What is the Best Exercise on HCG Phase 2?
As a Physical Therapist Assistant with a background in sports medicine and the author of the HCG Diet Gourmet Cookbook series, I get asked often about exercise. Can I? Should I? What exercises are best in the HCG Phase 2 ? In What phases can I get back to my my regular work out? I’m working out every day why has my weight loss stalled? I am a proponent of some form of regular exercise at a level that is safe and comfortable for you.
Getting out in nature and taking a walk can do a world of good for you on the HCG Phase. Keep your pace moderate and relaxed. No power walking on this phase. Breathe deep and enjoy the day. You may even like to do some visualization exercises for your new body as you walk.
Rebounding is a super easy exercise that can get the blood flowing and oxygen to your cells. You can purchase an inexpensive rebounder in any sporting goods store. When on the HCG Phase 2, you don’t want to overdo it but getting on the rebounder for a few minutes periodically throughout the day can be very beneficial.
Light Yoga and stretching exercises can help you maintain core strength and flexibility. Do not overexert yourself. Choose stretches, positions, and balance postures that keep you strong and flexible but don’t work up a sweat and take breaks frequently.
During this time on the HCG Phase 2, Avoid exercising excessively as directed by Dr. A.T.W Simeons in Pounds and Inches as heavy exercise can stall weight loss. Likely due to the lactic acid released by the muscles interfering with the release of fat and fluids. Feel free to exercise, move, and stretch during the HCG Phase 2. After you transition to the HCG Diet Phase 3, you may wish to begin or resume higher intensity sculpting and toning exercises, cardiovascular and sport activities.. Before and after the HCG Phase 2 is time to get back to your normal exercise routine (or start a new one) when the critical weight loss phase 2 is over.
I knew it! I was lifting weights daily and increasing the workouts. My weight loss came to a complete stall out!! I was losing my mind. Could not figure it out. Then I found myself starving frequently. I continue to struggle to lose the last 10 lbs. I have to exercise to feel good. So I have recently cut back on the weight lifting (not excessive lbs 60 – 80) and returned to QiGong stretching, walking/hikes, swimming and lite wts 20 lbs – 40lb maximum. I hope this will do the trick. I will begin the last cycle for a 23 day period to see what happens. I use the recipes in your book and love them. Thank you.
Hi Laura — so glad my article helped and came at the right time for you! The stretching, walking and light swimming should be just fine. If you find that your weight continues to stall, I would eliminate even the light weights until you reach P3. Best of luck to you!
Tammy, I recently went vegetarian but consume dairy (no eggs). On my first HCG round I was eating meat & fish and lost 33 lbs in 43 days—BUT can I pull this off (or at least 25+ lbs) while on Round 2 as a vegetarian? More are going this route so I think it’s a good question to address. Pls. let me know & any suggestions. Thanks.
Martha, there are vegetarians who do this diet very successfully. My Volume 2 cookbook includes many vegetarian dishes that should help you out. You can find it at http://www.HCGRecipes.com. Best of luck!
Hi Tammy – I want to start HCG again but sometimes, I’m just not motivated. It can be very frustrated starting and stopping but again. Just need some motivation. I like the rebounding idea. I have a rebounding at home and I love it. It’s so great! Thanks again for the article.
I am planning to start HCG very soon. As I read about doing light yoga and stretching, I have a question. On weekdays after work I go to Planet Beach. I get a 20 minute hydrotherapy massage and sit in the sauna for 30 minutes. Is it alright to continue with the sauna that I enjoy so much?
Thanks!
Hi Shelley! I think that would be fine. Just make sure you are taking extra salts, electrolytes, etc. Stop if you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable.
Best of luck on your diet!
I walk almost daily with my pooch, Pilates once or twice a week, horseback riding once a week/about an hour. I was doing weights once or twice a week but haven’t started back since I started Phase 2. I would appreciate any feedback on this routine. Thanks!
Sounds like a great routine. My first and best rule when it comes to exercise is that it be fun! Something you enjoy! I have just recently tried Zumba and walking and general toning with weights are great! Best of luck to you!
Hi Tammy I am so bummed as I kept my weight off for 4 years and then all of a sudden I guess I must have been pushing the envelope with too many steak days because of binges and a few times being over two lbs. Now I am five pounds over my original weight loss and I am gaining two to three lbs in a day and then have to do another steak day? Am I going to have to do the diet again to re=stabalize. I would be wantting to lose only the 5lbs I have gained so can you even do the whole program to lose 5lbs. I am really bummed please help.!
Hi Jeannie,
Don’t be too bummed. There are many reasons why you might experience a creep up in weight such as stress or hormone changes. I’ve faced some of these challenges myself over the years. You might try a few things first before you consider HCG. You could try a detox colon cleanse or do a juice fasting day or two. It might just be excess water weight or something minor like that. HCG really does work better if you have 10 or more pounds to lose. If you feel like you need to do another short round to re-stabilize, make sure to do a full 21 days on the HCG and just increase your calories to 800 (same diet foods) when you reach your goal again. Hope that helps 🙂
Tammy
Thanks so much for your quick response! i do have one more question. Right after I came off the hcg diet four years ago I was told I had uterine cancer. I had the surgery and chemo and radiation and still was religious about two lb weight gain and did a steak day! If I do decide to do it again have you heard any one saying things like some times people can get cancer after using HCG? It doesn’t seem so to me but it will always be in the back of my mind that I did get the cancer right after the HCG diet. Most people have told me that cancer takes a while to grow and the fact that it was so soon after the diet that I found out it makes it less possible, but like I said it is always in the back of my mind. I am so in love with HCG and hope I will always have it for my availability. Have you done the HCG again after gaining weight and if you did how did it work for you?
Is it ok to go bike riding while on the Phase 2 part of the HCG Diet. And if it is okay, can I do a 10 mile bike ride?