Need exercise help

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Need exercise help
8
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 8:57am

Before I begin to panic and get flustered and give up before I even start, I figured someone here *must* be able to point me in the right direction.

I'm working now on changing my eating habits, starting with making a healthy breakfast mandatory (even if it's nothing more than peanut butter on toast) and cutting back on the sugary sodas and snacks. I want to start incorporating some exercise into my routine though. That's where I hit some major snags.

To begin with, I was in a car accident almost 2 years ago that resulted in chronic neck and lower back problems. Anything high-impact is out but I don't know what I can do that is low impact that will actually help me lose fat. I'm very interested in pilates and yoga but it seems like both of those are more for toning and flexibility than actual weight loss. In addition to that, my bedroom is too small for exercising and my brother is current 'living' in my living room so I don't even have an exercise spot. Any suggestions on where I can start?

Bobbey

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 11:17am

I'll be anxious to hear what everyone has to say. I find myself in a similar situation. The Dr. has told me I have to stay off my foot for at least 3 weeks. It will end up being more but might get a break in between procedures.


Anyway, I really want to work on more cardio but can't think of anything that will keep me off my foot.


Also, I like yoga too and I have ordered a yoga


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 12:44pm

Welcome Bobbey!!

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 12:44pm

Hi!
I've had chronic neck, thoracic, and lumbar problems since a car accident a year ago, too. I LOVE pilates - it feels good for my back, and has given me a lot of strength back. I found when I was going to physical therapy that the exercises my PT gave me were similar to things I was already doing with the pilates. I would also suggest walking - I lost quite a bit of weight following my accident because I started walking 5-6 times a week to get my lower back feeling better. I found that I really craved those walks too - hated missing them and right now I can't wait till it gets a bit warmer outside so that I can get started again!

Good luck,
Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 12:57pm

Hey Bobbey, I think it's great that you are looking to make changes!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 2:23pm

Welcome Bobbey, you'll get a lot of support and advice here. I am a Pilates person. I also am a martial arts student, and Pilates helps to relieve the aches in my back, shoulder and neck and better my stretch and core strength. I think it really can help one prevent future injuries.

As far as low impact, walking is good. I use the Walk Away the Pounds vidoes I have when I need to work out but my energy is low for whatever reason. They really are good but gentle cardio workouts, especially if you don't use weights.

It's not alwasy easy to find a pool, but if a local school or a YMCA has a pool, you might be able to swim for cardio.

Do get started with Pilates or yoga though. It will help.

Lorie

lorie6-26-09.png Lorie 6-26-09 picture by runningwomen

Avatar for queenbeana
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 8:06pm

Hi Bobbey

I haven't had a chance to see what advice you've gotten yet but My husband broke his back a few years ago and one of the things I did to get him back on track was buy a Bossa/Swiss Ball. It is fabulous for strengthing the core muscles that support your neck and back. In fact, They are very low stress, take up a small space. Can and should replace your computer chair for short periods of time and since you have to engage muscles just to sit on them they help keep your metabolim reved up. Finally, if you combine the swiss ball with some Yoga doing the stretching and cardio you will definetly loose weight.

Sabrina

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 11:14pm

Bobbie,

Good luck with this! One suggestion for the eating habits that worked for me was to shop at either Whole Foods or Trader Joe's (a store with organic food) and then avoid 'junky' foods. My theory was that if it's not in the house, then I can't eat it! Also, having a few little 'snack size' candies hidden away for those monster PMS-type cravings is also nice! That way, you can get the chocolate fix, just in a smaller way... There is this great new book out, I don't know if you've heard about it, called "Why French Women Don't Get Fat" that has some great ideas. My mother-in-law is french, and has a great figure, particularly for a 60-yr old! They do things like lots of fruit, smaller portions, eating slowly, lots of water, and LOTS of walking! Avoid elevators, they are the enemy!! Good luck! Hope it all works out!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 01-20-2005 - 4:56pm

Welcome Bobbey! You've certainly got some great suggestions already from the others. I'd reiterate walking, and I have a couple of the WALK AWAY THE POUNDS tapes (by Leslie Sansone)...they're great. You can do them in your living room, and don't need all that much space.


The link for the tapes is at www.lesliesansone.com (I think??!)


Also yoga....I'm not one for pilates, but others have said it will be fine for back problems. Go to http://www.videofitness.com/reviews/

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