So, lets say you’re all health conscious and actually like exercise.  Maybe you’re like me and even though you worked out like crazy your metabolism was so screwed up that you couldn’t drop a pound even eating like a bird and working out 5 times a week.  Enter the HCG Diet into your life and you discover a near permanent way to correct your metabolism and finally drop that 25, 50, 100 pounds or more.  One question I hear from people who have read my book is whether you can keep up with your work out routine while on the strict HCG phase of the diet.

Well, the truth is I think exercise is a wonderful habit.  Regular exercise is good for your heart, tones your muscles, stimulates your circulation and just plain makes you feel good.  BUT…. too much or too aggressive exercise while on the HCG can actually slow you down on P2.  Whether that is the release of lactic acid or the body retaining fluid, the fact is your weight loss will be slower if you exercise aggressively.  So, I’m making a few recommendations to help you make this decision.

While on P2, Do not work out excessively.  No heavy weights, intense cardio etc.  You might find yourself feeling very tired and drained.  If you want to maintain some kind of workout routine I would suggest walking, rebounding, light yoga stretches etc as your exercise of choice.  Now before you start the diet or when you head into P3 or the stabilizing phase of the HCG diet feel free to work out at your comfort level.  If you want to suspend your regular work out routine just during P2 that is just fine too.

Now, a word for those people who are losing a lot of weight, aren’t particularly strong or athletic, have certain health problems, or just plain don’t like exercise.  As you lose the weight you will find it easier to move and I do recommend that when you go on P3 or maintenance that you consider a light walking program, swimming, or any physical activity that you actually enjoy.  Make fun and increase your activity level gradually.  Monitor your heart rate and don’t push yourself too hard.  Get checked by your Dr. before starting any exercise program but I suspect most Doc’s would agree with me that a walking program has tremendous health benefits and will aid you immensely in maintaining your weight in addition to your new rockstar metabolism.

In conclusion, I’m a fan of exercise for overall health and well being.  I was trained in Physical Therapy and I’ve seen life changing benefits with my patients just from starting a simple walking program.  I recommend people of all ages have some kind of physical activity in their life at a level that is appropriate for their age, health, and fitness level.  That said, I say exercise caution and tone it down or stop vigorous exercise just for the time you are on the HCG.  Odds are, you are going to feel motivated once you start P3 to get toned and in shape for beach season or a night on the town.  On P3 and for life I say “GO FOR IT!”