It's not really getting easier
moonbeams896
Posts: 191 Member
Hi everyone,
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout. I'm trying out different youtube workouts. Found one I liked today, but every 10 min, I have to pause and take a breather and I barely finished that 30 min. The one I did today is advertised as "for complete beginners." If I can't finish that without taking a lot of pauses, is there something wrong with me? It's frustrating. My back has been hurting. I went for a 2.5 mile walk the other day and came home with huge blisters. I guess I'm just irked that this is getting the better of me.
I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout. I'm trying out different youtube workouts. Found one I liked today, but every 10 min, I have to pause and take a breather and I barely finished that 30 min. The one I did today is advertised as "for complete beginners." If I can't finish that without taking a lot of pauses, is there something wrong with me? It's frustrating. My back has been hurting. I went for a 2.5 mile walk the other day and came home with huge blisters. I guess I'm just irked that this is getting the better of me.
I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?
12
Replies
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Maybe start with a smaller distance, and get better fitting shoes.7
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There's nothing wrong with you. I'm certain of that.
The only spot we can start from, is the spot we're actually in. (Not where we used to be, not where we wish we were, etc.: Where we actually are.) What works (IMO) is to do something that's a tiny bit of a challenge to current capabilities, then progress gradually from there (because current capabilities will gradually improve, and the "challenge horizon" will move further out . . . maybe really slowly, but that's OK). I understand that that's maybe frustrating, but I think it's kind of real.
I started getting active in my mid-40s, after a mostly sedentary adult lifestyle, and majorly sedentary life in the preceding few years (career, spouse with terminal illness, then elder parent needing care, cancer diagnosis myself, surgery/chemo/radiation, blah blah blah). It was slow. I'd *never* been actually athletic. I just tried to keep seeking exercise enjoyment, keep pushing my then-current capability a little at a time, seeing what I could do (with careful experimentation, but an open mind).
Y'know what? In the long run, I surprised myself. I even competed (super startled to do this!), then even placed (age group) in a few races. Couldn't believe it. Now, age 65, my Garmin fitness tracker estimates my cardiovascular fitness age at . . . 20. That's ridiculous, I don't remotely take it seriously literally, but it's still weirdly gratifying. The important part is that I feel good, capable, healthy.
You can do that, too. Patience is important, pushing current capability a tiny (manageable, non-exhausting) bit is important. You can surprise yourself, if you keep going. I'm sure of it. It may take a while, but fitness is something you can achieve, if you keep pursuing it.
Wishing you all the best!28 -
There's nothing wrong with you. I'm certain of that.
The only spot we can start from, is the spot we're actually in. (Not where we used to be, not where we wish we were, etc.: Where we actually are.) What works (IMO) is to do something that's a tiny bit of a challenge to current capabilities, then progress gradually from there (because current capabilities will gradually improve, and the "challenge horizon" will move further out . . . maybe really slowly, but that's OK). I understand that that's maybe frustrating, but I think it's kind of real.
I started getting active in my mid-40s, after a mostly sedentary adult lifestyle, and majorly sedentary life in the preceding few years (career, spouse with terminal illness, then elder parent needing care, cancer diagnosis myself, surgery/chemo/radiation, blah blah blah). It was slow. I'd *never* been actually athletic. I just tried to keep seeking exercise enjoyment, keep pushing my then-current capability a little at a time, seeing what I could do (with careful experimentation, but an open mind).
Y'know what? In the long run, I surprised myself. I even competed (super startled to do this!), then even placed (age group) in a few races. Couldn't believe it. Now, age 65, my Garmin fitness tracker estimates my cardiovascular fitness age at . . . 20. That's ridiculous, I don't remotely take it seriously literally, but it's still weirdly gratifying. The important part is that I feel good, capable, healthy.
You can do that, too. Patience is important, pushing current capability a tiny (manageable, non-exhausting) bit is important. You can surprise yourself, if you keep going. I'm sure of it. It may take a while, but fitness is something you can achieve, if you keep pursuing it.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much! This is exactly the kind of post I needed. Mentally, I know that I'm doing the right things. I'm staying under calorie and I'm moving. I just feel guilty if I move slowly. I feel like it won't achieve much. But, I'm trying to improve, slowly but surely. Your story is really inspiring! I'll just keep on keeping on.
I wish you all the best, too
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As usual, I agree with Ann. Start with where you are and gradually increase your activity level. If that means taking breaks in the middle of the video, that's fine. If it means doing half the repetitions instead of all of them, that's fine. Keep doing it and you will be in much better shape a month from now or a year from now than you can imagine at the moment. The most important aspect of fitness is consistency. Keep showing up and you will make progress, even if it seems slow.8
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It's obvious you're NOT FIT enough to complete them. With a 6 year hiatus, your muscles have atrophied and aged. It's NEVER going be that much easier getting into shape when you're older versus when you're younger. So you just have to be diligent and take what your physical body allows. Eventually you'll build up to better fitness. But you have to be consistent.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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In addition to Ann's infinite wisdom, I will add: there are a TON of exercise videos, infographics, articles, posts, TikToks, etc. out there that purport to be "for beginners" that are absolutely not. Or, at least, they assume a certain base level of physical fitness and ability that is greater than most people in the "beginner" category are likely to have. The Venn diagram of "beginners to fitness" and "people who can do these workouts" isn't quite two circles, but that overlapping section is merely a sliver.
All that is to say, if you need to pause a "beginner" workout video to catch your breath, you are allowed to do that. If you need to rest for 2 minutes when the infographic you found on Pinterest says to rest 30 seconds, you are allowed to do that. If you need to sit down a minute after walking a quarter of a mile, you are allowed to do that. You want to challenge yourself, not injure yourself.
You might look for workout routines or videos aimed toward seniors - those are the ones with the appropriate intensity level for a true beginner, someone without that base level of fitness already built up.15 -
I lost my weight (about 80 pounds) in 2007-08. I was 54 at that time and had been working a sedentary job and eating ice cream. So I was in no condition to do much either. I went all in, joined a gym, took a few introductory sessions from a trainer at the gym, bought Zumba classes, blah blah blah.
All in was too much.
I've lost most of my weight just using the, "Eat less, move more," mantra. My exercise started light and as I became more fit I was able to ramp it up a bit but I still don't do a lot of hard exercise.
Start slow, the best exercise is the one you'll do. 13 -
Thanks everyone! Great comments! And I don't feel as badly about having problems completing videos. I'll stick with it, try to find good ones that I enjoy and with summer coming, I expect to spend a lot of time outside walking. Living in Washington means gorgeous summers! I need to get out and appreciate them more. 11
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I once read that muscle wastage sets in after only 3 days. Which is why if you've been stuck in bed for a week with flu everything feels so hard. Normal things like making a piece of toast need a sit down after.
So after 6 years doing nothing in particular it is going to take a while. Doing something is always better than nothing, regardless of having to stop. Next time you just try to get a bit further along before you stop.
I'm a runner who hasn't run for a fortnight because we're moving house. Going to try and find the time this week but I know already it'll be harder than last time!2 -
I agree with @goal06082021. I didn’t do any exercise for years so this time I started very slowly. There are tons of youtube videos that say they’re for beginners that aren’t!!! Before I started lifting dumbbells again I started with just doing the moves with no weights first. I turned off my exercise notification on my newsfeed so my friends didn’t see I was only working out for 7 minutes. LOL. Don’t be afraid to go slowly and work your way up. Just know you are not alone!5
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littlegreenparrot1 wrote: »I once read that muscle wastage sets in after only 3 days. Which is why if you've been stuck in bed for a week with flu everything feels so hard. Normal things like making a piece of toast need a sit down after.
So after 6 years doing nothing in particular it is going to take a while. Doing something is always better than nothing, regardless of having to stop. Next time you just try to get a bit further along before you stop.
I'm a runner who hasn't run for a fortnight because we're moving house. Going to try and find the time this week but I know already it'll be harder than last time!
If I read correctly the OP really had never been active in her life so it will take awhile.1 -
On YouTube, look for Pahla B Fitness. She has both seated and standing workouts, and they're easily modified for your personal capabilities.5
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »littlegreenparrot1 wrote: »I once read that muscle wastage sets in after only 3 days. Which is why if you've been stuck in bed for a week with flu everything feels so hard. Normal things like making a piece of toast need a sit down after.
So after 6 years doing nothing in particular it is going to take a while. Doing something is always better than nothing, regardless of having to stop. Next time you just try to get a bit further along before you stop.
I'm a runner who hasn't run for a fortnight because we're moving house. Going to try and find the time this week but I know already it'll be harder than last time!
If I read correctly the OP really had never been active in her life so it will take awhile.
I was responding to this -
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout.
Which suggests at least some activity in the past.
But whatever.4 -
littlegreenparrot1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »littlegreenparrot1 wrote: »I once read that muscle wastage sets in after only 3 days. Which is why if you've been stuck in bed for a week with flu everything feels so hard. Normal things like making a piece of toast need a sit down after.
So after 6 years doing nothing in particular it is going to take a while. Doing something is always better than nothing, regardless of having to stop. Next time you just try to get a bit further along before you stop.
I'm a runner who hasn't run for a fortnight because we're moving house. Going to try and find the time this week but I know already it'll be harder than last time!
If I read correctly the OP really had never been active in her life so it will take awhile.
I was responding to this -
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout.
Which suggests at least some activity in the past.
But whatever.
The last sentence of the OP's first post is my point of reference.
"I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?"
Sounds like it's been 6 years since looking at MFP.0 -
Before I moved to WA (5 years ago), I used to go on 2-4 miles walk with my dog. That cut back due to weather in WA. My job keeps me standing most days (but I haven't worked face to face since shutdown, which means I've sat around and worked). My life over the past year has been nothing but sitting. Prior to that, when I was working, I would get in at least 7-8K steps a day and sometimes up to 15 or 16K. It's just I've become super sendentary over the last year, so it's been hard getting it going.4
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moonbeams896 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout. I'm trying out different youtube workouts. Found one I liked today, but every 10 min, I have to pause and take a breather and I barely finished that 30 min. The one I did today is advertised as "for complete beginners." If I can't finish that without taking a lot of pauses, is there something wrong with me? It's frustrating. My back has been hurting. I went for a 2.5 mile walk the other day and came home with huge blisters. I guess I'm just irked that this is getting the better of me.
I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?
Nothing wrong with you...you've been on a 6 month hiatus. Fitness is something that is built up over time, and it's also something that is lost relatively quickly when you don't use it and it's going to take more than 11 days to get things going.
I would also suggest that a lot of workouts marketed to beginners aren't really beginner workouts. They are typically more geared to and more suitable for individuals who may be new to a structured workout plan but not necessarily all around inactive. As an example, I'm a fairly avid cycling enthusiast...but due to a long injury and recovery and other goings on, I took most of 2020 off from my bike save for a ride here and there. I decided to get back into things in January and picked up a structured beginner cycling program to get me going again. I initially thought it would be no biggie...or even way too easy given the number of years I've been cycling previously. It was hard and thought to myself that there's no way this is a beginner program. In reality it is...but it also makes an assumption that I've already spent a fair amount of time on my bike just riding (but untrained) and this is the first time following a structured program. Basically taking a year off from riding put me in a place where that program was beyond my current fitness capacity...had I been riding regularly, even just recreationally (but regularly), it would have been challenging but totally doable.
Walking IMO is one of the best, if not the best place to start for someone who's body isn't accustomed to moving much at all. I think a lot of people poo poo it because it just seems so basic...but to me that's kind of the beauty of it. The human body has evolved to be very adept at walking, and walking great distances...if one can't do that, then that is probably the place one should start in regards to a basic, functional level of fitness. Babies crawl before they walk and they walk before they run and they run before they jump around and do all kinds of other crazy things. Walking is how I started...I started with every other day and increased mileage and the number of days until I could easily walk 3 miles pretty much everyday on top of my day to day without difficulty before I progressed to more strenuous work...I wanted that basic foundation laid first. I don't recall exactly, but to my recollection walking was really the only exercise or "workout" I did for about 3 months or so. To this day, walking is a substantial part of my overall activity...It is no longer a "workout" in the challenging sense, but I find a good morning walk with my dog and a mug of coffee to be quite enjoyable and a fantastic way to kickoff the day.
Also be careful with the notion of the, "gotta workout everyday" thing. This kind of thing for me is right up there with "no pain no gain" and "my warmup is your workout" kind of nonsense. In my experience, the people who tend to spout this kind of stuff typically don't last long...they burn out or get injured. The first and most important thing is to just be more active and that doesn't mean necessarily punishing yourself with a sufferfest workout. You ultimately want to be doing things that keep you healthy and active long term. I would also note that most people who do exercise or workout daily; 1) weren't always capable of that, and 2) typically structure their training/workouts with lighter days and more strenuous days...rest and recovery are very important to advancing your fitness. Work is the catalyst, but recovery is really where the magic happens.
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A lot of those videos were much harder on me after pelvic surgery than actually going for a walk because they have you doing knee highs and you can't find your own comfortable pace. My suggestion is do walking in your area outside stiving to go at an exceptable but not hard pace for 4 weeks in a row 30minutes a day. After that try the video's again and see if you've improved enough they're doable. Most of our weightloss is from diet choices so while exercise is really important it's more than fine to ease into it.2
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On YouTube, look for Pahla B Fitness. She has both seated and standing workouts, and they're easily modified for your personal capabilities.
I've been doing her youtube videos everyday and she's really great! Most of her videos are 20-25 min. I feel a little guilty not doing more, but she's quite adamant that this is really all you need to get fit and toned. And I do work up a pretty good sweat everytime. It's ok that I don't do more?1 -
moonbeams896 wrote: »On YouTube, look for Pahla B Fitness. She has both seated and standing workouts, and they're easily modified for your personal capabilities.
I've been doing her youtube videos everyday and she's really great! Most of her videos are 20-25 min. I feel a little guilty not doing more, but she's quite adamant that this is really all you need to get fit and toned. And I do work up a pretty good sweat everytime. It's ok that I don't do more?
There isn't one duration that is suitable for everyone, there isn't one duration that suits everyone throughout their training lifetime.
You start where you are and build intensity and duration over time, a lot more time than 11 days.
What you can and should do now will be different to what you can do in a month's time and a year's time.5 -
moonbeams896 wrote: »On YouTube, look for Pahla B Fitness. She has both seated and standing workouts, and they're easily modified for your personal capabilities.
I've been doing her youtube videos everyday and she's really great! Most of her videos are 20-25 min. I feel a little guilty not doing more, but she's quite adamant that this is really all you need to get fit and toned. And I do work up a pretty good sweat everytime. It's ok that I don't do more?
Yes. If you get to the point where you're thinking "well, that was no big deal, hardly a challenge at all", then think about adding more. Gradual progress, always keeping it just a small but manageable challenge, is (IMO) a Really Good Plan. Overdoing = fatigue, increased injury risk. Underdoing = Feels easy, no challenge, so no fitness improvement. It sounds like you're in the sweet spot in between.
Keep up the goodness, keep that little bit of a challenge!3 -
A famous saying in cycling circles I think coined by Greg LeMond one of the most famous is “It never gets easier, you just go faster.”
Stay with it. Modify or find a different program that suits you better. Find ways to fix what’s wrong as you go (maybe different shoes, maybe hydration etc). It won’t get easier but you will go faster or further with time. For now, take breaks as needed, listen to your body and keep up the good work!!4 -
One day at a time. Everyday your will get stronger. Who cares if you need to take pause. If you need to pause, then you should pause to avoid injury. You are doing it and that’s what matters. Change takes time. You should start slow and gradually build up. You will surprise yourself.3
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Today has been a weird day. First, I've been starving throughout (something I don't experience very much). I've been snacking, but trying not to go too crazy. Then, I did a workout using 5 lb weights. And, while I could do more than I have been in the past, I still couldn't get through the whole thing without putting them down and my arms are KILLING me. I can barely raise them at all. I'm not sure if this is progress or not. I guess I'll see when tomorrow comes. 4
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moonbeams896 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout. I'm trying out different youtube workouts. Found one I liked today, but every 10 min, I have to pause and take a breather and I barely finished that 30 min. The one I did today is advertised as "for complete beginners." If I can't finish that without taking a lot of pauses, is there something wrong with me? It's frustrating. My back has been hurting. I went for a 2.5 mile walk the other day and came home with huge blisters. I guess I'm just irked that this is getting the better of me.
I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?
I am also getting back Into shape. It took several attempts to complete this but I started with this one. I do truly think this is a genuine beginner workout
https://youtu.be/k_SoCdUlBvM 2 -
moonbeams896 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've come back after a 6 year hiatus. I started 11 days ago and I've been trying to workout most days. Back in the day, I did a lot of Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds and I was pretty successful! But, it's been super hard for me. I've been able to last a min or two longer, but eventually stop before the end of the 30 min workout. I'm trying out different youtube workouts. Found one I liked today, but every 10 min, I have to pause and take a breather and I barely finished that 30 min. The one I did today is advertised as "for complete beginners." If I can't finish that without taking a lot of pauses, is there something wrong with me? It's frustrating. My back has been hurting. I went for a 2.5 mile walk the other day and came home with huge blisters. I guess I'm just irked that this is getting the better of me.
I've never been athletic or really into working out, but I thought I was better than this. Ideas? Suggestions?
I am also getting back Into shape. It took several attempts to complete this but I started with this one. I do truly think this is a genuine beginner workouthttps://youtu.be/k_SoCdUlBvM
I've done a lot of Leslie Sansone and I like her a lot. I was having problems even getting through her videos. I would guess if I tried it now, it would be a whole lot easier.
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moonbeams896 wrote: »Today has been a weird day. First, I've been starving throughout (something I don't experience very much). I've been snacking, but trying not to go too crazy. Then, I did a workout using 5 lb weights. And, while I could do more than I have been in the past, I still couldn't get through the whole thing without putting them down and my arms are KILLING me. I can barely raise them at all. I'm not sure if this is progress or not. I guess I'll see when tomorrow comes.
Pain during the workout means you pushed yourself too hard.
Patience, grasshopper
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Beverly2Hansen wrote: »A lot of those videos were much harder on me after pelvic surgery than actually going for a walk because they have you doing knee highs and you can't find your own comfortable pace. My suggestion is do walking in your area outside stiving to go at an exceptable but not hard pace for 4 weeks in a row 30minutes a day. After that try the video's again and see if you've improved enough they're doable. Most of our weightloss is from diet choices so while exercise is really important it's more than fine to ease into it.
Yes, I find the walking more or less in place videos a lot harder on my knees/legs than simply walking/hiking. I tried one again recently when the weather kept me indoors, but it is not a good exercise for me.0 -
moonbeams896 wrote: »On YouTube, look for Pahla B Fitness. She has both seated and standing workouts, and they're easily modified for your personal capabilities.
I've been doing her youtube videos everyday and she's really great! Most of her videos are 20-25 min. I feel a little guilty not doing more, but she's quite adamant that this is really all you need to get fit and toned. And I do work up a pretty good sweat everytime. It's ok that I don't do more?
Glad it is working for you, but a 20-25 minute video a few times a week will not be what many need to get to their definition of "fit and toned".1
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