme that allow to build strength at your own pace, combined with a little advice supervision with your food intake.
If you live in London, you can contact me at http://www.pilateswellness.co.uk
Hope this help
Claudia

A gentle yoga class would be ideal. You'll build up strength slowly and you won't burn a huge amount of calories. Look for a mindfulness yoga class or gentle yoga for beginners, from an accredited teacher (British Wheel of Yoga, Yoga Alliance) and a good teacher will give you modifications until your strengths improves.