Total Failure

[QueenTrident]

Well, I tried the kickboxing class and knew I was over my head as soon as I saw the hardbodies lining up for it. I outweighed everyone by at least 50 lbs. But, I didn't want to walk away. Five minutes into the "warm up", I was panting. Ten minutes, I was getting lightheaded and at 20 minutes, I packed it in. I had chest pains, my entire body was splotchy red, I couldn't breathe and I was dizzy. It took me nearly 10 minutes to get my heart rate to a level where I could walk again. It's been over an hour and my face is still red and hot.

I don't know what I was thinking. I've only exercised maybe 10 times since starting WW and the last time I took an aerobics class, I was at least 35 lbs lighter. Even then, the instructor thought I was too heavy to be in the class.

I'm frustrated at myself for overdoing it. Had I just done the treadmill or something, I then could have gone to the strength class after the kickboxing. But, since I thought I was going to vomit, I went home instead. Of course, DH is like "i told you so." I hate when he's right.

I liked the class, so I want to set a goal of being able to make it through the whole 50 minutes. How long away do you think I should set that goal? Also, how do you build cardio strength? I do the treadmill or elliptical for 30 - 40 minutes at the of my heart rate zone 3 times a week. Do I need to do more?

I aim to go back to the gym in the a.m. to do my cardio. I figure anyone in that class won't be there again at 5:00 a.m.

Just venting,

 

[TeresaNJ]

You are not a total failure!! Don't let me hear you say something like that again, young lady!! LOL, just kidding, but really, it took alot of courage to even try to do a kickboxing class. Be proud of yourself for trying. I remember when I took my first spinning class I felt the same as you. As we were nearing the 30 minute mark, I kept saying to myself, just five more minutes, hang in there, but unfortunately the class was an hour. I literally couldn't walk I was so dizzy after I got off that bike. Needless to say, I didn't go back. Sometimes we get so excited we bite off a little more than we can chew. I learned my lesson, and now with just starting to work out again regularly, and get in shape for this WDW marathon, I'm starting out realistically and safely. DH and I went jogging tonight, and when I couldn't keep up the pace I told DH to go ahead, there was no way I was gonna hurt myself by trying to do what I physically wasn't ready for yet. You'll get there, just like we all will.

 

[helenk]

You are not a failure, you tried to do something you were not ready to do.
I know that it feels good to lose the weight and I know I have energy that I have not felt in years, and I still have quite a few pounds to lose yet. But I am trying to keep myself at the level I know I can handle safely and little by little I increase what I do.
I have been doing the WATP tapes and even my daughter noticed that I put a lot more into the workout than when I first started.
I would keep on doing the treadmill with the cardio, build up your stamina. Try the kicking boxing again when you know you are ready.

 

[DoeWDW]

Jenn, you are NOT a failure! Failure is not trying, and you were brave enough to try!! Besides, I think you're just postponing your return to that class until you are ready for it!

As for DH, you tell him to watch his comments or we will all come over and take up for you!! He does NOT want to face a crowd of angry WISHers!!

Now that you know what some of the warmup is like, maybe you could work some of it into your routine - at a slower pace. You can work up the intensity little by little until you're comfortable doing what they're doing in the class. It would be a start!

Hang in there, girlfriend!

 

[QueenTrident]

Thanks guys for the support. It did take a lot for me to even enter the room, especially after I saw all the really thin people there. I even stuck it out when some guys were looking in, laughing. Can't say they were laughing at me, but in the past, that would have made me run from the room!

I know I bit off more than I could chew - I just don't know what possessed me. I guess I was flattered last week to be invited to the class. I was admiring the instructor's baby (yes, she had a baby 8 weeks ago and does not have an ounce of her baby fat on her!) and she said I should join the class. It's the first time in a long time that I've been invited to anything physical. Little did I know...

So, I'll stick with the treadmill and maybe get a tape for home to vary things. In a few more months, I'll try again - maybe I'll be close to being a hardbody myself!

Doe - Anytime you want to take on my DH, feel free. Sometimes I think he's from the Jurassic period.

 

[lmhall2000]

Yep, you are a WINNER!! And a big loser on her way to losing more! I think you should be patting yourself on the back for getting as far as you did in the class!!! YEAH!!!!

Now I'll tell you something- losing the weight will help- but I think you can modify the kickboxing a bit to help until it comes down. Start with the class- do 10 minutes- then just walk in place for 5 minutes until you feel you've got your breathing steady- jump in for another 10 and then rest again. If you manage to do 20 of the 50 minutes now- and keep with the program for 4 weeks- I bet you'll be up to 30 minutes out of the 50 and by 12 weeks you'll be doing the whole thing. It's all about conditioning.

I could do 2 minutes on the treadmill at 4.0 (my heartrate was 188!) and I'd finish the other 28 at 3.4...that was 6 months ago...this past Friday I did ALL 30 minutes at 4.0 and my heart rate never went above 166! Just keep it up and your heart will be your pal! And drink lots of water!

Keep it up!
Tara

 

[perfectmatch300]

You are not a failure in my eyes! You're a winner just for trying!
My suggestion is to talk to the instructor who invited you to join the class. I'm sure she will have some positive, concrete suggestions to help you build up to doing the kickboxing workout. A good instructor should be trained to help you to get started, so why not put her training to good use?
At any rate, I'm proud of you for getting right back to the gym & doing your cardio instead of quitting. I think that makes you a double winner!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Good for you for going out to the class! I'll bet there are a lot of people who sit around and think about going but never do. It probably take some time to build up stamina for that class... Very few things are easy the first time around. Just keep hanging in there

I agree that you should talk to the instructor. She's probably got some advice to get you started!

 

[DoeWDW]

I agree - talk to the instructor!! If she invited you, then she obviously wants to help you succeed. Put her training to good use and get her to help you tailor a program that will get you into that class and enjoying it! I found it to be a lot of fun and great stress relief.

 

[MelanieC]

You most definately are not a failure! I give you such credit for walking in that door and doing what you did. You go girl! Don't give up, just use this as a learning tool and condition yourself. Don't overdo it, but rather steady and slow. The idea about doing it for so many minutes and then walking in place and doing some more sounds good. I am in awe.


You will be able to keep up with those women in no time. I can tell you are motivated to stick with it! Good luck

 

[ahutton]

Something I've always had a hard time with but I know is good advice would be to go ahead and go to the class. Do what you can at a level you can. If everyone else is kicking to hip level, maybe you are able to do knee level. Most important is to be active, and do a correct motion (so it is safe), but you do not have to do it at the same range of motion as someone who is at a higher fitness level.

I have a hard time taking my own advice, I've studied dance for many, many years. I'm very overweight, and I can't physically do the same range of motion I used to be able to. I'm trying to work back to where I want to be, but trying to do it without hurting myself!

 

[sharoncity]

Jenn- Good for you for trying! I wouldn't have had the courage to even walk into that room!

What I personally would do is buy a kickboxing video for home and try it out. That way I could embarrass myself in the privacy of my own home (hehehe ). But seriously, you could follow at your own pace, learn some of the moves and build your endurance. That way you can eventually join the class and feel great!

Hats off to you for trying and then going right back today! Way to go!

 

[A1A1]

You have to turn this around and congratulate yourself for doing ten minutes in this new class!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!! Good for you!!!! I agree with talking to the instructor. Set mini-goals with the goal of completing the class. Maybe you could set your stopwatch or something for 10 minutes next time and continue that for the first two weeks. Maybe next time you can do 11 minutes. Then twelve minutes.

Congratulations on advancing your new healthy lifestyle!!!!

 

[DizMare]

Ah, Jenn - you didn't fail! You worked your butt off! It just takes us fluffy people less time to get into our training "zone." (We're so efficient - LOL!)

You know, maybe the instructor would like to see more beginner types in her class and hoped your being in there would encourage more "softer" bodies to join in! Or maybe you could tell her you like the class but could they start a class for beginners?

Don't be hard on yourself - and don't get hurt! Looks like you have a wonderful trip right around the corner!

 

[Disney_1derland]

So, you are not a failure, you are a serious contender!!! You did what I could not do and what I'm sure many others here could not see themselves doing.

Your body wasn't quite ready for such a jump in workouts, but that is no reason to stop trying. If this teacher is any good at all she will be glad to help you modify the class to suit your needs. Ask her for some suggestions, tell her you enjoyed the class but it's a little beyond your capabilities at this point and you'd like to attend but will need some help modifying the routines a bit so you can work up to the full strength workout.



You are amazing! You are worth it! and You are a success!

 

[nativetxn]

You're not a <i>failure</i>, you're <i>flexible</i>. You tried a workout and you aren't ready for it yet. How is that failure? Sounds like you are being wise and looking for an interim workout.

I started on the Nordic Trak going for 2 minutes. That's all I could do at first. I added a minute a week and worked my way up to more.

Have you tried the WATP tapes? I love them and when I force myself to exercise that's what I do.

Find a workout you can handle and build up your stamina. You will be kickboxing before you know it, if that's what you want.

I tried that Tai Bo once, I'm not in any shape to do it for long. I should dig out that DVD and start working my way up again.

Look there, you've motivated me today, Queenie. Thank you! I'm going downstairs now and do my WATP.

Katholyn

 

[Disney_1derland]

has my complete and udder* respect. I'm not coordinated enough for those things. And no amount of conditioning is going to overcome that short fall!

*utter as in *not* in reference to cows, boy oh boy do I need to type slower!

 

[tlgoblue]

Jenn,
I feel for you! When I first saw this thread, I was reminded of MY first and only experience with kickboxing. I didn't want to discourage you, so I sat mum. I'm glad you tried! That you are willing to try something new says a lot about the person you are, as well as who you would like to be. Good for you! Your motivation is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Just one Question. Can you move at all today? That's why I won't kickbox. I just won't do it!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[QueenTrident]

Can you move at all today?

Well, I could this morning and got up at 5:00 to do 40 minutes of elliptical. Then, I did crunches. Now, after 8 hours at work, I can barely walk! Tomorrow morning is going to be painful, I just know it!

Thanks for all the replies. You don't know how much better I feel! I will talk to the instructor eventually, but want to build up my own endurance for a bit. I also feel bad that I walked otu in the middle of the class. I even had to put back the step.

I figure if I give myself two months to do either my own tapes or go to the gym, then I will be that much more prepared to enter the gym again. I will, however, take the strength class offered after kickboxing. That way, I can get stronger and get to know the instructor and other participants better. That'll make me feel better in the long run.

Thanks again for all the support. You guys are great!

 

[tlgoblue]

Sounds like a great plan! I am all for a combined fitness program that mixes strength with cardio work. I've seen too may focus on one or the other, and while it is better than nothing, I want to kick butt and not run out of breath doing it!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy