Prepackaged diet programs focus on the meal replacements rather than exercise for the most part. However, there is a trend towards including information and support for physical fitness as a part of a weight loss plan. For a comparison, consider the different regimens of Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, and Medifast.



Nutrisystem does not insist that you exercise in the first place. If you are severely obese or have some other kind of medical problem, they support you doing the diet without a set exercise program. They do expect you to move around more, no matter what your condition.

Nutrisystem also offers a set of fitness DVDs, one for the Women's Walk, one for the Silver Walk, and one for the Men's Walk Programs. These DVDs are thorough in their explanations of weight loss fitness plans. They guide you through a set routine. An NFL star set up the Men's Walk Program, and a fitness expert made the other two.

If you are on the Nutrisystem diet, you can walk, swim, or bicycle to get fit. The main thing the counselors stress is that you need to keep it within your capabilities and not take it too fast. Overexerting yourself will only hinder your efforts in the long run.

The Jenny Craig program for fitness is a gradual change from where you are in the beginning to a much more active lifestyle. The goal is for you to be active for 60 minutes a day when you are up to speed. This does include natural active moments in your life that would not be considered traditional exercise.

Jenny Craig offers a personalized program that includes exercises like walking and resistance. Everything from washing dishes to walking around during a sporting event can be included. Classes like weightlifting, yoga, and dancing are encouraged. Even active play, like a pick-up basketball game is a good choice. The key is to remain active whenever you can.

The Medifast weight loss program looks at exercise in a much more serious and scientific way. Just like the Nutrisystem diet plan, Medifast encourages people who are not active to get used to the diet first. Unlike Nutrisystem, however, this program only suggests that you wait 2 to 3 weeks before you begin.

Then, the exercise is supposed to be started gradually, increasing the level of activity slowly over time. Walking is one common form of fitness training used with Medifast. Other activities people might do include: aerobics classes, swimming, weight training, or biking.

If you are going to spend the time and the money to go on a pre-packaged diet program, it only makes sense to go all out. Exercise can make the difference in someone who gains the weight back and someone who keeps it off. Check out your Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, or Medifast exercise program as you are evaluating the diet before you begin.