Dr. Osama Hamdy

After evaluation of the exercise history and the possible barriers to exercise, an individualized exercise plan is designed by the program exercise physiologists based on each participant’s health status and exercise capacity. The intensity level of exercise is set above the minimum required to improve the participant’s current exercise capacity, but below a level that may evoke abnormal clinical signs or symptoms. It includes a balanced mix of aerobic exercise (cross and interval training) to promote the development and maintenance of cardiovascular health, resistance exercise (circuit and superset training) to enhance muscular strength and improve performance of daily living; and flexibility exercise (stretching) to enhance functional capabilities and reduce the risk of injury.

 

The exercise plan includes a weekly 60-minute exercise session under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. In addition, each participant is given an individualized exercise plan to conduct independently at home. Participants are instructed to progress gradually over 12 weeks from 20 minutes (continuous or intermittent) 3-4 days/week to 60 minutes 5-6 days/week. Upon completion of the initial 12 weeks, participants are encouraged to exercise independently for 60 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week if possible and try to maintain >300 minutes per week following the program.

 

To learn more about the full dietary intervention of the Why WAIT either join the Why WAIT program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and read the Diabetes Breakthrough Book (Harvard Health Publication)