Does Vomiting Equal a Better Workout?

Here's what happens when you workout. Your muscles start to demand more oxygen as they work harder. Increased oxygen needs mean that your blood supply (the carrier of oxygen) is diverted from its normal route towards those muscles. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, liver, stomach and intestines, i.e. your digestive system, which can make you extremely nauseous -- even to the point of vomiting.

Basically what that means is that you're overexerting yourself for your current level of fitness. Biggest Loser contestants were not prepared for the level of workouts that were demanded of them on the first day. Normally, the reasonable thing to do when you feel nauseous is to stop. Unfortunately the contestants seemed to be told to puke out a window and then go back to their workout.

In the real world, this doesn't happen very often. There's an old movie called "Pumping Iron" where Arnold Schwarzenegger and his buddies puked with pride into buckets on Muscle Beach in Venice, California. Bodybuilders still train to this level, but it's certainly not the norm.

If you're sedentary and are thinking of starting a fitness routine, think of the first week as a "break-in" week. Only do about 20 minutes of cardio 3 to 4 times during the week and get used to the idea of exercising. As you progress, add 10 percent to the time or 10 percent intensity (not both) to your workouts. This will allow you to keep aggressively challenging your body, lose the weight, but give your body time to adjust to the new routines.

Walking is a great first step in any fitness program. Here's a great way to start a successful walking routine.