Need starting exercise advice: 42-yr old Woman @ 250lbs

kkmulholland2

Hello All,
I've scouted the postings for some help and most of you are well into your fitness routines.
I am just starting and need some initial direction. I'm 42, no real joint problems but have been very sedentary and am at about 250 lbs. I plan to start (today, in fact) exercising 4-5 days per week for about 30-45 minutes. My ultimate goal is to do a 5K around Labor Day and will do the C25K plan but I figure I just need to start moving first.

Can anyone who has started from zero and now is in a fitness groove give me some pointers on what to do to get started. I pretty much know about getting on a treadmill and am on my way out the door to do just that but I can't help but think there must be something else I can do to start getting my bod in shape to start the C25K plan in a few months.

Thanks in advance!

tryttej

I was 40 and 263 when I started MFP. I used Jillian Michael's workout for beginners and really loved it. She goes slowly, explains how to do moves correctly, and does a mix of upper/lower body, cardio and strength training. It taught me the basics for a lot of movements I continue to use, like squats, etc.

mamahannick

You can start with just plain walking to get moving. Set aside time each day that you devote to that, and it will soon become a habit.

The C25k program is wonderful, I am currently on week 4 and have noticed such a difference in my endurance. I do Jillian Michaels DVDs also and highly recommend those as well. 30 Day Shred is a popular one.

TeaBea

Walk At Home DVDs by Leslie Sansone....these are (mostly) low impact aerobics. Moves are easy to modify up or down. You start off with doing as much as you can. Then add light handweights, higher knees, jog more often, squat into side steps.....modifying is easy.

This DVD has a 2 mile "walk" and a 30 minute strength training program...and a music only option
http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/leslie-sansones-walk-it-off-in-30-days-6412

This DVD is programable....has 5 different miles, 4 short strength training sections, and 1 short stretch.....to mix and match
http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/leslie-sansones-ultimate-5-day-walk-plan-6155

Samstan101

I was 40 and 303lbs when I started from zero. I started with walking and swimming. Once I could swim for 30-40mins I started using the elliptical (cross) trainer at the gym and started C25K (took about 3 weeks of training 5 days a week). I did my first 5k in August and took 50mins. My PB is now 31:31 and I train 6-7 days a week (a mix of running, elliptical and weights). Go for it! Starting running is one of the best things I've ever done

Kevvboy

Congratulations on making a start! The first day is the hardest. Tomorrow it will be easier. In a week you will be In the Groove.

Do you have a bicycle? Do you like to ride it? I've lost all my weight by riding my bike and controlling my eating. I started riding a short distance very slowly until I got winded. The next day I went a little farther. Now I am riding 20-30 miles at a time.

The best suggestion I can give is to find some form of exercise you really like - enough to do it day in, day out, faithfully, week after month, for the rest of your life. Because at the end of losing the weight you will still want to exercise to keep it off.

Biking pretty fast burns about twice as many calories as walking. But walking is a great start! Swimming is fun and great for you, is that possible? Look for different ways to move your bod that you reall enjoy - dancing? Skiing? Bowling? The world is full of possibilities.

One other piece of advice: the world is now your Stairmaster. Whenever you can skip an escalator or elevator, do it - you will get a mini workout in, wherever you are!

Good luck. You can DO THIS!

MikosunB

walking, at whatever pace you can. Some movement is better than none, this coming from a 42 YO who just completed her 2nd 5k and has lost 42 pounds! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!