No exercise to start exercising question.

DeMimiaf
DeMimiaf Posts: 33 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'd like to know what's the best recommendation to start with what exercises to do? I'm pretty out of the shape as I haven't exercise in years. Anyone?

Amy

Replies

  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    start simple with walking every day.


    then you can try to add in bodyweight squats, pushups, resistance band stuff.

    If you have access to a decent gym thats the way to go
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    It depends on your goals, your physical condition, your willingness to make time to exercise, the availability of a gym or a well-equipped home gym, etc.

    But you can start walking an hour a day and begin to read up on exercise.
  • DeMimiaf
    DeMimiaf Posts: 33 Member
    Ok, that makes sense.. I will try with walking first then add in more then..
  • LilRachelle
    LilRachelle Posts: 25
    I agree, walking is the best. You can also start with some very light weights, 1 or 2 pounds, or stretchy bands, for resistance training. Just ease into it, very light and easy to start. The more muscle you build, the faster you will lose weight. Good luck. :smile:
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Couch to 5k. (C25K). Google it. There are also apps and podcasts. It's brilliant. You could do a search on here to see how popular it is.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    Speak to your dr to make sure you're choosing the right path. You should eat properly, too.
  • nahiluoh
    nahiluoh Posts: 41 Member
    Swimming is about the lowest impact exercise there is...that is, if you are a decent swimmer. Walking, as mentioned above, is highly underrated.
  • BigG59
    BigG59 Posts: 396 Member
    Back in July I hadn't done any meaningful exercise for almost 15 years :(

    Back in the summer, I would never have imagined I would have achieved what I have this month - I have cycled 350km on my road bike plus hiking in the hills near where we live.

    I did it by joining a gym. Starting with the elliptical trainer and the cycling machine at 10 minutes each and then gradually building it up. Two months in, I also started doing the C25K and added this to my gym routine. Then at the start of December I bought a new road bike and started cycling.

    Its a case of finding something you enjoy. This is really important as it helps keep you motivated. Everyone is going to suggest their favourites (just as I have done).

    The common theme is start slowly but build it up. You'll be amazed how quickly you improve.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    I started walking every day in short increments of ten to fifteen minutes four to five times a day. I started jogging a couple steps as I felt I could. I also loaded up a baby stroller with bottles of water and pushed it all over , to add some resistance. I also used wii dance ddr games at the beginner levels every day. I pushed myself each day, only as much as I could, but I made sure each day was a little longer, or a little harder, etc. I waited until I was stronger and then I joined the gym
  • kinipela82
    kinipela82 Posts: 14 Member
    walking is good. If you want to join a gym try the elliptical. IT is the best way to get a good cardio work out. and it makes you energized. I started really slow! Did 20-30 min. of cardio and some light weights (natulus machine) I don't like running, so treadmill is only interval in fast walking and moderate walking. Good luck!
  • PinkRhythm428
    PinkRhythm428 Posts: 30 Member
    It really depends on you. I just started exercising about a month ago and I knew walking would be an end to it before beginning (I find it boring, personally, and walking with two kids is just frustrating), so I just looked on Craigslist to see what I could find equipment-wise. I found an older model rowing machine and bought it. Let's just say that I'm addicted to my rowing machine. I only got about 10 minutes in the first day, and that was pushing it, but I was doing about 25-30 minutes before I got a respiratory cold. Now, I can't breath. Resistance bands are great, as well as weights and different machines. Just try until you find something you enjoy. My mom does long walks and exercise videos. She loves it.
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    The most important thing is to find something you enjoy doing, not just to do whatever you think you "should" be doing. I could never keep up an exercise program until I started martial arts classes. You can look in the exercise database if you want some creative ideas.
  • healthywtb
    healthywtb Posts: 80 Member
    Walking is great. I love swimming too, if you like to swim and have access to a pool. I swam through all of my pregnancies and also after injuries.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,021 Member
    start simple with walking every day.


    then you can try to add in bodyweight squats, pushups, resistance band stuff.

    If you have access to a decent gym thats the way to go
    Yep. I agree with this.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • mrso97
    mrso97 Posts: 147 Member
    i started walking with my dogs...first it was 15 minutes after dinner...then it was a half hour...then it was 15 mins in am and half hour at night now its 30 mins in am 30 mins in pm...elliptical 4 days a week...running 3 days a week....treadmill ...and whatever else i can do.....walking is a GREAT start!
  • Fred4point0
    Fred4point0 Posts: 160 Member
    Start with walking. Add a 3 lbs dumbbell after a few weeks so you don't get bored. You can curl, punch and do overhead lifts to build your arms the same time you're working on your legs and cardio.
  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    start simple with walking every day.


    then you can try to add in bodyweight squats, pushups, resistance band stuff.

    If you have access to a decent gym thats the way to go

    This. Start slow. Walk, swim, bike. Add stuff on as you get more fit. Lift weights, add resistance to your cardio. You'll get there. :)
  • bonuskid40
    bonuskid40 Posts: 6
    Walking is excellent to start. You have to eat right to lose weight. I had fantastic results using my Wii to exercise right after I quit smoking. I have since joined a gym with my husband. I haven't lost weight, but I also haven't been eating properly. That's my fault. I am more in shape, though, and I can breathe again. I can do 30 minutes on the elliptical machine very easily and sometimes do 45 minutes. I do that after I have warmed up for about 20 minutes with the machines. I feel so much better. I am more graceful and stronger. It's great and only costs $15.00 a month. Planet Fitness.
  • Yes2HealthyAriel
    Yes2HealthyAriel Posts: 453 Member
    When I first started my journey I was very out of shape and NEVER exercised. I would jog in place in my room with the radio on for as long as I could. In the beginning it was only for 5 minutes. But... every time I felt like I had been sitting too long or being lazy I would get up and do another 5 minutes. I would do this all through the day. 5 minutes here and there. I would do it doing commercials sometimes to. I love reading so I would tell myself ok you have to get up off your *kitten* and do 5-10 minutes before you can read another chapter or 2. Pretty soon I built up my endurance and could do 20-30 minutes at a time. I also would take 15-20 minute walks around the block weather permitting.

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