I don't exercise and it is very hard to start!!

[blue_eyes5212]

I weigh over 270 pounds and I don't exercise at all. I'm only 27 years old, but when I sit for any period of time, and then go to get up, I limp and have a hard time to get going. I know it is because my muscles only do the bare minimum during the day (wake up, get ready for work, sit in my chair at work, come home, sit on the couch, go to bed). I feel terrible about myself because I have gotten to this point. I'm posting this because I knowing I can't be the only one who has felt this way!

The good news is I'm going to Zumba class on Monday night and am soooo
looking forward to it. I know if I start out slow I will be fine and I hope I love it so much that I look forward to going and I stick with it!

 

[wildzootv]

it's going to take a while to get yourself into gear, but stick to it - the energy will come with proper exerciese & eating well. Lots of processed sugars will zap your energy. Cut back on soda for sure if you havent already. Check out multivitamins like supermom or stop in your local health food store for something like it. Also check out Dr. Mehmit Oz out on Oprah (dot) com's site for great advice. Dont give up - you deserve a better you.

 

[fofinia]

Hi. I just wanted to say I hope your class is awesome! And why not think of making a lot of extra little moves throughout the day in addition to adding in the class. I'm sure you've heard it before, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk a note over to a colleagues desk instead of e-mail or phone, park further away in the parking lot, etc, etc. At home I try to go up and down the stairs as many times as I can. Not all in a row. But if I have to put something away I do it. I don't look for other things that need to go there too. then when I find another I do that and so on. Sometimes I do squats while I'm brushing my teeth or do leg lifts. I saw a lady on tv once that got up and walked around the room during commercials on tv. That way it was only 3-5 mins of walking at a time, but add that up during an hour or a whole evening and she had done 30 - 45 mins. All movement counts!

Good luck! Keep up the great work!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Congratulations! to you in getting ready to get Moving!

I must say that there are so many days that I just don't feel like it myself. Those days I just force myself to put one foot in front of the other, or get to the gym and do something. Afterward I am so happy that I did.

If you are suffering from lack of movement, make sure please to keep your physician informed of your efforts.

One of the members of The WISH Team on the other side of the WISH thread posted something that I think might apply to everyone for any style of movement so I want to quote it here:

We humans are unique in the animal world, we need to feel good about what we do not just satisfied by our actions. A tiger doesn't need to feel anything meaningful about bringing down a deer, just full.

We spend a lot of time with our training, are we really doing good? Or are we being selfish. I know most of you have asked that question, so here is my take:

I'm taking time away from my children by doing my training:

The best way to lead is by example. Yep, being a couch potato, home body will keep you around more, you can do more washing and cleaning and spend quality time watching TV together or eating, or even reading a book together.

Or you can teach them that life is more enjoyable if you really live it. You learn strength and determination by reaching goals. You set the example of the healthy lifestyle. The example you set is the role model they have. Would you rather they feel boxed in by their limitations or feel free to break through their precieved blocks. Getting in the habit of keeping fit as a child will carry over into adulthood. You are teaching them to avoid a lot of illness caused by lack of activity.

I'm taking time from my spouse:

Yes you can be a home body and spend more time with your spouse. You can be couch lizards together. You will be so much more appealing with your soft body than with all those pesky hard muscles.

Or you can encourage your spouse to join you in your quest for living life to the fullest. You owe each other fitness and health. You can spend some wonderful quality time exercising together. Or if your spouse isn't interested in healthy living yet, they will surely love the changes you are making in your figure.

I bet every one of our hubby/wife teams on the WISH site would tell you that their training together has enriched their relationship.

I'm tired a lot:

Yep you can just go to work, come home and relax. Then at bed time you will flip and flop all night and wonder why you don't sleep well.

Or you can fill your day with almost more living than it will hold and be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.

I get sore and sometimes injured:

Yep you can avoid soreness from exercise. You can trade it for back pain, or getting winded by doing small tasks like going up a flight of stairs.

I have a sore butt muscle, oh darn. But I have the heart and lungs of a person 30 years younger. I have a little soreness in my left foot, but I can do anything physically I want to. Nice going into your late 50s feeling like a 20 year old.

I feel pressured to do long races:

You can forget the races and just relax, life is much easier that way.

No one is going to pressure you but your self. Most of us are not going to win the Disney or any other half or full marathon. If you decide to do one do it for your own reasons and not someone elses. Do it at your own pace too. Enjoy the experience, don't make it an ordeal. But you can lead a healthy lifestyle and never do races. To me the races are the rewards we give ourselves for sticking to it.

Bottom line, you want to be the best, but also the happiest, person you can be. If living a healthy lifestyle enriches your life, then it's worth it. But if you feel it's keeping you from being happy then stop. It's your life and your decision to make.

"YARC" Panda

You go! You can do this!

Come back and let us know how you are managing. I know you can get it done!

 

[Otto's Doll]

HI!
First of all, you most definitely are not the only person to go through this. When I started this weight loss journey I weighed 272.5 lbs, and you couldn't find someone who was more of a couch potato than me.
The best thing you can do (with your doctors okay) is move. Even if you start by walking to the mailbox once a day. Then walk the block. Then walk to the next point, then the next. Add a bit more each day. Even if you only walk from the farthest part of the parking lot to the store, it will help make a difference. I have been where you are, and I know how hard it is and how overwhelming it is to be there, when you think of how much you want to lose. I just tried to focus on getting healthy. I can remember saying to myself that if I could just lose 10% of my weight, I would be better off. Funny thing was, by the time I hit that goal, I was getting used to exercising! I have been walking consistently since May 06, and I started out by walking 20 minutes every night with my DH. then I found a walking buddy and we meet every morning at 5:3 or 6 to walk 2 miles. I walk every day now, for 40 minutes to an hour. I miss it when I don't walk.
I still eat what I want, just much less of the junky stuff. I found some great support, which made a huge difference since I am an emotional eater and I try very very very hard to only eat if I am really hungry. I drink a ton of water each day and I almost never drink calories.
I have lost 109.7 pounds so far, I have about 15 to go, but the difference in my life is amazing, and I know you can do it. Trust me, if I can, you can. Please feel free to PM me anytime you have a question, need support or just want to talk. The posters on this board are amazing and truly know how you feel, we will all be here if you need us!

 

[blue_eyes5212]

I did Zumba last night!! It was a whole lot of fun!! However, I feel like I was in over my head. I worked out for an hour last night and I don't usually work out at all! My knee is really hurting and stiff this morning and I don't know what I did to it. It started hurting during the jumping part and hasn't quit.

All in all, I think it was a blast but I think walk away the pounds and walking outside is a better option for me at this point! I feel like I really overdid it!!

Whoever said to start out slow was so right!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm glad you reported back and sorry it was a bit much for you. Next time you go to something like this, please make sure you go at your pace. I know we all want to keep up, but as you figured, you've got to get some time in before you can be a full-fledged zumba-ette. You will get there.

Please don't give up. You can make it happen and I am thrilled that you are seeking ways and making plans and doing it!

Go for it. Take it slow and build upon that. Keep marching onward and downward!

 

[fofinia]

Congrats on attending and finishing your Zumba class! For someone who doesn't work out a lot that is a big accomplishment. And you should be proud of yourself. I agree with Tiger lily and next time try to go more at your own pace. One way would be to jump a little less, or smaller jumps. I hope your knee is feeling better soon.

OH and I just got and tried the walk away the pounds dvds and I liked it. Not too strenuous. And I like how she says you don't have to do the kicks or leg lifts. Just keep moving and try to improve your pace. That is what makes a workout beneficial.

Keep it up!

 

[blue_eyes5212]

Thanks for the support everyone!!! My knee feels a whole lot better today!
My legs are really sore though!! I have not decided if I'm going back to Zumba or am going to do my WATP videos. I may go to Zumba every once in a while (when I want my butt kicked) As long as I am establishing a consistant workout routine, I guess it doesn't matter which program I do. I also have a Yoga Booty Ballet DVD that looks like fun!

I need to visit the W.I.S.H board more often!! You guys are really nice!!

 

[misscrossbee]

Well done blue eyes!

Even a small amount of exercise each day helps and you'll be surprised how soon you start to notice the effects. I've been walking a different route to the bus each morning - up a steep hill - for the past two weeks. At first it was a killer and now I breeze up it. So the little things do make a difference.

If you start to feel discouraged, set yourself smaller goals - like one walk around the block or to the corner and back a day. The sense of achievement you'll get from completing these goals will help keep you motivated and you'll see the benefits of the regular exercise.

And I agree with the poster who said to stay away from sugar. It's amazing how much better you feel without it! And this is from a person who could happily live on cake and cherry Coke!

Good luck!