Exercise when it hurts to move
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Exercise when it hurts to move
| Mon, 01-01-2007 - 10:53am |
Good morning and Happy New Year. I made it through my first day of healthy eating and it was not so bad. I enjoyed realizing I could make good choices and still have fun and eat good food. My question is, I am so big and my legs are so weak that after my work day it is impossible for me to walk for exercise. I can't always get to a pool. Does anyone have any ideas--are there others of you out there with the same problem? I know the big push is to walk, but some of us whose knees are very bad can't do that. I put off healthy living for so long that I've manuvered myself into a difficult position. Any advise will be appreciated. Thanks hjr

Here are just a few ideas:
--Can you get started on upper body movement and/or floor work? (You know, good old fashioned calisthenics like leg lifts, bicycles, modified push ups etc.) If you've been sedentary because of your legs any movement will help. As you lose you'll be able to do more.
--What about yoga? The stretching and strengthening movements will be a big help when you're ready for something more aerobic.
--A pricier option is a recumbent stationary bike which I understand is really easy on your knees and legs.
I think one of the most important things is to build up your stamina. Rome wasn't built in a day so don't expect to be able to do too much too fast. If you add five or ten minutes more a day every week you'll work up to a place where you really can do more. Good luck finding something that will work well for you. Annie
Maybe a 5 or 10 minute walk in the morning before work would help, not sure if that would be easier on you. You might also try finding a dvd for "Armchair Fitness". I've not done these, but it was offered at my YMCA and I've seen dvd's for sale. Tailored to be gentle and done from a chair or standing ... from what I can tell.
Holly, I also have bad knees, arthritis in both, so I'm looking for creative exercising ideas. I just bought a pedaling machine (hasn't arrived yet) and I'm looking forward to using it in front of the tv, since I spend so much time there! It will be non-weight-bearing, which is important if your knees are bad. You might be able to find one in any store that sells homecare items or check online. I got mine from QVC (see my post "affordable exercise equipment") and no, I don't get a kickback from QVC, it just seems like an excellent way to exercise without hurting myself. It can be used for upper body as well.
I have noticed that even with the little bit of weight I've lost so far that my knees are already doing better. It's easier to get down the stairs and to stand for longer periods, so you will have that to look forward to!
Best wishes~
Mary
247/221.5/135
Hi Holly, I don't suffer from bad knees just a 2 bad ankles and one that goes all the way up to my shin. I also can't walk far or get to the pool all the time. We thinking of laybying a bike so I can do something at home.
Good luck
Rochelle
250lbs
Hey! I think the best bet for you would be seated exercises. While sitting in a chair, just move your arms and legs around. You can use soup cans for weights. Slow steady movement. The more muscle your body has, the more fat it will burn.
I know that the slow rate of weight loss can be very frustrating. I have difficulty exercising too due to 2 bad ankles, 1 bad knee and dizzy spells. Just remember that ANY exercise is better than no exercise. Get to the pool whenever you can and when you can't find something else that you can do. Stick to the healthier eatting to maximize weight loss. Once your weight has come down some, you'll find it easier to get out and walk.
Good luck and just keep moving.
Dee
Hi Holly . . . I have chronic back problems and while I used to walk a few miles every day, I
Brightest Blessings
~Dayle~
Hi Holly,
congrats on the making the big decision. As for exercising just do anything that gets your heart rate up. If you can sit in a chair and lift your legs and arms into the air and back down...if that raises your heart rate. Walking on the spot is often easier than walking. Just get that heart rate up. And dont forget the water..
Good Luck
Jill