really new to exercising . .help!

benodie

Hi this is going to sound ridiculous . . . but I'm gunna ask for help anyway

I've started exercising with walking . . .my motivation is my gorgeous puppy who MUST be walked every day what ever the weather.I am really trying hard to keep my speed up and some days its so much harder . . Is it normal to find it easy somedays and really REALLY hard on others? I walked him today and right from when I left the house I was aching and my legs felt heavy and sluggish . . .wheras I have felt stronger recently. Do I just push through this or do I need to slow up on the tough days?

sorry if this sounds stupid

haylz24

Personally, I'd push through it. If you need a rest, take it. I had a rest yesterday and honestly I felt like crap lol

shesblossoming

Not stupid at all! Some days feel great, other days don't! It could be the food you're eating, the amount of sleep you've had, or if you've been walking a lot and you just need a rest. The best part about what you're doing is that you're going to be listening and understanding your body. I am so often communicating with my body and letting it know what I want, but it's so important to listen to it and know exactly what it wants too! I know that sounds ridiculous but once you find that everyday is a great day for walking, you know you've reached a balance.

Recently, I've started doing Bikram yoga and some days are absolutely amazing while others feel like I'm on day one. I've realized that it all depends on how I'm nourishing my body and my attitude toward it.

Also, what part of your legs are aching, and what kind of pain is it? Is it only when you're going out for long walks or is it constant? Sometimes the discomfort is a good thing, because you're working out more.

evie1958

Yes, in my experience it is normal to feel that the walking is easy some days and not so much on others. I try to just push thru it, providing there is no actual PAIN! If you are feeling pain in joints or muscles then you may be overdoing it. Just feeling heavy and sluggish, well, maybe slow your pace a bit, go for longer, make sure you stretch after each walk, and sometimes while you are walking, take a minute to stretch. It can help. Just remember every step you take is a good step! You don't have to run marathons to get into better shape! Good luck on your journey!!

tashajayne2011

I get this too x you have my sympathies as it can be sooo painful!! I found pushing through it to be the wrong thing to do it was so tight and heavy it really was unbearable

Some very helpful people on this board told me to make sure that I do my stretches. The most effective I have found are the following
http://www.drlibrahim.com/eng/disorders/calfstretch.htm

I really hope this helps.

hm_day

Even people who are extremely fit and exercise a lot have days where they "just don't wanna!" On those days, it's best to keep the exercise to a minimum because it means your body is telling you it needs a break. However, don't spend several days in a row doing it, or you'll lose that momentum and make a habit of not doing anything. It's good that you have the dog though! Dogs are great motivators for exercise because they ALWAYS need the walk, no matter what. It gives people an excuse to go out!

SallieBeige

I am not a fitness instructor but this is my approach to this.

I find some days harder than others. When I find it harder, I rely on my heart rate to tell me if I should push through it or if I should slow down. I know my heart rate max for my age (won't quote here as I am older than you are so it will be less than for you).

If my heart rate says I am pushing it, I slow down. If I am in my heart rate zone, I focus on how many minutes more I need to do (sometimes break it down into reachable chunks to keep my brain busy) and keep going.

Good luck!

mcrowe1016

If I have days I really don't want to walk, I use that as an excuse to get some new music. Do you have an mp3 player?

alanaosu

Make sure you're well hydrated (try coconut water as well as water but not too much). It's normal to have some days which feel harder. It's just your body adjusting and it wont hurt you to take it a little easier on the days that are really a struggle (note I said tale it easy and not skip it all together). Walking is a basic exercise that is great for everyone and you should be able to do this every day without a problem. You wait - you'll soon be breezing through your walks! Keep it up! Good stretching is a must after too(minimum of 30 seconds for each muscle). Good luck!

benodie

thanks everyone

Its not 'pain' as in in my joints, its definetly muscle 'ache' . .thighs calves and FEET! lol! Today I'm definetly more tired as I had a really early long shift at work then came home to a crazy puppy destroying the house! I just wondered if even on these days . .where life is wearing me out . .do u still push through or take it easier.

@sallieBeige that makes sense, listening to your heart rate thanku.
@mcrowe1016 I have an iphone I never think to listen to music when I walk! . .kids are off school at the moment for the summer so they are with me and we are chatting etc . .but when they go back I will try music thanks

benodie

I get this too x you have my sympathies as it can be sooo painful!! I found pushing through it to be the wrong thing to do it was so tight and heavy it really was unbearable

Some very helpful people on this board told me to make sure that I do my stretches. The most effective I have found are the following
http://www.drlibrahim.com/eng/disorders/calfstretch.htm

I really hope this helps.

thanku . .will have a look