Best exercises for me?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Best exercises for me?
10
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 9:01pm
Hi all- I've been reading your board for a little while, but have been too shy to post, LOL I'm looking for advice on the best excercise for me. I'm about 300 pounds, and I had a back injury about 5 years ago that still sometimes aggravates me. I also have asthma, but that is pretty well controlled and I can use my inhaler before I exercise. The thing is, everyone says that walking is the best starter exercise, especially if you are really out of shape - so I've started trying to walk my dog, but I'm getting awful "lower back" pain. Today I got about 10 blocks from home and then it suddenly hit, and really I thought I was going to die! LOL - wishing I'd brought my cell phone to call for a ride *blush*. I had to keep stopping to lean against light standards for a few minutes, and I was walking all "crooked" by the time I got home. Poor dog didn't get much of a run! SOOOO.... I'm thinking of investing in a stationary bike, but wondering if there are any drawbacks I should know about. It obviously won't do much for "weight bearing", and I'm not sure how good they are for cardio. Also, what do you think of starting some weight lifting? Is that a good place to begin, or do I leave that till later? of course, I'm hoping that eventually some of the weight will come off and that will ease my back problems, and walking will be okay again.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2003
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 9:25pm
if you have pain, a great exercise for you is water aerobics. The water cushions your joints from pain, and you won't feel sweaty, just relaxed afterwards.

Welcome to the boards!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2003
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 10:04pm
I agree with the water aerobics. You could also try swimming. Pilates is supposed to be good for people with back problems. You might check into that, but I think with your medical problems it might be worth the money for at least 1 visit with a personal trainer or talk with your Dr. I don't want you to do anything that will make your back worse. They will also be able to tell you what weights etc are best for someone with back problems. You want to do some kind of weight training because it will help you build muscle and increase your metabolism. You could also try a a friends bike for a few days to see if it works before you buy. That would be great for cardio. You could try working into weight bearing exercises by walking just a little bit a day until you can do more. Good luck and welcome to the group. sharla
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2003
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 10:24pm
Well, my first suggestion was going to be walking, but obviously that's not helping if it's causing you pain.
 
Avatar for jess9802
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 11:32pm
I've been using a stationary bike for over three years now. I think they're great. I've built up pretty incredible leg muscles using one, and the workout you get using one can be as intense as you want it to be. However, if you have back problems, I wonder if you would like the bike. You'd have to really watch your posture while using one. If you're considering investing in exercise equipment, I'd look into a treadmill. You can build up your walking time and won't ever have to worry about inclement weather interrupting your workout.

Fitness experts always recommend lifting weights. I'm waiting to lose a little more weight before I get really serious about lifting weights again, but it will shape your body like nothing else.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-15-2003
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 11:40pm

I was going to say the same thing.

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Avatar for angelinoh
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 9:50am
welcome to the board. I'm not a fitness expert so i won't tell what exercises are best for your back. My advice is to talk to the dr. and see what exercises would be good for you. Good Luck =)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 12:27pm
I think you really need to talk that over with your doctor, and together the two of you will decide what's best in light of your weight and physical condition. It's impossible to say what is best, medically, for another person and since you've said it's painful for you to walk at present, that's something you should talk over with a physician who knows you. It's always best, when starting a weight loss program to lose a lot of weight (as you say you plan to do) to start with a medical check up anyway. Good luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 5:55pm
Hi There! Is there any chance that you could try out a stationary bike, or an elliptical machine etc. without having to buy one? That might give you an idea of whether or not it would hurt your back. I'd hate to see you invest money in a machine and then not be able to use it comfortably. I have a bike but it doesn't get that much use because it HURTS MY BUTT! LOL. I also think that swimming is a wonderful idea, but of course it isn't as convenient (or as cheap) as something that you have at home. Anyway, do you know anyone who owns a stationary bike, or can you go to a local health club as a "drop in"? Another idea is to try an at-home exercise tape like "walk it off". At least that way if your back starts to hurt, you aren't stranded blocks from home.
Avatar for jess9802
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 6:02pm
Those are good ideas. A lot of gyms offer free passes for a week or so for those who are considering joining. Even if you don't plan on joining, it will give you a chance to try out different types of equipment and see which ones you like best. It's also a good way to see if you'd like to join a gym, period.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 6:46pm
Thank you all! Some responses - instead of responding to each post individually. To those that suggested I speak to my doctor - thank you. I have got "clearance" for dieting, had my blood work done, etc. His only suggestion for exercise was to "do whatever doesn't hurt". He assured me that I won't further damage my back, but that straining it might cause pain. Not too helpful there!! Thanks for the ideas about swimming (probably the best excercise, but EWWW...it'll take some work to go out in public in my bathing suit! At least I HAVE one that fits, though - because I do occasionally take my kids to the pool.) For the ideas about trying out different machines - I hadn't thought of those options either, so thanks! You've got a great board here - lots of helpful feedback :-)