what exercise should I start with?

all4yum

I weigh 261 pounds, I'm very unfit, and I suffer from autoimmune disease, arthritis, pleuritic chest pain and I have balance problems caused by my ears. My pelvis is also messed up from pregnancy (still - after two years) so even walking causes significant, long lasting pain. I need to exercise though as I am seriously unfit and trying to lose the weight I've gained back since giving birth. some days I'm too ill to do anything, but on 'good' days, what can I do that isn't going to hurt my knees or pelvis too much. taking into account that is often hurts a lot to breath deeply due to the chronic pleuritis. I'm also seriously photosensitive and get terrible cold urticaria too (Oh I sound great don't I?) so outside exercise is complicated.

have I just asked an impossible question?

LoraF83

Do you have access to a pool? Maybe water aerobics or even just water walking would be good for you? Being in the water will relieve some of the pressure from your joints while still letting you get a good workout.

Have you asked your doctor for advice?

gypsy_spirit

Do you have access to a pool? Maybe water aerobics or even just water walking would be good for you? Being in the water will relieve some of the pressure from your joints while still letting you get a good workout.

Have you asked your doctor for advice?

This. If you don't have access to a pool, do you have a physical therapist? With your health problems, is this a possibility?

You could also use google to find some easy/beginner stretching exercises & body weight exercises. You could go at your own pace with these and build on what you can do on your good days. Body weight exercises really helped me with balance and in getting stronger in my upper body. Seated dumbbell exercises would work your upper body and not put stress on the knees/pelvis.

ETA: I felt like a weak duck when I first started, but LoraF83 told me one time to remember I was just competing with myself. To always do better this time than last. Keep notes and you will surprise yourself.

earlnabby

I would also suggest looking into some kind of water exercise. Ask around at community pools, Y's, and health clubs. Some fitness centers will be aligned with a healthcare network so you may be able to do PT or take a class in the pool without having to actually join the club. I started water exercise a month ago at 290 lb with serious hip, lower back, and knee problems and it has really helped. The club is one aligned with healthcare so I just had to have a doctor authorize it. I pay for 36 classes at a time @ $5 a class (3x a week for 12 weeks but I have 6 months to use them if I miss a class). Our local community pools have classes too @ $4 a class.