Gym quit

LastTenPoundsGodDamnYou

OK after long discussion and deliberationI have decided to quite the gym for a bit. My knees and lower back cannot take it.

After weeks of not going, everything felt better but one session back and everything is hurting again. I am going to swim twice per week and go to a Pilates class which I think will have less impact on my knees and might help strengthen my back. I also love to walk in summer and so I should be able to get some lower impact cardio this way and do some weights using my Xbox.

What do you guys think?

DBBA21

I think you have made the right decision for your body.

You are still exercising however you have listened to your body and adapted you workout

WaterBunnie

You've got to do what you enjoy and what does YOU good otherwise it simply isn't sustainable so I'd say you've made the right decision.

LastTenPoundsGodDamnYou

Thank you for your replies, seems like no one is on here today, or they are just not interested in my post! x

WaterBunnie

It's 10am here, not sure what other timezones are in but it could just be that lots of people are still in bed?

hpsaucette

Sounds good to me, and what the others have said. Swimming is especially good - low impact and works out all the muscle groups. Pilates will also help you, make sure you tell your instructor your injury history so they can help you.It's normally recommended that if you have a lot of weight to lose (I don't know how much you have to get rid of) that you start off small to limit the risk of injury and then take the exercise bit by bit, increasing the difficulty all the time. Maybe walk a bit every day? or fill a bottle of water and at home do a couple of reps with your arms? or a couple of crunches and stuff like that?

salxtai

What if you get your knees / back checked out, if you haven't already done so?

It could have a simple enough solution that might allow you to not have to restrict your exercise

BeautyFromPain

What if you get your knees / back checked out, if you haven't already done so?

It could have a simple enough solution that might allow you to not have to restrict your exercise

this, I have scoliosis plus osteoarthritis in both knees, ankles and elbows and i still go 6 days a week

george29223

yeah you cant keep doing stuff to make the pain worse you did the right thing

hailzp

i decided to stop going to the gym too and I feel so much better after making that decision. I think you have made the right choice for yourself and you have to do what you think is best.

LastTenPoundsGodDamnYou

Thank you all. Lots to think about. Yes I think it is a personal thing. I know people with far bigger issues than me still go to the gym, but I just feel i am not going the gym "right" for me. I am hoping some one-to-one Pilates might help me get in alignment so when I do go back to gym in the winter I won't be pounding my joints in the wrong way.

Yes i have seen chiropractor and doctor and PT for a session. I just think I have a wacky body. I have never been able to do the things that normal people do. It cannot be right that it hurts to even drive my car LOL

BigMamma71

So glad you're listening to your body. I have osteo arthritis in my hips and subsequently had surgery to help my mobility. I also have a scoliosis. Like you I have never been able to do some things that others do naturally I even had to change my car because the drivers seat was the wrong position for me (hips lower than knees) making driving difficult. Aqua physio helped post surgery as it reduced the stress on my joints making excercise easier. I work out at home and go to a girls only gym class which I find less intimidating and we are always encouraging each other. Always follow what your body is telling you, you know better than anyone what is 'normal' for you. Best wishes on your journey.

Yunnieh

swimming is great,it helps the body to relax! actually,it helps to curb the pains from exercise too. (:

Natx83

As well as getting those looked at, if you are lifting have you had your form checked to make sure you are performing the lifts correctly?

zmzmzm19

I agree....you have to do what is right for you and your body. I quit going to the gym for other reasons, but I found what kept me motivated and what I enjoyed at home. I look forward to my workouts every morning in my own basement! It's all a matter of doing what you enjoy and keeps you motivated, it doesn't matter where you do it!! Best wishes to you!