Morbidly Obese & Exercise

lieselq

Hi. I'm new here too. I'm 5'2" and used to weigh 310. I live in Texas and felt like I was going to die every summer with the heat. (Summer, in my opinion, begins in February and ends in November around here.) I lost my car in 2003 and HAD to walk/ride the bus. In the time until I was able to replace my car (about a year later), I lost nearly 75 pounds...just from the most necessary walking only. I wasn't 'working out' or doing anything special.

This time around, I began at 201 (um, last week). My daughter announced her engagement last week and I have (as of today) 124 days until the big day. As Mama of the Bride...I don't want to waddle (too much). I'd like to be down to 150 by Oct. 19 (the big day).

April 6, 2011, I severely tore ligaments/tendons in my right knee (probably from years of excess weight on them). Last summer I swam all summer long. I just pretended not to see others looking at me and did what I needed to do to help my knee. I found water to be very healing because it supported my body and took the weight off of the knee and yet I could move the leg through the water - the water resistance helping.

I don't have television (cable, etc.) so I splurged for Hulu Plus. My sister told me that watching The Biggest Loser was inspiring to her. So I've began with Season 1 and have been watching them. I do belong to a gym through my health insurance. I saw a Dr. Oz episode that talked about Dr. Life (real name) and the guy showed before and after shots of himself. I'm not too keen on some of his stuff, yet one thing - he said he hired a personal trainer. It's been a bit of a financial struggle, yet I hired a personal trainer at the gym for 30 minutes 2 x's per week. She is showing me some of the equipment and also helping to build confidence using my knee again. I find that I can motivate myself by what I choose to watch on television (when I do choose to watch it). I am drawn to shows where the underdog wins and trust me, when we're fighting this particular battle, it can certainly feel like we're the underdogs!

My daughter always said, Mama walk. Just walk. Go to the mall and walk in the air conditioning. Just walk, walk, walk.

I tried to do the elliptical machine at the gym and struggled to do a whole 3 minutes on the lowest setting. This very lovely elderly lady stopped me in the locker room and asked how my workout had gone. (I was THRILLED that someone spoke with me!) I told her and she smiled and said that when she started, she could only do 4 minutes on the elliptical and now she does 30. I was in awe! I thanked her so much for that!

The part I struggle with now is after I've watched a motivating show and am at the gym or walking up and down hills in Austin, am I pushing myself the right amount? I know I can push myself hard based on what I've seen others do on television, just need to not push too hard and get another injury. So I decided today to seek out physical therapy for the knee for a bit to be certain that I'm doing things correctly.

Sounds like you have kids...so you have a cheering squad! When you get tired, rest. Just get back up and get going again once you've caught your breath. You can do it! We can ALL do it!!

Best to you!
LQ

Mrsbrandnewmeslimandtrim

Bump

loadsandloads

I don't think anyone else has offered this suggestion and it may sound crazy but here goes. I'm really big and have lots to lose and don't like weight training. I like to walk but having had a herniated disc in my lower back years ago I'm prone to have a lot of back pain. One time I had purchased Spanx to wear under something to look better and notice my back didn't hurt. Well that convinced me that just by sheer nature of the product it kept everything from "jiggling" and jarring my back. I was hooked. Work offered to pay for people to enter the Disney 5K and I did it - with my Spanx- at about 310 lbs. No running just walking and completed in less than an hour. Huge accomplishment for this "fat old lady" That was last year's 5K. I did it again this year and the Princess 5K a few weeks later. I unfortunately have just started trying to lose again and am determined to do it next year in 45 minutes or less without having to run. BTW I don't have to wear the Spanx for the jiggle anymore as just walking has started toning the core muscles and my form is better.

Sorry so long winded and maybe somebody got a good laugh.

Good luck in your quest! You can do it!

lesle1

Walk. Listen to your body. Do as much as you can. Keep at it. I just saw a guy in the 10K I ran yesterday that was over 300 pounds. I was 265 pounds when I started walking. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and do what you can. You don't have to go fast.

loneworg

I was in a pretty similar position. I was 50 years old and weighed 275 pounds when I started. The most important thing is to get your diet under control first. I didn't exercise at all until I lost 30 pounds. If you can exercise, then you'll be that much better off, but it isn't really necessary. Exercise is great and healthy, but diet is far more important for weight loss.

Once I'd lost a bit a weight I started walking, and that's all I've done since then. I did get myself a treadmill so I could increase the intensity of the walk, but just plain walking is good enough. If you get to the point where you can lift some weights in addition to walking you'll help build muscle which will make losing weight easier.

I think this is the best answer by far.

healthymewannabe

Hi and welcome! As many others have said, swimming is a great way to get in that exercise without having a painful impact to your knees or feet. Or invest in some good shoes and get in as much walking as you can/. As you continue to walk, it gets easier.

AlmstHvn

I suggest finding a personal trainer. They will be very familiar with what an obese body can do and coach you so that you keep good form and don't hurt yourself. They will coach you with full-body workout - we started with 5 and 10 lb weights to build up strength, as well as 10 minute up to 30 on the treadmill or exercise bike. Don't let fear stand in your way! It feels SO good to feel strong, I can't TELL you

Kathy53925

I was in a pretty similar position. I was 50 years old and weighed 275 pounds when I started. The most important thing is to get your diet under control first. I didn't exercise at all until I lost 30 pounds. If you can exercise, then you'll be that much better off, but it isn't really necessary. Exercise is great and healthy, but diet is far more important for weight loss.

Once I'd lost a bit a weight I started walking, and that's all I've done since then. I did get myself a treadmill so I could increase the intensity of the walk, but just plain walking is good enough. If you get to the point where you can lift some weights in addition to walking you'll help build muscle which will make losing weight easier.

I think this is the best answer by far.

I agree - This is the best answer. I am 55 and have several medical issues that restrict my exercise drastically. I am going to apply for a YMCA membership and "jump a bit" in the pool while the others do Zumba. Don't forget to log the time you stand cooking meals. Yes, it does count...especially when you have over 100 lbs to lose.

sillygoose03

There used to be a show on PBS called Sit and be Fit. I don't know if they still show it but look into it. I remember flipping through the channels and watching it a few minutes at a time when I was a kid thinking 'what a waste!" but now I could use some sit and be fit sessions myself. lol
The aquafit class mentioned in another post could be a LOT of fun too. i'm going to look and see if there is one in my area.

MyOwnSunshine

Start somewhere, do it regularly with no excuses, and push yourself hard to do a little more each time, even if it hurts.

Water aerobics is great, light weights with lots of reps (I know, I know, and I do heavy free weights now, but it's a place to start), elliptical machines, and walking are good places to begin. Do a lot of different things and push yourself until you're out of breath and sweating every time. Add just a little speed, weight, time and distance every week. You will be amazed at your progress.

jhardenbergh

the first thought that came to mind was walking and with that a new pair of shoes. I own several pairs of Brooks Beast, designed for wider flatter feet and offer a lot of support, I was having knee issues until I started wearing them. I started out at 376 lbs Jan. 2011. I basically walked until I was down to around 275 lbs, then I started walk/jogging, then when I got down to 225 lbs I started jogging. Take it little by little, I didn't do any special program, I would just pick landmarks and forced myself to jog to them then walk a straight away, then jog at the next one til I was like screw this I am gonna try to just jog the whole thing.

quill16

I was 323lb and 54 years old 18 months ago. It was all I could do to stand for more than 10 minutes. I did paddle around in the pool until I was down to about 280 with a 1200 cal diet. I started walking slowly on a treadmill at2.8 MPH for 15 minutes which was all I could manage. I did it EVERY day, no excuses, and week by week I increased time or speed and then finally the incline. Good shoes are a must and made a huge difference. I cringed at spending over$100 for shoes,but it was totally worth it. After 9 months I started to jog/run at little intervals. At 18 months I am down to my goal wt and run 7 miles a day 5 days a week.

Elise_healthy4life

I started out at 353 pounds and I'm now at 224.4, at the start I would use a exercise bike every day and swim if I went walking I would use a belly belt to hold my belly because my belly would become uncomfortable after some time I just started slow and only for twenty minutes and slowly increased the time and intensity as I started to lose weight feel free to add me if you have any questions and good luck

kstrunk1

WATER AEROBICS!!!! January 16th I started a weight loss challenge called Drop it 4 Life. The classes were circuit training at a gym close to my house. It is run by Koli Polau and Ashley Johnston for the Biggest Loser Season 9. My beginning weight was 418.50. I am now down to 363 this morning on the scale. I couldn't hardly walk and standing for an hour to do the class was so painful. I hurt so bad. They modified everything for me, but i still ached so bad. They suggested I try swimming. I found a water aerobics class and I was hooked on the first night. You feel so good in the water.. I am getting a good cardio workout and I am now able to do the circuit classes with the Drop it 4 Life class. I even sprinted (which to others looked like a fast walk but to me it was a sprint) and Koli noticed and was so proud of me. You can do it. I never thought I could do it and I am. My picture on my profile is from my first 5K race that I did with the class. I am the big one on the right. It took me about an hour and a half, and everyone else had finished in about a half hour and waited for me. They walked back to greet me and walk me in. I was so touched and had a good cry. We can do this....

Oh my word!! This totally made me tear up. What a great support system you have and CONGRATULATIONS on completing the race!!! :flowerforyou:

75Juniper

If weather is bad you can use "walk" dvd's like Leslie Sansone. When I started that's what I did. Now I can do Turbo Fire. I was slow and it was really hard at first, but believe it or not, it will get easier! Don't give up! You can do it!!

I started with Leslie Sansone, too. Her videos are very easy to do and you get a great workout. I've now graduated to Jillian Michaels, but will use Leslie's dvd's on a "rest" day.

The big thing is consistency. Start slow so that you can keep at it. Pretty soon you'll be one of those people that misses it if you can't work out one day! :flowerforyou:

HealthyLivingKathy

At the beginning of February I was using a walker with a seat so I could rest whenever I needed to. Today I did 3 hours in the pool of walking, weights, and pool side calisthenics. I started s l o w. Fairly quickly, I noticed changes in my ability to walk, stand and just move in general. I kept telling myself, "I challenge myself to do xx minutes." As I got stronger I added time. On days I didn't want to go, I would tell myself, you only have to do half of the time today. By the time I got that done, I would see I could do the entire time. I promise it does get easier.

BTW, I have neuropathy in my feet and they hurt all the time. I wear good water shoes for support ( I changed the insoles to a walking insole for more cushion and support) and also wear socks. Does it look funny? Don't know and don't care. It helps me move. I have a total of 80-85 more # to lose, which I have broken down into 3 mini-goals.

Send me a friend request if you'd like. I'm on here daily. You can do this. {{{HUGS}}}

tmauck4472

Welcome and I hope you achieve everything you've set out to achieve. I was higher than you and now I'm pretty close to you and we are the same age...I have a lot more to lose and look forward to tracking with you

dwtimeoutt

Wow. Thanks to everyone for their advice. I love swimming. And I could use a new pair of shoes! It's amazing to see that there are lots of folks who really do care. You've made my day

I couldn't even swim in the beginning. My balance was way off. I started by getting in the shallow end of the pool and walking from one side to another, Then I did backward walking, then sideways. This helped increase my balance by leaps and bounds. (no pun intended).
You can do this. You just took step 1.

mollysonnotice

walking is the best place to start! Do little bits and gradually increase your time/distance. Also, you can try "stationary" cardio like a row machine or shadow boxing.

And maybe the best thing is swimming - it removes the pressure your body feels during normal exercise but still is a great workout. Man, I wish I could swim.

This^

Walking and swimming are the best right now. Work your way up. My family friend was around 350lbs and started just by walking. 18 months and 150 lbs lost later and shes running with me in the mornings quite frequently.

SusanneWhittington

I started morbidly obese too, even walking was difficult. I started with Leslie Sansone's walk at home, first with just a mile and now I can do the 5 miles easily and do Insanity and P90X. Just start slow, don't give up, it gets easier each week. It took a couple of months, before I was able to do 5 miles though.
But swimming and walking is a nice way to start that is also not discouraging, because you can't do anything wrong with walking, your pace, your amount of time. Just you have to move your body daily and the reward is awesome. Energy, less aches... Good luck!!!!

bubsyh

Get a pedometer, they track how far you walk. Work out how many steps you "normally take" and then aim to add 100 steps or so a week.

It can seem hard at first but slow increases and not pushing yourself too hard is my advice. Also if you think you might get joint pain get some good ankle supports and open patella knee supports!

amy_kee

I definitely understand the challenge of your trying to exercise. I'm currently 314 (was heavier) and am 48 yrs old. I do agree that swimming is easy on your body and if the actual swimming part is too much work right now when you get in the pool, do try some water aerobics or arthritus classes...anything to move in the pool where you will have the water resistance and the water to help hold you up and cushion you. It can really work you out...!

I also agree about investing in a very good walking shoe and a good pair of arch supports. I know I have been able to walk while wearing some good arch supports. They do make a big difference...especially when we are heavy. They are helping me not to get shin splints and back pain so bad from walking. I also about died starting out walking. But, I kept with it, little by little. I hope you are able to be able to walk little bits. If you can even work up to walking 10 min at a time, that would be fabulous! I learned through my diabetes reading that 10 min segements are ok and they can add up to 30 min a day.

I would love to be your friend on MFP. I feel we could help one another out. I am a positive person and would like to help motivate you on your journey. We have a lot in common. I've been on here for 25 days now, but haven't yet added any friends. (I'm kinda choosy.)

I hope you want to be friends. If you do, please send me a message or something so I know. I wish you the best..!!!!! I hope you achieve your exercise goals too. I'm working on mine and am kinda sore right now... :-)
Take care, Amy in Florida

butterflylady86

You can do it. We are all here to support each other. If you need a friend Please add me. Bless you

saraann4

Walking is great. I love it. Put on my Ipod, grab a dog and there I go. I get bored very easily with workouts so I have to switch it up a lot. I started off with walking probably for the first 2 weeks. Then, I bought a DVD, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Let me tell you that I felt like I was way over my head with buying that. I did it and felt great (and completely out of breath, dripping with sweat). Nonetheless, I did it. The next 4 days, I was feeling very bad. Very sore. You can also modify work out videos. Jillian Michaels always offers several modifications and sometimes you have to modify the modifications lol. The point is don't underestimate yourself. You can do things. You just have to push yourself. You also have to figure out what works for you for the time being. If walking is it, then go for it. You can always push yourself with walking too by upping the pace.

yustick

I agree with those that stressed the importance of diet first. It is hard to change everything at once. I felt awful when I first started exercising..everything hurt and I looked worse too limping around in pain. I have lost 49 pounds since Feb 13th with diet and a general effort to move more which I monitor with my step count. The more I pressured myself to exercise, the more I felt like a failure. I started at about 2,000 steps/day...the ones I have to take to function. It isn't much, but I now average about 6,000/day. I walk as much as I can, rest when needed. I plan to step it up next week with a goal of 25 miles during the week. That sounds like a lot, but it is only about 8,500 steps/day. I just tell myself all the time, I don't have to be perfect or follow a perfect plan...just move more and eat less.

Good luck...I will send a friend request.

jwins0923

I agree with others that good walking shoes are essential and definitely worth the extra money! I also use and LOVE the Leslie Samson's Dvds. She is very encouraging and her fellow walkers are of all body types. I have never been physically active & I wasn't sure walking was going to do anything, but it has really made a difference. Do as much as you can do & just keep working up to longer times. It WILL pay off, I promise. I am 41, 237 lbs...I've lost 10 in the last 3.5 weeks. LOG EVERYTHING! I can't stress that enough! I was amazed at how much I must have been eating because I am a "real " eater. I like normal foods and I've just tried to eat the healthier versions and smaller portions. When I logged my Memorial Day meals, I got a glimpse of how I have been eating everyday up until now. 4000-5000 calories? No wonder I have stayed overweight.

You can lose the weight. Every day it will get a little easier!

Cupcakehippiemommy

I honestly did not start exercising until I'd lost my first 20lbs and I used to just walk not too fast or too slow.I also used to do fitness videos at home since I was not too comfy going outside Good luck onyour journey!

chrissyd2218

I am somewhere around 250 pounds and I have realized very recently that I am very out of shape! I am working on it - slowly but surely - and will be better off because of it! If you need more support, I'm always up for more friends!

paulwgun

bump to read later

obeserat

Hi. I looking for friends who have a LOT of weight to lose and have a challenge with exercise. I'm currently 325 lbs and 50 years old. Even walking becomes painful after a few minutes. Ideas, personal stories and mutual understanding needed.

I have similar stats , 49 years old, sw 327lb , cw 294 . I started cycling to work and back when I was at 327lb after a 1 year break from cycling, it was hard but I could manage it. The ride is 5 miles there 5 miles back. It has improved my blood pressure and combined with diet has helped me lose 33lb