Too big to exercise?

Emancipated_Tai

I started my journey at 260 pounds. I agree it was quite difficult to exercise but I just kept pushing. I started out doing 15 minutes then increased every few days. Now the same machine that I was going to fall off of and die is a piece of cake. I’m also able to run, which I couldn’t do before. Exercise is easier at 202 pounds, but I still have to push myself.

Its mind over matter. Don’t let some blogger tell you XYZ.. you CAN do it! You just have to be determined and focused!

PeaceCorpsKat

I don't really excersize...

Kind of.

I have always been a big walker. Even when I was closer to 300 pounds I walked 4 miles a day. So I just keep that up. I haven't really changed the amount I walk. I am just concentrating on eating right. I figure 4 miles a day is okay. I might start jogging in another 10 pounds or so... who knows.

BlueInkDot

Sounds like walking and swimming are the way to go for now. Keep us posted how it goes! Good luck! ^_^

lizzybethclaire

Start walking. I was just like you, could barely exercise for more than a few minutes. A year later, I am running around the gym!

utahgirl247

i am a large gal and just before i start my journey to better health and weight loss (2weeks ago) i spoke with my doctor and he told me to start off with those baby steps. . . which for me is just moving right now. . . i run errands and park the car furthest away from the door, etc. i also walk outside just about 15 minutes to start. i am doing this for three weeks then increasing by 5 minutes each week there after.

i was told not to get into cario, aerobic type exercise until i had lost more weight. i am going to the pool this morning to walk the 'lazy river' this is where you walk in a big circle against the current. that is supposed to be a good little workout for someone like me.

if you can, go to your doctor otherwise start out slow (baby steps) and just work up to where you want to be.

here's to you and your good health :flowerforyou:

shaelataylor

i was over 280 pounds and started with walking. after i had lost 20 or so i started the c25k so i was running at 260 some pounds. is it easy? no, but it can be done. if heavy cardio is too much, try just brisk walks or something like swimming.

jwaitman

Speak to your doctor if you think it is risking your health.

Perhaps there is some other type of exercise you could start with that will help build up your endurance until you can sustain a good cardio workout. You have to figure out what works for you.

ready2tryagain42

If you start off slow you can build up to it.

kimnsc

I would say talk to your Doctor, follow his guidance and have the mindset that you CAN do this!

I was almost 300 pounds when I started and I started by walking 30 minutes a day and slowly increased my time on the treadmill. Now I mainly work out on the elliptical and jog/run anywhere from 5 to 10 miles a day....

lbigham1

It's wonderful that you're adding exercise to your routine. Good for you! You'd be surprised at the rusults walking will give you. You will build up distance in no time. Water aerobics is another great option. - Good luck!

MandaPaigeSparkles88

When I first started walking on a treadmill I would take it slowly and walk a mile every day on it, and build myself up to do more. It took a long time for me to build my self up to where I am now. I currently walk on the treadmill between 50 minutes to an hour a day, sometimes longer depending on whether or not I want to stop. But I would start out slow and before you do please talk to a doctor. The heaviest I have been ever in my life is 311lbs that was after my divorce. I am now down to 275lbs with a long way to go. Just keep it up consult a doctor and take it slowly!!

A_New_Horizon

2 things like others have told you: I would consult with your dr first to get his/her recommendations. Second, I didn't start exercising until AFTER I had my eating habits under control. I was almost 200 lbs (on a 5'3" frame) when I started losing weight. I started my journey in Sept 2010, and I didn't start exercising until Jan or Feb of 2011. Then, I started with 30-day shred - it was very brutal, and I could barely walk for about 2 weeks, but it was wonderful with amazing results. In the meantime if you want to do some form of exercise, I would start with simple walking. Any form of exercise is better than anyone still sitting on the couch - that is my motto. Proud of you for trying to get healthy!!!

lisaishotpink

I weighed 301 when I started, and I did 30 minutes on our elliptical every day in the beginning. Then I added Zumba about a month later, as well as Tae Bo. Then about 2 months ago I started 30 Day Shred. I see no reason for overweight people to not do cardio! I have lost 44 pounds with heavy cardio and dropped lots of inches, and I no longer have to use my inhaler! Don't let anyone tell you that you're too large for any exercise! There were moments of discomfort, but without those moments I wouldn't be where I am today. Good luck, you know what your body can do.

AwesomeMoJo

First off, always consult with a doctor about an exercise program and any potential issues. There might be underlying issues. Better to be safe than sorry.

With that said, I exercised at 350 by walking short distances and resting frequently. It takes a while but you will build an endurance. Important thing is to stick with it.

I am with Matt 100% on this. Before I joined this site I lost 60lbs on my own. I started with walking 10 minutes at a time. It doesnt help that i have pretty bad asthma....not only did I start losing weight but it also increased my lung capacity and now I only need my inhaler when I do Xumba or anything that high impact of a workout. You can do it.

But always check with your doc...you may have valid healthe reasons for the difficulty....

helenmc40

See your doctor and also remember to set goals that are reachable. Maybe start your workouts by walking for 10-15 mins EVERY DAY. Once you are comforatable with his, increase the minutes you walk till you are at 60 mons a day. Remember you have to walk before you can run!!

Leave the 30day shred till you have been walking for about a month, you will be surprised at how quickly your endurance builds up.

Take it slow, the weight did not come on in 30 days, so it will take time to come off.

But make sure you speak to your doctor and see what they say!

Good luck

chickenrider

Thanks for all the responses! I'll definitely see a doctor soon to see what I should be doing. I've tried a variety of things, never lasting more than a day or two on each: 30 day shred, couch to 5k plan, various workout videos. I think I'm trying to do too much too fast because I never exercised AT ALL. I'm going to start just walking and building up my endurance for other things.

Bingo! Even though I just joined MFP last week, my actual highest weight was 398! I am only 5'4'. I am now 326 and only recently have I been able to actually go to a gym to use the equipment. My advice, watch every bite you eat, drink tons of water and just walk. When I would go somewhere people would be amazed that I was only losing weight by walking, but it works. Once you get to a workable level, start small and do little exercises.

You are right, alot of cardio, C25K and 30 day shred are only going to upset you because physically you can not do them. Do not set yourself up to fail...You are doing great, just start putting one foot in front of the other my friend I still have a long way to go and I still walk every day and once in a while I do the gym...

Vailara

I started off with Leslie Sansome. I've got dodgy joints and wanted something low impact. Her videos are basically just variations of marching on the spot, but I think they're brilliant for beginners, especially if you're larger.

I agree with the others about seeing your doctor.

kdeaux1959

I started about 344 and the first month or so, just ate less. Then I began a mild exercise program and built into it. Now it is usually at least an hour on the treadmill up to an incline of 15 @ times and strength training. You are NOT too big to exercise IF you can get up out of your chair and move. Start slow though... Begin by walking. If you can do 2 minutes at a more rapid pace do it BUT do it often... Like several times per day or session. The c 2 5K program (couch to 5 K) uses this technique. It uses walking together with like 30 second bursts with a gradual increase. (I don't do that program but agree with its concept... perhaps I will some time)... Endurance is something that you will have to build into. As for seeing your doctor... ABSOLUTELY. In fact, you probably need to see him/her for guidance on your weight loss anyway but before doing ANY kind of exercise program... This is especially true if you have joint issues, heart issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. There are some things that they may tell you to do or not do. The key to success with exercise though is to do what you can do now... Push yourself just a little bit and gradually (won't take as long as you think)... you will be able to do more and more. I used to have problems with my right knee due to some injuries I had sustained a few years back... It would bother me any time I got out of a chair when I was 344 lbs. I can now leg press 420 lbs and leg extension @ 165. Over time, even joints will thank you for not being overweight. But a trip to the doctor is best before you start.

SPNLuver83

try leslie sansone's walk away the pounds dvds. its a great program for people who have a lot to loose.

helenmc40

Apologies for my spelling!! I am working on very little sleep today and should have read my post before posting :laugh:

specialkyc

I have to agree with everyone else. First, consult your physician but walking is always a good place to start. Take a short leisurely walk to start then work your way up in the length and speed of your walks.

You can do this...we can do this. Add me if you'd like.

AdAstra47

You don't have to kill yourself. Just walk 10 minutes a day. Start small. And don't let anyone tell you that it doesn't pay off: check out this video, it cites scientific facts about the benefits of even a small amount of exercise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo

Good luck!

cressievargo

Thanks for all the responses! I'll definitely see a doctor soon to see what I should be doing. I've tried a variety of things, never lasting more than a day or two on each: 30 day shred, couch to 5k plan, various workout videos. I think I'm trying to do too much too fast because I never exercised AT ALL. I'm going to start just walking and building up my endurance for other things.

30DS and C25K are probably not the best places to start - pretty intense. Walking is a great place to start - or maybe water aerobics or walking in a pool? The water helps support you (which really helps if you have joint issues) and also provides resistance (bonus!).

ETA - When you start to feel comfortable with walking, you can also add in little "mini-challenges" for yourself. Like - walk as quickly as you can for 30 seconds. Then a few minutes later, do it for a minute....basically modify the C25k for walking. Or pick a distance and keep adding to it a little at a time. If you can't walk outside, the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home DVDs are very good, too!

Camsmom2010

I love my Leslie Samsone Walking DVDs! Easy movements, and she breaks down into mile increments! I do these when I can't get outside. Yesterday I popped the DVD in and was able to complete 1 miles in 15 minutes! It's also great because I have a 2 year old son who needs attention but for 15 minutes he does the movements with me and we both have fun!

hollyk57

I agree with those that advised seeing a Dr. first - always a good plan. I can tell you some from my own experience... I was 306 at my highest and found that walking and being a bit more mindful of what I ate was the key. I walked, starting out slow, then increasing my pace and length of time. It worked miracles for me. I know what you mean about feeling like you're dying after two minutes - 30 day shred did that to me. DVDs have never worked for me. I don't stick to them - they bore me - and I find that I have to leave my house in order to exercise or it's too easy to just give up and sit on the couch. Joining a gym is awesome if it's in your budget. 24-hr fitness actually has some pretty good deals. The key is starting slow, ramping up, finding something you enjoy (so it doesn't feel like a hassle) and sticking to it while still switching things up. Swimming is also awesome. I've always loved swimming but was too embarassed to go to the pool at the gym. I finally just said the heck with it, stop whining and go! And I did.. and I LOVE it and it burns a ton of calories. Good luck to you!

kimdarren

Don't go straight into hard cardio excercises. Your joints won't be able to handle the stress. Start off with soft/no impact excercises and gradually move up as you become more confident and loose weight. You'll do yourself more harm than good by doing too much too fast when your body isn't used to it. x

ElizabethObviously

Yeah it sounds like you are trying to do too much straight out of the gate. You have to crawl before you run! But being too big to exercise? NEVER....I have over 300 to lose and I do Turbo Jams (kick boxing), Dance Central, strength training, Leslie Sansone. If this girl can do 5 songs in a row, anyone can do at least 1 song. You just have to know your limits.

Try something easy and work up to Jillian Michaels. You will do fine though. The fact you are not afraid to try new things is awesome!

And please remember, you dont HAVE to do the entire workout DVD. Just try for some of it. Try for 2 or 3 minutes for a few days until that starts to feel easy then up it by another minute or 2. Before you know it, you will be doing an entire DVD easy!

NiSan12

Walking IS the most natural way to lose weight, if you can't start outside, then pick up a Walking DVD to start off. That way you can start and stop when you get ready.

NiSan12

I have her DVD's as well. Good tapes!

NiSan12

I love my Leslie Samsone Walking DVDs! Easy movements, and she breaks down into mile increments! I do these when I can't get outside. Yesterday I popped the DVD in and was able to complete 1 miles in 15 minutes! It's also great because I have a 2 year old son who needs attention but for 15 minutes he does the movements with me and we both have fun!

I have her DVD's as well. Good tapes.