Where to start with exercise? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

mollycoddled · 01-04-2009, 08:08 PM

I have finally decided it is time to stop being satisfied with simply hating myself and body and do something about it. The million dollar question of course is where to start

? This is my first post to the boards and if it is more suitable for the diet section please let me know. There are so many exercise regimes out there and options but with having had such a lack of physical activity for so long I thought maybe some others out there would have suggestions as to something to start with?

To give you a little information, I am 26, 5'4 and scared to weigh myself but am guessing I am about 240. My boyfriend and I have both gained a substantial amount of weight in the past 2 years together and are ready to make a lifestyle change. It is affecting everything from the way I feel to our relationship.

Any thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

-Megan

mod-anon · 01-04-2009, 10:06 PM

Please note that this thread is moved to the Exercise & Fitness Board.

janewhite1 · 01-05-2009, 07:50 AM

If you've been inactive, it's probably best to start with just a few minutes of brisk walking. Get some good walking or running shoes first, then go outside and walk for 10 minutes. If that was easy, keep going until you get tired. In any case, record how long you walk, and try to increase it by about 10% per week.

Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.

mollycoddled · 01-05-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janewhite1

If you've been inactive, it's probably best to start with just a few minutes of brisk walking. Get some good walking or running shoes first, then go outside and walk for 10 minutes. If that was easy, keep going until you get tired. In any case, record how long you walk, and try to increase it by about 10% per week.

Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.

Thank you as crazy as it seems I didn't even think of walking for less than 30 minutes which I can do but seems daunting now. I have been inactive not being in the gym or doing much physical exercise but do like to walk and work out.

It has been about 3 years since I've been to any sort of gym with the exception of 3 times going to the gym and using the eliptical machine. I tend to get caught up and think I can do them same amount of physical exertion as I did 70lbs ago and watch the calorie monitor and try to push myself as far as possible. This ended in dizziness, nausea and a total lack of wanting to go back.

I absolutely need to change my diet and have started by quitting drinking sodas and eating fast food to start with this week.

janewhite1 · 01-05-2009, 07:15 PM

When it comes to exercise, research shows that any exercise is better than none. (As long as you are exercising safely, of course!)

Maybe you can find some way to make the walk fun. Headphones, walking buddy, goal at the end of the walk?

Replacing soda with water could be a big help all by itself.

Congratulations on deciding to make changes!