Getting Started

Amandachanges

So I need to add exercise into my plan. Aside from taking care of four kids and doing light/moderate cleaning here and there...I’m a couch potato. To top that fact off, I get migraines regularly, and my rheumatoid arthritis goes into flare-up’s all the time. At this point I’ve had way too many days in the past week where my food log is embarrassing (i.e. I ate 5 cheddar dogs over the course of the day yesterday). When I used to exercise, I focused on strength training and threw in sustained rate cardio on the treadmill because I was to embarrassed to attempt jogging/running, HIIT. So now I’ve cleaned out my basement, uncovering my beautiful treadmill, covered in cobwebs and good intentions. I need a new plan. I’d like to focus on cardio, because I don’t have to drive to the gym to do it. I’m the master of excuses, but that treadmill is right there in my basement. However, I don’t want to cardio my way to muscle loss. I need to get back on track though. To do that, I need a good exercise plan...so any advice would be much appreciated. I’m 38 years old, 5’5”, 227.2lbs, and my food journal is an open book for the perusal of anyone who cares to look. My exercise journal is as well, yet it stands empty. On top of using this thread as a font of knowledge, should anyone care to share advice, I’m also going to use it as a means of accountability. I don’t want to be that girl who goes on FaceBook and “checks in” at Planet Fitness, but I need some sort of accountability to someone. Otherwise the excuses will keep flowing. So, my fellow journey takers, this is me telling you that I’m going to get an hour in on my treadmill...before midnight tonight. All/any long-term (beyond just today) advice is welcomed and won’t fall upon deaf ears. Inspire me!

Maizer

Have you tried Leslie Sansone walking dvds? It's a great place to start. You can find sample workouts on YouTube. Good luck.

nutmegoreo

If you're concerned about strength, look up You are Your Own Gym and/or Convict Conditioning. They are both body weight strength programs that you can do at home with minimal equipment.

TeaBea

Maizer wrote: »

Have you tried Leslie Sansone walking dvds? It's a great place to start. You can find sample workouts on YouTube. Good luck.

I used to have a treadmill. Was all "gung-ho" initially but got very bored. It wasn't something that I could stick to very long. I had to keep telling myself - exercise is good for me - it's good for my health - it's good forever - exercise is not for losing weight. I had to tell myself this because when I regained the weight I lost, it was because I got lazy.

Leslie Sansone and Jessica Smith have lots of walking style workouts on YouTube & DVD. Walking style workouts are low impact, and uncomplicated. If you prefer DVDs (music only option, chaptering) check your local library as well as Target or Wal-Mart.

There are more than samples out there...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SSYX8sIOmM&t=162s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPv__oDWIVU

Keep trying new things. Make small manageable goals. I started out with a goal of 60 minutes per week (6x10, 4x15, 3x20) and I logged it in a spreadsheet. Use a calendar, hang it somewhere where everyone sees it. Make it fun, put stickers on it for days you exercise. Just make yourself accountable. After 60 minutes becames "a regular thing" then I added more time.

Here's a Leslie Sansone Walking group on MFP: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/335-leslie-sansone-walk-at-home

Similar groups for other workout types.........

Amandachanges

Thank you for the replies. I was so ashamed that day that I wasn’t able to do anything physical. I ended up with a migraine bad enough to call for an Immatrex...and stayed in my dark room. I think you’re right...if I set weekly goals, then set-back’s like an arthritic flare or a migraine won’t necessarily make me look/feel “lazy” for that week. God, I really wish I could get my Apple Watch to sync with this app! I have tried EVERY suggestion and work-around. Nothing. It would really be motivating for me, in more accurate, if it were just sync and show when I’m actually doing.