Anyone have any suggestions for training the morbidly obese?

[The Survivor]

My manager just informed me we have at least one newbie starting soon that weights 600 lbs plus. The gal that I had working w/this type left a while back and I'm not well versed on someone this heavy. I know he wont fit on the Cybex machines and hes too heavy for the treadmills (capacity 450 lbs). Maybe the 4 square? Like hop scotch, they have 4 sqaures that they go back and forth on. Anyone want to chime in on how to even begin??

 

[Presser]

Well I know any little exercise yields huge weight loss at first so I think anything you have an obese person do is going to work for the first 75lbs . I would look at those shows the big loser I think it's called , I've watched a couple episodes before and have heard them say that just about anything works at first.

i would just be sure to limit your liability incase they have heart attack though! SERIOUSLY

 

[mkdk]

get her to the pool, very easy stuff, stretching mainly at first, walking slow

 

[CH3NO2]

Any kind of activity like Presser said will yield massive weight loss. Restrict calories and the fat will drip off of a person that size.

Slow walking and any kind of seated work with very light dumbells. mkdk said a pool, thats a great idea.

 

[mcgaret]

Like Presser said, have her get a checkup first from her (or his) doctor. Liability bro.
I was going to just say walking but the pool is excellent. Just exercising with water
as resistance, in my opinion would be perfect. I think just pool and walking for the
first couple of weeks. Also, I always have them clean up their diet just a tiny bit
at a time. If they eat cupcakes 6 times a day I would say to cut it to 4 or 5 times.
Mabey bad example but I found out they have easier time and stick with it longer if
its easy like that. I also say that if they slip (and have cupcakes 8 times one day) it
is OK. Just try to do a little better the following day. Or have one day where they can
eat all they want. I found the more strict the diet/rules the quicker they quit.
Keep us posted bro. This will be interesting. I think the hardest part will be to keep
them comming in and trying.

 

[Presser]

yeah i didnt even think of a pool, might be a decent idea, but not sure you have that available to ya bro, anyhow some good info here

 

[fstr03svtcobra]

No if they are in a pool and drown that would be bad. Just have them lower carbs, get a script for metformin, and for exercise 30 minutes of clapping their hands ed haha.

 

[csuperman]

i would just get them to walk around for X amount of time

 

[RagingWhoreMoan]

I like your idea of 4 Square

This could almost become her litmus test for how her fitness is improving.
Say every Friday or something as a reward.

As for training, I would think about how you train other clients/members.
Devise a plan based on her goals. Lose Fat!

Then create a split. # of Days, Sets, and Reps.
I know this seems basic to you but you are preparing this person for a long term commitment to fitness.

As for exercises I would suggest think about the same compound lifts we use to build muscle.

Squats.
Turn them into Sit-Stands.
Have her Sit in a chair/bench.
Stand Up.
Sit Down. (1 Rep)

Then Progress to Air Squats (bodyweight)

Deadlift.
Start with a modified good morning.
Basically have her touch her toes for reps/sets.
Eventually add in a broom stick and correct form.
I bet you 600 lbs MADE THOSE LEGS STRONG.

For shoulder press
Start with a broom stick
any movement will help

 

[The Dude]

To become that obese they obviously have a problem with motivation. Honestly I'd set up challenges. 100 yards in x time. Next week 100 yards in x-5 seconds. A series of basic challenges. Next 100 yards and at 50 yard mark, do 10 Supermans, then finish in x time.