discussion title: QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISE
Hello everyone! I've been following the WW program since Sept. 24 of this year, and I have a very large amount of weight to lose. I believe I have posted on this board since then, but I also post occasionally on another board so I can't remember. Anyway, my weight loss was up to 16.6 pounds after the first month, which was awesome, but I've done a bit of a backslide in the past couple weeks. I guess I just stopped trying so hard and I missed my meeting last week, so this week I wasn't sure what to expect. I was sad to see I had gained back 4 pounds! However, I am getting myself back on track now and I'm more determined than ever to start seeing the weight loss again. For me it's a matter of do or die...I weigh 399 currently, and when I started I was 411.6. It isn't easy for me to post those numbers, because they are astronomical!!! On one hand, knowing how much I weigh has been like having reality slap me smack in the middle of my face... but on another hand I still can't believe that I actually weigh that much!! When I look at myself in the mirror I definately don't see a 400 pound woman (I am 5'9), but I do see myself at the heaviest I've ever been. With a history of heart disease in my family, I really need to take hold of this NOW and change it for GOOD!! I'm 30, so I'm not getting any younger!!
Exercising is something I haven't done regularily for years, so it's hard to know where to start. Yesterday I finally pushed myself to go out for a walk, which is something that I have enjoyed doing in the past, but I was really disappointed to learn that my body, at my current weight, has serious limitations!! It was really surprising, actually, because I'm a nurse and I am on my feet quite frequently at work, and my job can be physically demanding...yet when I went for a walk yesterday, all I could handle was 10 minutes!!! I was aiming for at least 20 minutes, but it was so hard to do just 10, there's no way I could handle 20!! I was really shocked and disappointed, but I tried to tell myself that at least I was starting somewhere! I tried to stay positive, but I found myself seeing the reality of my current limitations with physical activity!! I mean, I was sweating, breathing hard, my heart was pounding, and when I got home my legs felt like jelly! It was embarassing, actually! I found myself thinking, I feel like I'm DISABLED by my weight! I know that it will only get easier with each pound I lose, but it's hard to be patient. I want to exercise more, but after only being able to handle 10 minutes, I wonder what else can I do to increase my endurance? I guess you can say that the 10 minutes of walking I did was probably moderate, if not high intensity, but I don't feel like that after a half hour or more of walking around in Walmart or grocery shopping! So can I count that as exercise? What kind of exercises can I do at home, and how often should I be doing it? With winter coming, I anticipate I'll be doing mostly indoor exercises anyway, and I sure wish I had a treadmill or elliptical trainer!!
Anyway, I know I've babbled a bit here LOL! I would appreciate any advice about how to get started with incorporating regular exercise into my life!! ~Sabrina
re: QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISEmessage #: 69805.2 in response to 69805.1
Since you were exercising outside, maybe other factors need to be considered.... do you have allergies? Sometimes I feel like that when I walk outside just because of the pollens, weeds, certain trees or molds. It's really bad in the fall for me. Was where you walking hilly? That can contribute to how you're feeling after as well. Also, weather will contribute to how you feel, I tend to get more tired/winded walking in the cold than on warmer days.
Since you were only able to do 10 minutes, why not try taking it a little slower and adding on another 5 minutes then each week add a couple more minutes until you build up to where you want to be.
re: QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISEmessage #: 69805.3 in response to 69805.1
Oh, Sabrina, the first thing I want to do is give you a big (((HUG)))! I know how you feel about the reality check of first seeing your true weight on the scale. I felt the same way when I first walked into WW 6 months ago. I really had no concept of what I weighed and was shocked and embarrassed once I found out. I know it feels daunting at first, but, trust me, with each week that passes and each pound that comes off, you will begin to feel better. With feeling better will come motivation to continue on... trust me!
As for exercise, I was never a big fan of it, but I find that walking is my best bet. In the beginning, I felt sort of the same way you described: tired, weak, sweaty, but as my body began to change, so did my endurance. I try to incorporate exercise into every day situations. For instance, you mentioned walking around Walmart of the supermarket. That is absolutely exercise. Another good trick is parking as far away as possible from the entrance of the store, forcing a bit of brisk walking before you even get inside. For me, I need exercising to be interesting and what is better than exercising while shopping? :)
Another thing that works for me is having an exercise buddy. If I know that someone else is counting on me to meet them for a walk, I am far more apt to stick to a routine. Also, having a friend with you will force you to talk while walking, making it an even better cardio workout. For me, those exercise buddies are sometimes my two dogs. Today, we will take a nice brisk walk on a local bike path. Walking outdoors is nice and the dogs pulls me onward... this path is also nice and level, so it is something I can easily handle. We also have a treadmill and I sometimes use it to exercise when I get home from work in the evening. I like this because I turn on the TV to something that will distract me (usually the Food Network!) and get walking. Before I know it, time has passed.
Just hang in there and know that you have a great network of supportive people right here on this board. While at all different stages of our weight-loss journeys, we can all relate somehow. Good meeting you and I hope you stick around!
re: QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISEmessage #: 69805.4 in response to 69805.1
I have to say that I am impressed by your courage! I haven't even told my hubby what my starting weight was or what I weigh now. I'll just say that I have 100+ to loose. It's not easy to admit those kind of numbers!
As for exercise I say do what you can! If 10 minutes is it than walk for 10 minutes every day for a week. Then the next week try and add another 5. I think you'd be surprised how your endurance will improve if you are consistant. Try not to get discouraged, it will take time but you will get there!
Another thing I do is exercise videos at home. I have some that are just using hand weights, not alot of cardio but it helps with muscle strength. I also have others from Yoga to more areobic types. with a video or something like that you can do what ever you can, take a break when you need to and get right back into it.
Good luck!
Heidi
re: QUESTION ABOUT EXERCISEmessage #: 69805.5 in response to 69805.1
Sabrina, you can absolutely do this, and I agree with Amy about starting out the first week at 5 minutes then adding a couple minutes more for each successive week.....a little exercise is better than no exercise! Just keep focused on your goals and WHY you are doing this!! Keep us posted!!
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