Anyone on walking/swimming only exercise?

[Poohnatic]

Hi, my friend Lizdotcom suggested I come over here.

I have Chronic Venous Insufficiency or Post Phlebitic Syndrome. I recently had surgery to 'strip' the sapphenous vein from my leg. The leg is swollen, due to valve incompetency in that leg.

In the past year and a half, I found out that I was severely allergic to Nutrasweet, switched to non diet beverages and gained a lot of weight. About a year ago, I started noticing the swelling/pain in my leg, and had a clot last July. I've been able to work, but have not been able to exercise.
At my final post op follow up, I was told no Curves(my planned exercise), no aerobic activity-only walking, swimming or biking. It's strongly suggested that I do these activities.

Currently, my family doesn't have access to a pool, although we're probably going to join the Y soon. Bike really doesn't help the leg issue, and puts stress on my wrists (numerous surgeries).

This leaves walking, and possibly swimming eventally. I am not big on the walking, but realize that I'm not going to get rid of this 50 pounds of excess Suzanne by dieting alone.

Suggestions for how to make this more interesting? I've contemplated the WDW half marathon as a way to have 'purpose' to the walking regimen. A bunch of people I know have gotten Ipods, but I don't like the idea of walking with a headset on, especially since I'll probably be walking next to some 55mph roads or roads w/o sidewalks.

DH will think I'm nuts for thinking of signing up for the Half. It is so not me, but if I'm shelling out 90 bucks, I'm sure going to be motivated to get myself in shape to do it. Way back when, I would walk and bike everywhere and I probably clocked an 11 minute mile (we NYer's walk fast!).

Your thoughts?

Suzanne

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to WISH!
Walking has become a great source of destressing for me and I haven't really found the need to take the tunes as a must have. You will be amazed at what the walking will do coupled with healthier food choices. Don't necessarily consider it a diet, think of it as healthy choices and that might get your mind on board. Most docs will always support swimming as a method of weightloss, so if you can get that going great, but I find that more boring than walking. Drink lots of water, get yourself moving. There is a great weekly thread to offer support for walking that half. You should get to know everyone there. It is really great motivation to think of meeting up in January with those you will make friends over this year.

Good luck, keep posting here as it helps to keep motiviation on a higher level and helps us all too.

 

[kathmzh]

I LOVE my daily walks. I walk with a friend sometimes, and that's great, but I also enjoy walking alone. I don't do a headset either for the safety issue, but that's when I do my "serious" thinking and planning -- I actually find myself sometimes saying to myself, "I'll think that through on my walk." (I hope I don't sound too weird!) I really treasure the time.
To make things more interesting, I sometimes vary my location to different neighborhoods or areas and go to a track and really powerwalk. You'll learn to love your walks! Good luck!

 

[lizdotcom99]

Suzanne,
I basically just walk and am doing great!!! I do love how liberating just knowing i can get out there and do it!! Pooh pooh to Ed! Sign up and let that be your motivation!! You know I am gonna be there if this job thingie goes my way.....and we can do it together....well that is if you are willing to walk more of a 15 minute mile....there is no way I am ever going to get to an 11 minute mile anytime soon!!

And about the headphones.....I do walk with mine, but I don't ever blast them....I keep them loud enough that I can hear my music, but also whatever is going on around me!!

WHEN you do sign up for the half, know that you will be in GREAT company.....(with or without me) These people are get and will help you to your goal!! You are making the first step.......it is a biggie!!!! But just do it!! You eill not be disappointed!!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Sounds like my exercise program, Suzanne! I do a lot of walking, mostly with my DH. It's great because it actually gets him away from the TV for a while & we do some great talking on our walks. We also vary the location to keep it interesting. Right now we are buildiing a house, so we walk through a lot of different neighborhoods that our builder is working on & watch the construction progress.
I also do a lot of bike riding. You might find a bike where you sit more upright would lessen the pressure on your wrists. That & stretching my upper body before I ride has almost elliminated my wrist pain when riding.
As for swimming, that was my sport when I was young & in shape, so it's a great form of exercise for my. Lap swimming is a really great workout with no impact on my bad right hip & knee. You might also want to try of water aerobics, or even just walking in the water to help build your legs up.
I believe I saw you're in West Central FL. DH & I are doing a 5K walk/run in Lakeland in May. Want to join us? DH may jog some of the way, but I'll be walking. We'd love company. Click HERE for info! It's not too expensive, & has been great motivation for me!

 

[Poohnatic]

Nancy, thanks for that info. 3 miles, hmmm? I can do that! And massages post race? I will definitely consider this!

Thanks!

Suzanne