Help!

apm88

I'm recovering from sciatica - pinched nerves in my lower left back and hip, and I'm struggling with how to begin a new exercise routine as I'm healing. Prior to this summer, i lost over 40lbs, and with lack of regular exercise this summer and eating really crappy, I've gained just over 15lbs back:(. Where do I start?! I'm so eager to get back into it!!

alikonda

1) Don't jump in too quickly. It can be easy to overdo things when you are full of motivation to turn things around, which can lead to additional injuries or further irritating your current issues.

2) Keep track of what you're eating. If you're serious about weight loss, it all comes down to calories in vs calories out. However you want to calculate that, you need to have an idea of how much you should be eating every day. You said you've been "eating really crappy" so I think you have an idea of where to start. ;-) That being said, don't deprive yourself. There may be a few "trigger foods" that you feel you need to keep out of the house, but give in to cravings, allow yourself an occasional treat, etc. If you eliminate favourite foods from your diet altogether, it will be too easy to "fall off" your new, healthy lifestyle. Everything in moderation.

3) I don't know what exercises to recommend since I don't know much about your condition or how you, individually, feel. I would talk to your doctor about what is safe / what they recommend, and again, don't go in too hard too soon.

4) Find an exercise that you can do and set up a schedule for yourself. Plan for days where you don't even have to put on gym clothes. I find that I have much more success in talking myself into my daily workout if I have a planned day off every week - because the only way I can skip a workout is if I sacrifice that day off to make it up. My day off is sacred to me, and It's been MUCH easier to stick to a workout plan, knowing that once a week I get to just flop out on the couch instead of sweating it out!

5) Don't go out too hard. Really. I have injured myself way too many times in the past due to my own impatience, enthusiasm, and good intentions.

Good luck! :flowerforyou:

fullerbrickroad

Do you have access to a pool? Water aerobics might be an option.